A Leopard Cub (Panthera pardus kotiya) Adopted by Kin and Non-Kin Leopardesses Consecutively

Abstract

The study examines alloparental care and adoption in the Sri Lankan leopard population at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Using the multi-point leopard identification method, it documents a remarkable instance: a leopard cub initially adopted by its maternal aunt and later by an unrelated female with no prior connection to the cub. The cub had a sibling litter mate, who was not seen in the park after the initial adoption ended by the maternal aunt. We consider this behavior noteworthy in especially solitary animal species such as leopards. Our study was conducted for a period of 2 years and 5 months (from February 2021 to July 2023). Our observations highlight the dynamics of these adoptions and the behaviors exhibited. Altruistic acts, such as feeding, brushing, and shielding the cubs, were observed. These inspections challenge the conventional knowledge regarding leopard behaviors. Notably, the adoption of the cub by unrelated females, despite the absence of genetic ties, exemplifies a form of mutually beneficial reciprocal altruism, offering advantages to both parties. The following study explains leopard adoptions using evolutionary theories like kin altruism and reciprocal altruism. It suggests factors such as genetic relatedness, mutual dependency, and possible misidentification influenced the act of adoption. These rare altruistic acts benefit the leopard population. Our study opposes traditional concepts of solitary Sri Lankan leopards. Altruistic behaviors, influenced by genetic relatedness and reciprocal benefits, emphasize social dynamics in predator populations. These findings enhance the understanding of evolutionary mechanisms and cooperative behaviors in maintaining population fitness in the Sri Lankan leopard population.