Rakhee Karumbaya – Page 5 – Snow Leopard Network

New Article to the Bibliography

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

Title: Snow leopards and water: high waterhole visitation rate by a breeding female in summer

Author: Lkhagvajav, P., Alexander, J. S., Byambasuren, C., Johansson, O., Sharma, K., Mishra, C., Samelius, G.

Abstract: Water is a limiting resource in arid environments where space use of animals is often driven by access to water during the dry times of the year. Here we report on a breeding female snow leopard visiting a waterhole 37 times in June and July in 2015. These observations show that space use of snow leopards can be driven strongly by access to water during certain times of the year such as when lactating and the need for water is increased. Strong dependence on water during certain times of the year suggest that climate change and high human pressure on limited water sources may have negative impact on snow leopards and other wildlife in the mountains of High Asia.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1759

New Article to the Bibliography

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

Title: Rare and unusual snow leopard encounters in the broadleaf forest of the Bhutanese Himalayas

Author: Dorji, R., Letro, L., Yangden, S., Dendup, P., Dhendup, T. Lhamo, Y.

Abstract: The snow leopard Panthera uncia, a top predator in Central and South Asia, faces population declines due to habitat degradation, prey depletion, retaliatory killings, poaching, and climate change. In Bhutan, where the species is protected, we report two rare sightings in the Gedu regionʼs broadleaved and fir forests, at 2,708 masl and 3,839 masl, respectively, which are lower than the typical speciesʼ prime habitats in Bhutan. These findings suggest that this area may function as an important corridor or a potential range expansion beyond typical high-altitude habitats (3,000 to 5,800 masl). This discovery underscores the speciesʼ ecological adaptability and highlights the need for enhanced conservation strategies, including habitat connectivity mapping and local community education. Additionally, it highlights the importance of protecting and conserving habitats outside of protected areas for speciesʼ long-term persistence.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1758

New Article to the Bibliography

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

Title: Snow leopard digging for water in an arid environment

Author: Nyam, E., Alexander, J. S., Byambasuren, C., Johansson, O., Samelius, G., Lkhagvajav, P.

Abstract: Adaptations to arid environments, involving strategies to conserve and utilize water, are vital for wildlife. Water availability in these regions depends on seasonal rainfall, and subsequently affect species distribution and behavior. This note documents a snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Tost Mountains of southern Mongolia digging for water, a previously undocumented behavior. The first author identified evidence of snow leopards digging for water. Camera traps were then used in an attempt to document this behavior. Unique pelt patterns identified one snow leopard digging for water in the summer of 2022, with drinking observed. Other species also drank at the site, suggesting snow leopards could act as ecological engineers by providing water for other species. Four other snow leopards were observed to visit the site in the late fall, winter, and early spring of 2022 and 2023. These snow leopards did not dig or drink, but this may largely have been related to subzero temperatures (-15°C to -30°C) and the ground being frozen for most of this period. The snow leopard digging for and exposing water may help to support biodiversity in desert ecosystems. However, further research is needed to determine its prevalence and impact. Understanding these strategies is crucial for conservation, especially with increasing droughts and extreme weather in arid landscapes.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1757

Seasonal patterns of dietary overlap between Mongolian saiga and livestock

Understanding the diet composition of animals is essential for comprehending their ecology and developing effective conservation strategies, especially for endangered species. In the depressions of Great Lakes of western Mongolia, the critically endangered Mongolian saiga coexists year-round with livestock. This research aims to determine the seasonal dietary overlap between the Mongolian saiga and livestock using the microhistological method.

Bayarmaa Chuluunbat, WCS – Mongolia has also created a microhistological reference key for over 120 different plant species in the steppe and desert steppe. This key is vital for determining the diet of herbivores and understanding their dietary habits in these regions. Given the widespread practice of livestock husbandry in Mongolia, understanding the dietary habits and overlaps between wildlife and livestock is crucial for conservation efforts and rangeland management. This is particularly important for endangered ungulates, many of which are found in the steppe and desert steppe. Additionally, these regions are significant for snow leopard conservation, as their diet includes these herbivores.

New Article to the Bibliography

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

Title: Wild Cats of Nepal

Author: Gautam, P.

