Long-term monitoring has shown that adult male leopards “Arnold” and “Ozzie” and adult female “OC” have been established in the region for over 5.5 years. However, the report also notes the deaths of two resident leopards in 2021. Adult male “Whitley” was found dead in the Canyon reservoir in August, and resident female “Nina” was found dead in a snare in October. These deaths highlight the threat posed by wire snares in the landscape.

The deaths of resident leopards can create a vacuum in the landscape, potentially exploited by other leopards. “Ozzie,” for example, was detected back in an area that had become the core of “Whitley’s” range, after almost 3 years. An unknown male and one of OC’s 2018 male cubs, “Oswald,” have also been detected in Whitley’s old range. Nina may be succeeded by one of her 2020 daughters. OC’s most recent female cub is also showing signs of settling in the area.

The report also details habitat restoration efforts in the PRFC. Reforestation has faced challenges, including high mortality rates for saplings due to dry periods and browsing by deer. Attempts to protect saplings with wood frames and plastic sheeting were unsuccessful due to the removal of wooden stakes for firewood. To address browsing, bamboo shields are being used to protect new saplings. Plants are also being grown in nurseries for longer periods before planting to increase their maturity. Despite the challenges, partner estates are contributing to reforestation efforts, with Mahanilu establishing another forest tree species nursery.

Leopards including “Ozzie” and “Torn Ear” were detected on both the Western Ridge and the PRFC. Adult males tend to move throughout the tea estate landscape, while adult females appear to reside in the upper slopes and ridges.