toggle visibility Search & Display Options

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author McCarthy, T.M.; Chapron, G. url 
  Title Snow Leopard Survival Strategy Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords snow leopard; survival; threats; conservation; action; research; 5350  
  Abstract (down) I. SNOW LEOPARD: REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND STATUS

This Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS) was undertaken to provide comprehensive conservation and research guidelines to ensure a range-wide coordinated effort in the fi ght to save the endangered snow leopard and had the following specific goals:  Assess and prioritize threats to snow leopard survival on a geographic basis.

 Defi ne and prioritize conservation, education, and policy measures appropriate to alleviate threats.

 Prioritize subjects for snow leopard research and identify viable or preferred research methods.

 Build a network of concerned scientists and conservationists to facilitate open dialogue and cross-border cooperation.

 Gain consensus on a fundamental Snow Leopard Survival Strategy document that will be made available to the range states to aid conservation planning at national and local levels.

The highly participatory process started with a survey of specialists designed to gather information on perceived threats to snow leopards, appropriate actions to address threats, knowledge gaps, protected area status, policy and law issues, impediments to achieving conservation of snow leopards, and cultural relevance of snow leopards. Drafts of a Strategy were circulated and then the Snow Leopard Survival Summit was convened in Seattle, USA from 21-26 May 2002 and was attended by 58 of the specialists to debate issues and refi ne the Strategy. This SLSS document is the end product of that process. Background on the snow leopard The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a member of the Felidae subfamily Pantherinae and on the basis of morphology and behavior it is placed alone in a separate genus. They are found in 12 countries across Central Asia (China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia). China contains as much as 60% of the snow leopard's potential habitat. Inaccessible and difficult terrain, along with the secretive nature of this rare cat helps account for the fact that large parts of its range have yet to be surveyed. Between 4,500 and 7,350 snow leopards are thought to occur within a total potential habitat area of 1,835,000 km2. Snow leopards are generally solitary and mating usually occurs between late January and midMarch, and one to five cubs are born after a gestation period of 93 to 110 days, generally in June or July. Snow leopards are closely associated with the alpine and subalpine ecological zones, preferring broken, rocky terrain with vegetation that is dominated by shrubs or grasses. Home range size and shape is not well known. The home range size of five snow leopards in prime habitat in Nepal ranged from 12 to 39 km2, with substantial overlap between individuals and sexes. In Mongolia, where food resources may be scarcer, home ranges of both males and females exceeded 400 km2. Snow leopards are opportunistic predators capable of killing prey up to three times their own weight. They will also take small prey such as marmot or chukar partridge. In general, their most commonly taken prey consists of wild sheep and goats

(including blue sheep, Asian ibex, markhor, and argali). Adult snow leopards kill a large prey animal every 10-15 days, and remained on the kill for an average of 3-4 days, and sometimes up to a week. Predation on livestock can be significant, which often results in retribution killing by herders. Snow Leopards are listed as Endangered on the

IUCN Red List in that they do not meet the standards of Critically Endangered but are projected to decline by 50% or more over next 3 generations due to potential levels of exploitation (trade in pelts/bones and conflict with

livestock), and due to declining: 1) area of occupancy, 2) extent of occurrence, and 3) quality of habitat (prey depletion). They appear in Appendix I of both CITES and the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of

Wild Animals (CMS). Snow Leopards are protected nationally over most of its range, with the probable exception of Afghanistan. However, in some countries the relevant legislation may not always be very effective, e.g. because penalties are too low to function as deterrent, or they contain some significant loopholes.

II. THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Regional Assessment

This document attempts to list and discuss the threats, conservation actions and information needs pertinent to snow leopard survival. However, these vary substantially across the vast extent of snow leopard range, so no prescription will be universally applicable. We used a regional approach and for purposes of grouping areas where conditions may be similar, we looked at geography, political boundaries, cultural/religious influences, and rural livelihoods. Within that framework we defined four broad regions:

 Himalaya (HIMLY),

 Karakorum/Hindu Kush (KK/HK),

 Commonwealth of Independent States and W. China (CISWC),

 The Northern Range of Russia, Mongolia and N. China (NRANG) SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY

Threats to Snow Leopard Survival

A key component of the SLSS process was to identify threats to long-term snow leopard survival across their range. The following list is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders in Asia and the expert group at the SLSS Summit. Threats are grouped into four broad categories 1) Habitat and Prey related, 2) Direct Killing of Snow Leopards, 3) Policy and Awareness, and 4) Other Issues.

List of Threats

Category 1: Habitat and Prey Related

1.1 Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation

1.2 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Illegal Hunting

1.3 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Legal Hunting

1.4 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Competition with Livestock

1.5 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Disease

1.6 Fencing that Disrupts Natural Migration

Category 2: Direct Killing or Removal of Snow Leopards

2.1 Killing of Snow Leopards in Retribution for Livestock depredation

2.2 Poaching Snow Leopards for Trade in Hides or Bones

2.3 Museum Collection of Live Animals

2.4 Traditional Hunting of Snow Leopards

2.5 Secondary Poisoning and Trapping of Snow Leopards

2.6 Diseases of Snow Leopards

Category 3: Policy and Awareness

3.1 Lack of Appropriate Policy

3.2 Lack of Effective Enforcement

3.3 Lack of Trans-boundary Cooperation

3.4 Lack of Institutional Capacity

3.5 Lack of Awareness among Local People

3.6 Lack of Awareness among Policy Makers

Category 4: Other Issues

4.1 War and Related Military Activities

4.2 Climate Change

4.3 Human Population Growth and Poverty (indirect threat)

Potential Actions to Address Threats

Several methods are identified and elaborated in this document and they include:

 Grazing Management: Promote livestock grazing practices that reduce impacts on native wildlife, in particular snow leopard prey species.

 Wildlife-based Ecotourism: Establishing wildlife based tourism that provides jobs and financial benefits to local people will add economic value to wildlife and create incentives to protect the resource.

 Cottage Industry: Provide income generation opportunities for communities in snow leopard habitat through handicraft manufacture and marketing opportunities with direct and transparent linkages to wildlife conservation via contracts that provides positive incentives for compliance.

 Ungulate Trophy Hunting Programs: Establish or restructure trophy hunting programs that are sustainable, well monitored and provide return to local people as an incentive to protect ungulates. Community co-management of hunting program should be encouraged where ever appropriate.

 Reducing Poaching and Trade in Snow Leopard Parts:

Determine location, nature and extent of snow leopard poaching for trade and bring pressure, both legal and educational, to limit same.

 Reducing Livestock Depredation by Snow Leopards:

Encourage livestock husbandry practices that reduce depredation by snow leopards and other predators.

 Animal Husbandry: Provide training in animal husbandry and veterinary care to improve monetary return at lower stock levels, limit exposure to predation, and reduce impacts on pasture and rangelands.

 Conservation Education and Awareness: Raise awareness of snow leopard conservation issues, concerns, need for action, legal matters, etc, through variety of media among different audiences.

III. RESEARCH AND INFORMATION NEEDS

During the process of listing the threats to snow leopards and the required conservation actions, a set of information needs was also identified. Hence, the list below encompasses the knowledge required to carry-out urgent conservation actions.

Master List of Information Needs

R.1 Snow leopard distribution and “hot spots”

R.2 Snow leopard migration and dispersal routes

R.3 Snow leopard population size

R.4 Snow leopard population trends and factor responsible for changes

R.5 Protected Area coverage extent and representation of habitats (gap analysis)

R.6 Agents of habitat degradation and relative impacts

R.7 Snow leopard prey relationships

R.8 Prey species distribution and “hot spots”

R.9 Prey population baseline and trends

R.10 Dynamics of illegal ungulate hunting (sources, local need, uses, trade, etc.)