Abstract: Foreward – Nepal’s rich biodiversity owes to the fact that from 80m elevation of Birgunj (Terai) to 8850m of Sagarmatha all belongs to mere 200km strip of land. Thus within the belt lies all five biodiversity zones : Tropics, Subtropics, Temperate, Subalpine and Alpine. And the 13 cat species included in this book occupy all the zones, from Tigers in Tropics (below 1000m) to Snow Leopards in Alpine (above 5000m).

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1756

SLN Webinar: Seasonal patterns of dietary overlap between Mongolian saiga and livestock

The Snow Leopard Network invites you to join us for our webinar with Bayarmaa Chuluunbat, WCS – Mongolia, on Friday, 20th September, 2024.

About the Talk:

Bayarmaa has also created a microhistological reference key for over 120 different plant species in the steppe and desert steppe. This key is vital for determining the diet of herbivores and understanding their dietary habits in these regions. Given the widespread practice of livestock husbandry in Mongolia, understanding the dietary habits and overlaps between wildlife and livestock is crucial for conservation efforts and rangeland management. This is particularly important for endangered ungulates, many of which are found in the steppe and desert steppe. Additionally, these regions are significant for snow leopard conservation, as their diet includes these herbivores.

About our Speaker:

Bayarmaa Chuluunbat is a Wildlife Biologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society and one of the young researchers in Mongolia. Her journey in wildlife conservation began at the age of 14, when she became involved in eco-clubs focused on protecting endangered species such as the Snow Leopard, Mongolian Saiga, and Dalmatian Pelican. Growing up in the unique ecosystem of the Mongol Altai mountains, Bayarmaa developed a profound interest in observing wildlife behavior in their natural habitats. This region and her hometown, is home to many endangered species.

In high school, Bayarmaa initiated an anti-trapping campaign with the support of WWF-Mongolia to protect the world’s rarest Snow Leopard. This campaign successfully saved thousands of animals from the threat of traps. Additionally, she studied the impact of climate change and livestock on wetland plant communities in Khurkh-Khuiten river valley where is located northeastern Mongolia, which is a crucial habitat for the endangered White-naped Cranes. During her graduate studies, she investigated the seasonal dietary overlap between the Mongolian Saiga and livestock supported by WSCC, WCN and SCA.

Bayarmaa’s primary concern is balancing development with healthy ecosystems. While economic growth in Mongolia is vital, it can lead to land degradation and biodiversity loss. The shift from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles has caused overgrazing and desertification. Mongolia needs well-trained conservation professionals, and Bayarmaa aspires to be one, dedicated to sustainable development and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

About our Facilitator:

Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar (Buuvei) is a senior scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Mongolia Program, boasting 20 years of dedicated experience in safeguarding Mongolia’s unique biodiversity. He earned both his master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Buuvei is an active member of the Antelope and Equid Specialist Groups at the IUCN and serves on the steering committee of the Saiga Conservation Alliance. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to develop and implement research and conservation programs focused on protecting endangered nomadic ungulates such as the saiga antelope, Asiatic wild ass, goitered gazelle, and Mongolian gazelle. His expertise covers critical areas including habitat connectivity, wildlife monitoring, spatial ecology, and biodiversity conservation.

Date/Time:

Friday, 20th September at 14:00 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: A new dawn? Population baselines of snow leopards and other mammals of the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India

Author: Khanyari, M., Sanyal, O., Chandan, P., Bajaj, D., Sharma, C., Rana, M., Sharma, N., Bashir, T., Suryawanshi, K.

Abstract: Accurately assessing the status of threatened species requires reliable population estimates. Despite this necessity, only a small proportion of the global distribution range of the vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia) has been systematically sampled. The Indian section of the Greater Himalayas, which includes Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), harbours potential snow leopard habitat. Nevertheless, there has been limited ecological and conservation research focusing on species that are specific to KHANP, as well as limited research on the broader biodiversity of the Greater Himalayas. We used Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture (SECR) models to provide—to our knowledge—the first robust snow leopard population density and abundance estimates from KHANP. We also provide a Relative Abundance Index (RAI) for non‐volant mammals (excluding small rodents). Our study sampled three catchments within the Dachhan region of KHANP—Kibber, Nanth and Kiyar—using 44 cameras over a 45‐day period between May and June 2023. We identified four unique snow leopard individuals across 15 detections in nine camera locations. SECR analysis estimated a density of 0.50 snow leopards per 100 km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.86), corresponding to an abundance of four individual (4–9) adults. Camera trapping revealed a total of 16 mammal species, including the endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus). Marmots (Marmota caudata) had the highest RAI of 21.3 (±0.2). Although the estimated density and abundance of snow leopards in our study area had relatively wide 95% confidence intervals, our combined results of snow leopard densities and RAIs of prey species such as ibex and marmots indicate that KHANP is a potentially important area for snow leopards. Given the geopolitical history of Jammu and Kashmir in India, the region where KHANP is located, wildlife research remains a low priority. We hope our study encourages authorities to support further research. This study is an initial step towards evaluating the potential of KHANP as a conservation landscape under the Government of India’s Project Snow Leopard.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1755

