Research overview: genetic connectivity of leopard cats in fragmented farmland

Fragmentation of lowland habitat by roads, settlement and intensive agriculture can erode genetic connectivity in leopard cat populations even where the species remains present. This overview synthesises landscape-genetics and movement studies examining how rivers, highways and development structure gene flow, and how small isolated populations risk diversity loss. It examines the role of riparian strips, hedgerows and remnant forest as corridors, and the implications for reserve and infrastructure planning. The synthesis links leopard cat genetics to the broader pattern of habitat conversion fragmenting small-felid populations, using a widespread but locally threatened Asian cat as an indicator of farmland connectivity.