Abstract
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (AKNP) serves as a critical refuge for numerous threatened species, including the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus). However, conservation efforts in the park are increasingly challenged by habitat degradation, illegal logging, poaching, agricultural expansion, and human-wildlife conflict. Despite its ecological significance, there remains a paucity of scientific studies assessing species distributions, habitat preferences, and conservation threats. This study integrates species distribution modelling, camera trap surveys, SMART patrol data, and local ecological knowledge to provide a comprehensive evaluation of biodiversity patterns and conservation challenges in AKNP, with a particular focus on leopard ecology. Findings indicate that leopards predominantly occupy mid-elevation zones (400–600 m) in the southern and central regions of the park, exhibiting a clear avoidance of human settlements and roads. Intriguingly, leopard presence is positively correlated with high illegal logging densities, potentially attributable to increased prey availability in secondary forests. Camera trap and SMART patrol data confirm the presence of 21 mammal species, including red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), sambar (Rusa unicolor), wild pig (Sus scrofa), and Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), while community interviews document 32 mammal species and 15 bird species. However, discrepancies across datasets, such as the unverified presence of tigers (Panthera tigris) reported by local respondents, pointing the importance of integrating multiple data sources to enhance species detection reliability. Threat assessments reveal poaching, illegal wildlife trade, habitat fragmentation, and logging as primary pressures on AKNP’s biodiversity. Poaching is particularly prevalent for key prey species, while illegal logging continues to degrade leopard habitats. To address these challenges, the study recommends expanding SMART patrol coverage, strengthening intelligence-driven anti-poaching enforcement, and promoting community-based conservation initiatives. Additionally, the establishment of buffer zones and ecological corridors is crucial to maintaining habitat connectivity. Long-term camera trap surveys, prey density assessments, and remote sensing analyses should be prioritized to refine conservation strategies further. By integrating scientific methodologies with local ecological knowledge, this study provides a data-driven framework for biodiversity conservation in AKNP. Findings underscore the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration among conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities to ensure the park’s ecological integrity. Given its role as a key stronghold for leopards and other threatened species, AKNP’s protection is essential for advancing regional conservation efforts for large carnivores and preserving Myanmar’s biodiversity.
1. Introduction
Biodiversity is the foundation of a sustainable earth, supporting ecological stability, people’s livelihoods, and global climate resilience (Bellard et al., 2012). However, the world is currently facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, with habitat destruction, climate change, and human exploitation driving species to extinction at alarming rates (Basnet et al., 2019). Southeast Asia, recognized as one of the most biodiverse yet highly threatened regions, is experiencing severe biodiversity loss due to deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat fragmentation (Sodhi et al., 2010). Among the region’s critical ecosystems, Myanmar’s forests remain one of the last refuges for many globally endangered species (Borras et al., 2020).
Myanmar is home to vast tracts of forests that harbour unique and threatened wildlife, including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), and a variety of large carnivores (Lynam, 2003). Despite its rich biodiversity, conservation efforts in Myanmar face mounting challenges due to habitat degradation, poaching, and socio-political instability. Protected areas play a vital role in safeguarding the country’s biodiversity, yet many remain understudied and under-resourced. Among these, Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (AKNP) stands out as one of Myanmar’s largest and most ecologically significant protected areas (Instituto Oikos & BANCA, 2011).
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