Q. Consider the following methods commonly used to identify individual leopards: - DNA profiling from scat samples
- Tagging and radio collaring
- Pattern recognition of rosettes on their body
- Infrared thermal imaging
Which of the above methods is / are correct?
Answer:
Only 1, 2 and 3
Notes: - DNA extracted from fecal (scat) samples is a widely used non-invasive method to identify individual animals, including leopards.
- Tagging and radio collaring involves physically attaching a radio collar or tag to a leopard. It is used in tracking individual movement, behaviour and habitat use. Helps in long-term monitoring.
- Leopards have unique rosette patterns on their coats, which are as distinctive as fingerprints. Camera trap images are analyzed using software or manual comparison to identify individuals based on these patterns.
- While thermal imaging can detect presence or movement at night, it cannot be used to identify individual animals, especially in species like leopards where rosette patterns are key.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 1: Only 1, 2 and 3.