Local reports of livestock loss to predators across rural and nomadic settlements of Ilam Province have pointed to Persian leopards as the primary culprit, while experts and authorities maintain that the rare cat is only partly to blame for the incidents.
Since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21), tens of farm animals have become victims of wildlife attacks for which locals hold leopards and wolves responsible.
Although wolf attacks are common, the majestic cat of the province is hardly known to be involved frequently in such incidents.
Official data have registered seven cases of livestock predation by leopards or wolves that share the same habitat, according to the deputy for monitoring at the provincial office of the Department of Environment.
"During these attacks, 40 farm animals were lost, of which 15 were killed by leopards," Ali Taher Saraei told IRNA.
Unofficial reports on social media, however, have stated a greater number of attacks and casualties involving leopards.
Experts are of the opinion that most wildlife attacks were carried out by other predators such as wolves, bears or jackals because leopards instinctively hunt one animal and do not normally kill more than three in one strike while wolves and bears are better known for mass killings of cattle.
Underlying Motive
Saraei attributed the recurrent accusations against leopards for cattle losses to hopes of receiving compensation.
"To protect rare species that are on the verge of extinction and to prevent their murder by farmers who incur losses, the DOE has agreed to cover the damage in the form of insurance," he explained.
The damage caused by wolves living in the same habitat has also been covered because cattle breeders often leave poisoned bait for wolves to kill them which is likely to hurt the leopards as well.
The compensation requires the approval of environmental experts before being filed and referred to the DOE headquarters for payment.
However, the loss of livestock by other predators such as bears and jackals as well as wolves inhabiting outside leopard habitats is not eligible for compensation.
According to Saraei, this is why farmers insist on the claim that it was leopards that caused them damage.
Growing Encounter
It is widely known that predators only attack humans and their livestock once they sense danger or face food insecurity.
The growth in human population and the encroachment of their sprawling settlements on wildlife habitats are among the reasons for the growing number of human-animal conflicts.
Besides, the overlap of ever-expanding ranches has caused the destruction of natural habitats and created a gap in the food chain, eventually leading to more cases of livestock predation.
Saraei highlighted certain preventive measures to address the issue.
"Farmers should refer to the local DOE offices to identify wildlife's safe zones and avoid grazing their cattle in those areas," he said. The official also called on tourists to keep away from these areas and make arrangements with a park ranger before embarking on tours of natural areas.
Ilam Province is among the habitats of the Persian leopard, a big cat that is listed as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
