Research overview: leopard livestock depredation patterns across Asia

This overview synthesises studies of leopard predation on livestock across South and Central Asia, examining which species and age classes are most vulnerable, where and when attacks occur, and how husbandry shapes loss. It reviews the leopard's dietary flexibility and ambush ecology, its exploitation of poorly guarded goats, sheep, calves, and dogs, and the economic burden on smallholders. The literature connects depredation to retaliation, compensation claims, and tolerance, and evaluates mitigation including predator-proof night sheds, guarding, and reducing scrub cover near pens. The survey frames the leopard as the most widespread big cat in conflict with people, owing to its adaptability and broad range overlap with humans.