Rachel Ullven

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Levell, Samantha

Second Advisor

Bauer, Gordon

Area of Concentration

Biopsychology

Abstract

Both melanism and communicative markings have been well-examined for their adaptive value. However, investigation of communicative markings using melanism to represent a loss of those markings is far too rare in existing literature for its research potential. One such species where melanism overrides what are thought to be communicative markings is the leopard (Panthera pardus). Since the dangerous, elusive, and solitary nature of the leopard has made it difficult to study their social behavior, proxies such as tracking collars or camera traps have been used in an attempt to gain insight into their behavior and social organization. By using sighting coordinates as a proxy for solitude in leopards and taking into account their melanistic status, further insight into the purpose of white ear and tail markings and the social responsiveness of leopards can be gained.

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