As with most of the big cats worldwide, humans can be blamed for the mortality of the Persian subspecies due to habitat loss, killing and disease. 47 animals are killed every year by human in Iran which is equal to almost one on a weekly basis and it is thought that this is only a small percentage; around 15% of the total deceased.
Mostly, only male leopards are killed. The reason for this is the different territorial behavior of males and females. The females are cautious and hide far away from human influence, which also makes it difficult for Mohammad and his team to catch, tag and study them. Males tend to move into areas that are more populated by humans and take trails; females protect their cubs by avoiding populated areas.
Therefore, besides the scientific research, it has become a very important to educate the local communities in and around the national parks. Most individuals regard the leopards as a life-threating enemy when in fact other predators, like the gray wolf are responsible for attacking sheep, boar and dogs. Disease is actually the number one killer of livestock in this part of Iran, not wild animals.
In locations where overhunting of the leopard’s prey by humans is documented, the leopard comes too close to settlements they attack sheep, dogs and in rare cases, people. Mohammad reported that in some small villages people are so afraid of leopard attacks that they refuse to leave their homes in the dark. It’s necessary to find a way to keep the leopards away from settlement so people, livestock or pets are harmed if the surrounding area does not provide enough natural prey for the leopards. Besides being killed by guns or cars the leopard itself is also in danger of contracting feline diseases, such as FIV, rabies and canine distemper virus.
To reduce the interaction of humans and leopards it is important to look at the leopard’s diet. Humans and dogs on not on the list of a leopard’s favorite foods! When living in a well-balanced natural environment, ungulates such as Persian ibex and urial sheep are prey for the large cats. Unfortunately, these are also preferred targets of poachers.
The future of the Persian leopard lies in the education of the Iranian people to become more tolerant and sensitive to the leopard’s plight. Teaching people about the importance of respecting natural reserves, the risks of poaching, overhunting the leopard’s natural prey and avoiding contact with the big cats are steps in the right direction. An important goal of our project is spreading what is known about these majestic creatures both in Iran and worldwide.

The main causes of mortality among local livestock population are not leopards, but diseases.
Local people at various levels, from herders and hunters to local decision-makers lack proper understanding about the leopards and their associated biota.
More than 30 leopards have been shot during past three decades by poachers or herders.