A Risk Assessment for the Sri Lanken leopard has been conducted by the Department.
This risk assessment is undertaken at species level; Panthera pardus.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “high” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the Sri Lanken leopard as moderately dangerous to humans, having a moderate establishment risk and with an extreme consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to an extreme threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department will consider permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘extreme risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Sri Lanken leopard could include:
- Limit importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure that holding facilities meet the stringent keeping standards that apply to all such institutions in Tasmania;
- Require any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Sri Lankan leopard Species Management Plan (including enclosure details) prior to import; and
- Require wildlife exhibition facility licence holders to clearly demonstrate that they have proficient keepers for the species.