Author: Rakhee Karumbaya

New Article to the Bibliography

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Genomic evidence for low genetic diversity but purging of strong deleterious variants in snow leopards

Author: Yang, L., Jin, H., Yang, Q., Poyarkov, A., Korablev, M., Rozhnov, V., Shao, J., Fu, Q., Hernandez-Blanco, J. A., Zhan, X., Yu, L., Alexandrov, D., Dai, Q., Munkhtsog, B., Du, X., Munkhtsog, B., Ma, L., Chen, W., Malykh, S., Jin, Y., He, S., Zhang, T., Wu, G., Shi, Y., Hu, Y.

Abstract:

Background
Long-term persistence of species with low genetic diversity is the focus of widespread attention in conservation biology. The snow leopard, Panthera uncia, is a big cat from high-alpine regions of Asia. However, its subspecies taxonomy, evolutionary history, evolutionary potential, and survival strategy remain unclear, which greatly hampers their conservation.
Results
We sequence a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the snow leopard and the genomes of 52 wild snow leopards. Population genomics reveal the existence of two large genetic lineages in global snow leopards, the northern and southern lineages, supported by the biogeography. The Last Glacial Maximum drove the divergence of two lineages. Microclimate differences and large rivers between the western and central Himalayas likely maintain the differentiation of two lineages. EPAS1 is positively selected in the southern lineage with almost fixed amino acid substitutions and shows an increased allele frequency with elevation. Compared to the southern lineage, the northern lineage exhibits a lower level of genomic diversity and higher levels of inbreeding and genetic load, consistent with its recent population decline. We find that snow leopards have extremely low genomic diversity and higher inbreeding than other Carnivora species; however, strong deleterious mutations have been effectively purged in snow leopards by historical population bottlenecks and inbreeding, which may be a vital genetic mechanism for their population survival and viability.
Conclusions
Our findings reveal the survival strategy of a species with low genetic diversity and highlight the importance of unveiling both genetic diversity and genetic burden for the conservation of threatened species.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1775

SLN Webinar – “Humans-Wildlife Coexistence in the Himalayas and Karakoram”

SLN is excited to invite you to our next webinar from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Camera Trapping

About the talk:

Dr. Shafqat Hussain founded Project Snow Leopard in 1999 as a pilot project and later the Organization was registered in 2007, as Baltistan Wildlife Conservation and Development Organization (BWCDO), to work with local communities to find a way to compensate them for their livestock loss, while also removing the incentive to retaliate against the snow leopard. 

BWCDO works with remote communities throughout Baltistan in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. Their work currently covers over 18 villages across six valleys. Recently, BWCDO has also started working in Gojal Region in Upper Hunza. BWCDO work with local communities to resolve human wildlife conflict and co-existence.

 

Dr Shafqat with community

 

BWCDO’s central mechanisms to resolve the conflict between farmers and snow leopards, are livestock insurance program, building Predator Proof Corrals, conservation education awareness program and research and surveys. This NGO was the first organization to implement livestock insurance schemes to protect the snow leopard in Pakistan. Their unique work are recognized on the international level with Rolex Award, UNDP First Equator Award (2017) and NABU Snow Leopard Prize (2021). 

In this Webinar we are share BWCDO’s 25th year’s contribution and collaboration with local communities for the Snow leopard conservation and human wildlife coexistence in Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan.

Conservation Education

About our Speaker:

Raza Muhammad is from Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan. Born amidst the breathtaking yet challenging landscapes of Gilgit Baltistan, his early life was spent in rugged terrain and harsh winters. The snow-capped peaks, mighty Indus River, and mountains were not just his surroundings, but were inspiring and teaching him resilience, adaptability, and a profound respect for the Wildlife and environment.Raza has dedicated his life to conserving natural beauty and wild species. His ambitions were fulfilled when he joined BWCDO. Raza started his early career with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Pakistan, worked with local communities and gained Environmental Management and social mobilization fieldwork experience. He has been working, since 2019, with the Baltistan Wildlife Conservation and Development Organization for the conservation of Snow leopard and its prey species with local communities, to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and to create co-existence by giving economic incentives, research and surveys and conservation education awareness, in the Himalayan and Karakorum mountain ranges in Northern Pakistan.