New Article to the Bibliography

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

Title: Camera trapping survey for snow leopard provides first photographic record of Woolly Flying Squirrel from Kishtwar Himalayas, India

Author: Mueen, Q. H., Thuktan, T., Khanyari, M., Khaleel, M.

Abstract: The Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), considered native to Northern Pakistan and North- Western Himalaya has remained an elusive species because of its presence in high mountain rocky cliffs near the tree line. These montane habitats have remained inaccessible for research thus making it difficult to study their distribution. Here, we present the first photographic evidence of the Woolly Flying Squirrel from the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir obtained from camera-traps placed to detect snow leopard presence and distribution. This record adds valuable presence information to the existing distribution range of the species from the North-Western Himalaya.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1754

New Article to the Bibliography

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

Title: Harnessing Drones for Snow Leopard Prey Surveys

Author: Jackson, M. R., Munkhtsog, B., Munkhtsog, B., Hunter, B., Rice, D., Hunter, D. O.

Abstract: Surveying snow leopard prey species such as argali, ibex or blue sheep through traditional ground-based observations is time-consuming, expensive, and challenging. Aerial drones present a promising alternative. We tested using thermal-sensor- equipped drones to count ungulate populations in Mongolia’s Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, surveying ~400km of transects along five fixed routes for forty-three missions. Drones detected 235 prey animals and 209 livestock; 26% of all sightings were in areas that would not have been visible to hypothetical ground-based observers. Our tests reinforced the utility of drones for counting snow leopard prey and highlighted important issues and future advances for supporting largely autonomous prey surveys. We recommend biologists build upon existing technology to attain an inexpensive, easy to use, and field ready set of equipment and procedures that can reliably improve or replace traditional transect or point count methods for large prey sp
ecies.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1753

SLN Webinar: Storytelling as a tool for conservation – with Dan O’Neill

The Snow Leopard Network is excited to invite you to our webinar on “Storytelling as a tool for conservation”.

About the Talk:

Join Dan O’Neill, a wildlife filmmaker, biologist, and Snow Leopard Trust ‘Explorer in Residence’, to discuss how storytelling and media are crucial tools in conservation. He will share his experiences from working in remote areas around the world, showing how telling engaging stories both locally and internationally can inspire action, raise awareness, and connect people with nature.

Dan will explain how documentary filmmaking and photography can be harnessed to protect endangered species and habitats in unexpected ways, helping to garner public support and even influence policy. Using visuals and real-life examples, he will demonstrate effective storytelling techniques and the role of modern media in breaking new ground.

About our Speaker:

Dan O’Neill is a wildlife filmmaker, field biologist, and certified survivalist, specialising in remote and challenging environments. He has organised numerous expeditions in search of rare animals from the pristine jungles of the northern Amazon and Mayan temple ruins of the Yucatan, to the frozen peaks of Central Asia. He is regularly involved on scientific expeditions, primarily working as an expedition leader, field technician and location lecturer. He has camera-trapped for jaguars across the Neotropics from Guyana to Mexico and assisted the Snow Leopard Trust in Central Asia.

About our Facilitator:

Bayarjargal Agvaantseren, Executive Director of the Snow Leopard Network. Bayara is the former Director of the Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation in Mongolia, and she currently contributes to the Snow Leopard Trust’s regional team. Bayara’s dedication to snow leopards and their conservation in the wild spans back to 1998, and her many accomplishments include – setting up community-based programs back in the early 2000s to elevating the status of protection of snow leopard habitat in the South Gobi.

Date/Time

Tuesday, 13th August @ 14:30 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