Observation of two Persian Leopards (Panthera pardus saxicolor) in Kolah’ghazy National Park - Isfahan

On July17th during spot-lighting in La’tarik area, a pair of Persian Leopards observed.
Analyzing and modelling spatial distribution of Persian Leopard is performing by Miss Omidi (M.Sc thesis) in Kolah’ghazy N.P.. In this survey Leopard tracks and signs have been collected and some information has been gathered by Camera-trapping, Game-guard's information and Spot-lighting.
In recent years because of habitat loss, reduce of preys, poisoned baits and lack of corridors the populations of Leopard has been declined or vanished in most of areas of Iran.
This survey is one of few projects on Persian Leopard in Iran and a way of facilitating the conservation process of the largest wild cat of Iran (after extinction of Persian Lion and Caspian Tiger).
In the latest trip to the Park by spot-lighting in mountainous areas of the Park, presence of Persian Leopard confirmed by sighting 2 cats. This is the first confirmed report of Leopard within the area after few years. During these nights of spot-lighting a Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) was observed of Larger Carnivores of the area too.
Accompany with Miss Omidi, Miss Ashayeri, Mr.Ghadirian, Ghoddousi and Moshiri with Mr.Orangy(Game-guard) were present at the event.
Kolah’ghazy N.P. with over 40,000 ha area is located in Isfahan province. The eastern part of the park is affected by central deserts of Iran while the western side is part of Zagros Mountains. The famous wildlife of the area is Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus), the main prey of Leopard and Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa).