AOO 1317km2. Rare throughout range and declining due to habitat loss. Uganda forests likely to be best protected of range.

May need careful examination; although widely occuring, numbers and observations are scarce. Increased reports on leopard incidences with local community (inferred due to both increasing population in AOO and decreasing natural habitat and prey species in AOO). Population size in any Park presumed less than 200, occurence outside PAs presumed to be very rare. Inferred maximum population size less than 10,000, but may be less than 2500, therefore requires study nationally. Have been completely extirpated from Kibale and Bwindi (D.R Mills). Causes unknown and needs urgent assessment as may also have occured elsewhere and would point to very significant persecution.

Small fragmented populations in 4 parks totalling 424 (Carnivore Action Plan 2010-2020) and declining numbers since, estimate of mature individuals based on monitored prides in areas show at least 50% are immature (lgobal population estimate about 20,000).

Survival largely tied to maintaining adequate extent of prefered habitats. Wide ranging landscape species, needs maintenance of corridors for genetic mixing, populations within any one forest block not considered to be viable. Total population estimate of 5000 in 2002, but some remnant populations only as forest outside PA's rapidly lost. Forest blocks show 50% reduction in forest cover over 3 generations (150 years)

Species known from only two localities

We take this to be equivalent to Otomys irroratus in Delany 1975 as this name (O irroratus) is confined to South African forms

Only known from Mt Elgon where tourism is eroding habitat as well as uncontrolled and regular burning.