LeopardEye is an initiative of WildTiger.
October 2021 Update – We’ve got exciting new developments over the next few months leading up to the Year of the Tiger beginning 1 February 2022. In line with these changes is our increased emphasis on LeopardEye. To access existing WildTiger content go HERE. Please visit the site regularly as we transition and in the meantime get some understanding of LeopardEye by reading below:
Conservation Technology as a vital tool in human and big cat coexistence strategies…
LeopardEye is the technical application for our monitoring systems. Using remote camera technology which operates in real time data transmission (dynamic) as well as traditional camera trap systems (passive), wildlife and human activity data can be gathered and analyzed according to the requirements of each case.
WildTiger uses different camera systems according to each situation. Cellular and wireless systems are sometimes combined with passive systems. We have been developing hardware best suited to the rugged conditions of Western Nepal and in collaboration with partners this is an evolving aspect of LeopardEye. Early Warning Systems (EWS) can be applied according to circumstance.
Regarding the image above, two weeks earlier a woman had been killed by a big cat in that exact spot. The area is remote hill country and telecommunications are variable. By receiving the image in real time we were able to alert locals of the threat by having a designated person make sure people stayed away from the location. Read more by Jack Kinross about how this event shaped the dynamics of LeopardEye and as we transition we’ll have more here of the three elements which factor in our evolving strategy to foster coexistence between people and big cats.
Another evolving aspect is forensic analysis using genetics. WildTiger works closely with Prajwol Manandhar (image below) of the Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal (CMDN) as he further develops DNA sequencing of the Indian leopard, panthera pardus fusca. Prajwol heads the Kathmandu Leopard Project which is the first genetic based survey of leopards in the region. In a joint initiative, WildTiger supported Prajwol and the Divisional Forest Office in Arghakhanchi District (Nepal) in achieving the first individual identification of a serious conflict leopard with a DNA match obtained from the big cat and a human victim. WildTiger strongly advocates the use of genetic analysis as a tool in human-wildlife conflict mitigation and combating wildlife crime. We’re excited to bring you further updates from 1 October 2021 as Prajwol and Jack Kinross collaborate on developing and implementing different aspects of LeopardEye.
Prajwol Manandhar of CMDN in the field. His work developing leopard DNA sequencing is vital for the future of the Indian Leopard, the main sub-species of South Asia.
A third evolving element of LeopardEye is enhancing local involvement in the communication of urgent information in highly affected conflict areas. EWS in the form of mass SMS transmissions has been used to help avoid conflict situations involving villagers and big cats as well as elephants. In economically challenged areas phones have been provided to ensure strong communications. Training as to what is relevant information is provided as part of coexistence Strategies and guidelines. Further applying LeopardEye as part of community based monitoring in liaison with local and national authorities as well as partners is a major goal within our coexistence strategies. A component of that is the further development of CMS (Constant Monitoring Systems). CMS is seen as an important application incorporating LeopardEye in combating poaching and wildlife trafficking. This element of LeopardEye is integrated in our work within the platform #AntiSnare. We’ll update regarding progress on CMS at this page as appropriate.