 

About our Facilitator:

Kayley Bateman joined the Snow Leopard Conservancy team as Programs Manager in July of 2023. She coordinates SLC’s conservation, education, and applied research programs and serves as the primary liaison between SLC and its partners. Kayley has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Animal Science and a Master’s of Art in Biology from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly. Her involvement in Project Dragonfly’s Global Field Program focused on working effectively across diverse ecological and social settings to foster change through community-engaged education, scientific inquiry, environmental stewardship, and global understanding. Last fall, Kayley traveled to Nepal with the Snow Leopard Conservancy to facilitate the One Health – One Welfare program, an interdisciplinary approach aimed at strengthening local capacity to enhance the well-being of both animals and people in Nepal. Before joining the Conservancy, Kayley spent 15 years as an animal care specialist working directly with snow leopards, tigers, bears, and other wildlife in zoological settings.

Receiving compensation

Date/Time:

Tuesday, 22nd April at 19:00 PM (Bishkek time)

Location:

ZOOM, to join this talk, REGISTER HERE

 Please note:

  • If you have never used Zoom before, we recommend that you try the link 10 minutes before the start of the lecture.
  • Please feel free to write questions in the comment area and there will be time for questions/discussion at the end of the talk.
  • Please note that the session will be recorded and later featured on the SLN website. If you have concerns about this please let us know before the session

Experiences with Long-Term Data Research in Remote Field Sites

 

This webinar explores experiences as a research assistant on long-term research projects in the remote forests of Central America and Equatorial Africa. Virginia Tech University’s IX Belize Jaguar Project in Belize and the Max Planck Institute’s LuiKotale Bonobo Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have both continuously studied elusive species for more than 20 years in historically remote field sites. Utilizing diverse methods to study population dynamics, occupancy modelling, and behavior, these field sites contribute rigorous study of some of the least observed mammal species: jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), and mesocarnivores of Central America, and bonobos (Pan paniscus) of the DRC. Long-term field sites are invaluable, not just for the dynamic research projects they support, but also for the community investment they contribute, and conservation initiatives they promote in the areas surrounding project sites.


 

New Article to the Bibliography

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Habitat overlap and interspecific competition between snow leopards and leopards in the Central Himalayas of Nepal

Author: Koju, N. P., Buzzard, P., Shrestha, A., Sharma, S., He, K., Li, J., Kyes, R. C., Chen, C., Beisch, W. V.

Abstract: Traditionally, leopards (Panthera pardus) and snow leopards (P. uncia) occupy distinct habitats. This study explored the coexistence of snow leopards and leopards within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area in Lapchi Valley, Nepal. Both leopard species are crucial for ecosystem stability as apex predators. Camera trapping data from 2018 to 2023 confirmed twenty species of wild mammals and two species of domesticated livestock in Lapchi Valley, where snow leopards have strong spatio-temporal overlap (Δ→0.74) with leopards. Snow leopards exhibited distinct temporal patterns before and after the leopards’ arrival in the study area. Generalized Linear Mixed Effect Models (GLMM) revealed seasonal and prey-type associations with leopard presence, highlighting the snow leopards’ preference for cold season and wild prey. Leopards, however, did not show a significant seasonal preference. The findings highlight Lapchi Valley’s ecological richness as well as the need for comprehensive conservation strategies. The record of spatial and temporal overlap between the leopards and snow leopards provides important insights into the behavioral dynamics of apex predators and the need for targeted biodiversity conservation in the face of changing ecosystems. The study emphasizes the valley’s transboundary significance, calling for collaborative efforts between Nepal and China to help promote effective conservation management. Lapchi Valley’s isolation, traditional and religious importance, and recent infrastructure developments further impact the conservation challenges.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1773

New Article to the Bibliography

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Clinical and physiological evaluation of free-ranging snow leopards immobilized with ketamine-xylazine in emergency situations

Author: Talukdar, A., Bhasin, A., Patel, D., Raina, P., Tonde, P., Savita, P.

