Leopard
was first seen in 2004
February 2013. Recent camera trapping in central Iran indicates that an old
Persian leopard roams in Bafq Protected Area; the cat is estimated to be at
least 12 to 14 years. This adult male was first recorded by camera traps in
late 2004, and he was a prime individual at that time. Later, he was
photo-trapped regularly and he was the main star in occasional encounters with
game wardens and visitors, based on spot patterns comparison. In 2007, he was
equipped with GPS collar for six months by CACP, WCS and Panthera, which
revealed that he covered most of this 850 square kilometre reserve.
In
2012, the animal was still a dominant male who ranged across most of the
reserve, indicating that he is the oldest ever identified Persian leopard in
the wild. Large cats normally live no longer than 10 years in the wild, despite
their significantly longer lifespan in captivity (sometimes up-to 25 years).
Bafq Protected Area which is one of the main hotspots for the Persian leopard
in central Iran, is threatened by a proposed road which is planned to pass
through the heart of the area.
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more about the work of The Iranian Cheetah Society (ICS)
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