EXPEDITION REPORT - Biosphere Expeditions

2.4. Discussion and Conclusion
Large, continuous habitat is a fundamental requisite for the continued survival of a top
predator such as the Arabian leopard. Unfortunately, habitat degradation as a result of a
large increase in the number of domestic animals in Dhofar over the last 25 years,
together with habitat fragmentation, caused by people and livestock moving into previously
remote areas, as well as the rapid pace of development are endangering the long-term
viability of the Arabian leopard in Dhofar and beyond (Mazzolli 2009). The resulting small
leopard populations are vulnerable to genetic, stochastic and demographic stresses. New
roads and quarrying are of particular threat to the long-term viability of Arabian leopard in
the research area.
Obtaining reliable data is of great importance for ensuring the effective management and
protection of this vulnerable leopard population. Under the best of circumstances, the
elusive nature of the Arabian leopard and its challenging habitat makes it a difficult subject
for study. The local conditions in Dhofar put added constraints on the methods suitable to
study the leopards in this area.
The importance of studying the views of those people who are most directly affected by
predators, though they often comprise very small numbers in any society (Ericsson and
Heberlein 2003 is essential. Those who live with leopards and are directly affected by
them often have very different attitudes to those of the general population. Gaining a
comprehensive understanding of the attitudes of the interest groups likely to be most
affected by Arabian leopard in Dhofar is crucial. Capacity building is defined as the
"process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and
resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in the
fast-changing world" (Philbin 1996). Building these skills is necessary to provide the
resources needed to conserve the Arabian leopard and other wildlife and involve local
communities in conservation in Dhofar.
Bold steps need to be taken if we are to conserve Oman’s and perhaps the region’s last
wild Arabian leopard population. Undoubtedly the most important of these is to urgently
safeguard the leopards and associated biodiversity with innovative measures that bring
real benefits to the local people (Spalton et al. 2006a & 2006b). These innovative
measures need to be introduced across Dhofar if the Arabian leopard is to survive in the
wild.
Recommendations for further action (during expeditions and by other parties)
� Further expedition work and surveys.
� A long-term camera-trapping programme in the survey area.
� On-going training of local rangers and training in wildlife survey and monitoring
methodology - to include collection and storage of possible leopard faeces for
subsequent DNA analysis.
� Creating a forum involving local people, relevant government departments and tour
operators to raise environmental awareness and address any conservation
problems or human/wildlife conflict incidents.
28
© Biosphere Expeditions
www.biosphere-expeditions.org