Abstract: The current study presents data on the immobilization and physiological responses of 26 distressed free-ranging snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in the trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh, India, spanning three years from October 2020 to December 2023. Ketamine and xylazine were utilized in a drug mixture for rescue, rehabilitation, health assessment, and other capture purposes, with average doses of 6.535 ± 0.93 mgkg−1 and 1.937 ± 0.41 mgkg−1 of body weight, respectively. The average induction occurred at 3.85 ± 1.8 min. Respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and heart rate were monitored periodically post-induction, all remaining within clinically acceptable ranges. Following an average recumbency period of 70.69 ± 16.56 min, immobilizations were reversed using intramuscular injections of Yohimbine at 0.147 ± 0.03 mgkg−1 of body weight, leading to complete recovery within an average time of 24.92 ± 7.08 min. Our findings suggest that the ketamine and xylazine mixture represents a safe and effective method for immobilizing snow leopards, particularly in emergency scenarios.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1772

Connecting Sacred Lands and Sacred Species Across Continents: The Land of Snow Leopard Network’s Unique Work

 

Snow leopards are more than just special animals to protect—they are sacred relatives to many Indigenous communities across Inner and Central Asia. The Land of Snow Leopard Network (LOSL), founded in 2013, works to empower Indigenous Peoples to protect snow leopards and their ecosystems while preserving cultural traditions. Snow leopards are seen as guardians of sacred mountains, sources of wisdom, and a powerful unifying force in ancient traditions. LOSL unites Indigenous communities, local groups, and Western conservation scientists across Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation, making sure that snow leopard conservation is driven by both ecological science and Traditional Indigenous (Ecological) Knowledge.

Our work is deeply spiritual and holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of all animals, sacred lands, and sacred waters worldwide. By supporting Indigenous efforts in North America to protect sacred totemic animals like Chinook salmon, orca whales, and buffalo, we are also protecting snow leopards. All of these beings are connected, and their survival depends on the health of the Earth as a whole. Our cultural survival is inseparable from the survival of our sacred animals. That is why LOSL is deeply committed to raising the next generation of Indigenous conservation and cultural leaders.

In this webinar, we are excited to share our groundbreaking collaborations with Indigenous communities in North America. In particular, we will highlight the participation of LOSL youth wing members in Run4Salmon, a powerful journey organized by the Winnemem Wintu tribe, a powerful example of how Indigenous youth across continents are coming together to protect sacred species and ecosystems. Through these efforts, we are building lasting connections, restoring balance, and keeping Traditional Indigenous Knowledge alive.


 

 

SLN Webinar – Experiences with Long-Term Data Research in Remote Field Sites

 

SLN invites you to our third webinar of 2025.

About the Talk: 

This webinar explores experiences as a research assistant on long-term research projects in the remote forests of Central America and Equatorial Africa. Virginia Tech University’s IX Belize Jaguar Project in Belize and the Max Planck Institute’s LuiKotale Bonobo Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have both continuously studied elusive species for more than 20 years in historically remote field sites. Utilizing diverse methods to study population dynamics, occupancy modelling, and behavior, these field sites contribute rigorous study of some of the least observed mammal species: jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), and mesocarnivores of Central America, and bonobos (Pan paniscus) of the DRC. Long-term field sites are invaluable, not just for the dynamic research projects they support, but also for the community investment they contribute, and conservation initiatives they promote in the areas surrounding project sites.

About our Speaker:

 

Michaela Foley is a ecology and conservation researcher with a background in animal husbandry, and field experience in remote sub-tropical and equatorial tropical forests. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology at North Carolina State University, she worked in the care of large mammals, particularly primates and carnivores, at several AZA accredited institutions in the United States. Returning to her passion for field research and conservation, she joined Virginia Tech University’s IX Belize Jaguar Project in Belize, Central America as a research assistant, and later spent a year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Max Planck Institute’s LuiKotale Bonobo Project as a senior research assistant. Michaela grew up in New York, USA, loving animals and wanting to pursue a career in human-wildlife conflict and conservation research thanks to the books and wildlife photography that opened up the world’s ecosystems for her. 

 

 

About our Facilitator:

Miles Engell is a Teaching Professor at North Carolina State University, where she has taught for 20 years. She has a BSc from Davidson College in Biology and a PhD in Zoology from NCSU. Her classes include a large intro biology class that focuses on evolution, ecology and biodiversity, and a large course in animal behavior for upperclassmen. She also teaches a smaller class that explores the evolution of human behavior, and a graduate course in stress physiology.  Having spent a semester in Kenya studying wildlife management during college, she was happy to also become involved with and help teach, each year, a study abroad program focused on conservation issues in Namibia. She lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and daughters and dog, and enjoys traveling, hiking, and sharing her passion for the natural world.

 

Date/Time:

Tuesday 11th March at 18:00 PM (Bishkek time)

Location:

ZOOM, to join this talk, REGISTER HERE

Please note:

  • If you have never used Zoom before, we recommend that you try the link 10 minutes before the start of the lecture.
  • Please feel free to write questions in the comment area and there will be time for questions/discussion at the end of the talk.
  • Please note that the session will be recorded and later featured on the SLN website. If you have concerns about this please let us know before the session

 

New Article to the Bibliography

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Communication behavior of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia): understanding marking-behavior patterns to optimize camera- trapping studies

Author: Krofel, M., Oliveira, T., Rovero, F., Groff, C., Augugliaro, C., Oberosler, V., Allen, M. L.

Abstract: Many carnivores rely on marking behavior for intraspecific communication with potential mates and competitors, using scent and visual markings to advertise their use of a territory and allow potential mates to assess their quality. However, obtaining data on communication behaviors of rare and elusive animals can be challenging. To better understand marking behavior of snow leopard (Panthera uncia), we combined camera-trapping, snow-tracking and transect counts of scrapes in the Altai Mountains, Mongolia, and measured frequencies of communication behaviors in both space and time. Next, we explored if this information could be used to improve the efficiency of snow leopard population monitoring through camera-trapping. Using the combination of all three methods, we detected seven communication behaviors. Most visits at marking sites began with sniffing (recorded at 56.4% visits) before progressing to other behaviors. Urine spraying (17.7% of visits) and scraping (16.8%) were exhibited at significantly more visits than other communication behaviors (flehmen, head/body rubbing, fecal deposition, claw marking). According to the snow-tracking data conducted in optimal habitats, scraping was the most frequent marking behavior with 12.8 scrapes/km, followed by urine marking with 10.5 marks/km. Along 32 transects, we recorded a mean of 8.0 cumulative scrapes/km, with highest marking rates recorded in gorges, which we recommend as prime habitats for deploying camera-traps. Finally, our results suggest that the number of scrapes observed at potential camera-trapping sites represents a good predictor of snow leopard visitation rate. Therefore, this parameter can be used when choosing camera-trapping locations to increase the efficiency of monitoring programs.

URL:  https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1771

 

New Article to the Bibliography

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Umbrella, keystone, or flagship? An integrated framework for identifying effective surrogate species

Author: Kau, M., Weckworth, B. V., Li, S., Pires, M.M., Jin, D., Pacifici, M., Rondinini, C., Boitani, L., McCarthy, T. M., Lu, Z., Schaller, G. B., Beissinger, S. R., Li, J.

Abstract: The global biodiversity crisis demands targeted conservation strategies that maximize impact despite limited
resources. Surrogate species approaches, particularly using umbrella, keystone, and flagship species, offer practical targets for conservation planning that may indirectly benefit ecosystems. However, selecting target species is often hindered by conceptual ambiguities and inconsistent methodologies. To address these challenges, we present an integrative framework that systematically identifies effective surrogate species through Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) combined with big data. Our framework quantifies each species’ conservation potential using three indices: an Umbrella index, a Keystone index, and a Flagship index. The Umbrella index assesses habitat overlap using Area of Habitat (AOH) data, the Keystone index is calculated through a network analysis of predator-prey relationships, and the Flagship index analyzes public interest via Google Trends and Baidu Index. These indices are integrated into a composite Effectiveness index using the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) model, with sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of species rankings. We applied this framework to Three-River-Source National Park in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Our results identified the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) as the most effective surrogate species among mammals, ranking first in both the Flagship and Keystone indices, and tenth in the Umbrella index, leading to its top position in the composite Effectiveness index. This data-driven, transparent approach enhances objectivity in surrogate species selection, promising more strategic and impactful biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1770