R.11 Dynamics of legal ungulate harvest and baseline statistics (sex/age, effort, trophy size, etc.)

R.12 Wild ungulate livestock interactions (competition)

R.13 Ungulate disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment

R.14 Snow leopard poaching levels

R.15 Illegal trade in wildlife parts market demand, sources and routes, value, etc.

R.16 Livestock depredation rates

SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY | xi

R.17 Livestock depredation causes

R.18 Grazing pressure and range conditions

R.19 Snow leopard disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment

R.20 Snow leopard home-range size and habitat use

R.21 Snow leopard social structure and behavior

R.22 Snow leopard population genetics

R.23 Snow leopard food habits

R.24 Snow leopard relationship to other predators

R.25 Economic valuation of snow leopards

R.26 Snow leopard monitoring techniques development/improvement

R.27 Socio-economic profiling of herder communities in snow leopard habitat

R.28 Methods to alleviate impacts of war

R.29 Livestock and human population status and trends

R.30 Analysis of existing policies and laws

R.31 Human attitudes to snow leopards

IV. COUNTRY ACTION PLANNING

The SLSS should be seen as a tool to aid in the development of country-specifi c Action Plans. In general Action

Planning leaders should review the SLSS and then:

 Analyze the problems and choose the proper scale,

 Identify the key stakeholders and integrate them into the planning process at the beginning, (i.e. ensure a broadly participatory process),

 Choose a multi-level approach if the problems and stakeholders are particularly diverse,

 Seek to identify achievable and appropriate actions,

 Build monitoring of results into the Plan.

The Action Planning process need not be done in a vacuum. The Snow Leopard Network (see below), can provide much needed assistance in terms of expertise and advice during the planning process. Collectively, the SLN membership has experience in nearly every area of snow leopard related conservation, research, education, and policy. They can be approached for assistance through the International Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside

Ave. N., Suite 325, Seattle, Washington, 98103, USA, on their website http://www.snowleopard.org/sln/ or via email at <info@snowleopard.org>.

V. TAKING THE SLSS FORWARD

A key outcome of the SLSS Workshop was the creation of the Snow Leopard Network (SLN). The SLN is a partnership of organizations and individuals from government and private sector who work together for the effective conservation of the snow leopard, its prey, and their natural habitat to the benefi t of people and biodiversity.

The initial members of the SLN are the specialist who worked together on the SLSS. Carrying the SLSS forward was the impetus for developing the Network.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher International Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Network Place of Publication Seattle, USA Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 520 Serial 668  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Oli, M. url 
  Title Snow leopards and blue sheep in Nepal: Densities and predator: Prey ratio Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1994 Publication Journal of Mammalogy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 75 Issue Pages 998-1004  
  Keywords snow leopard,Panthera uncia,blue sheep,Pseudois nayaur,density,predator:prey ratio,harvest rate,livestock predation,Nepal  
  Abstract (down) I studied snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in Manang District, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, to estimate numbers and analyze predatorprey interactions. Five to seven adult leopards used the 105-km2 study area, a density of 4.8 to 6.7 leopards/100 km2. Density of blue sheep was 6.6-10.2 sheep/km2, and biomass density was 304 kg/km2. Estimated relative biomass consumed by snow leopards suggested that blue sheep were the most important prey; marmots (Marmota himalayana) also contributed significantly to the diet of snow leopards. Snow leopards in Manang were estimated to harvest 9-20% of total biomass and 11-24% of total number of blue sheep annually. Snow leopard :blue sheep ratio was 1 :1 14-1 :159 on a weight basis, which was considered sustainable given the importance of small mammals in the leopard's diet and the absence of other competing predators.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 894 Serial 741  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Oli, M.K. url 
  Title Snow leopards and blue sheep in Nepal: Densities and predator: prey ratio Type Journal Article
  Year 1994 Publication Journal of Mammalogy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 75 Issue 4 Pages 998-1004  
  Keywords Nepal; blue-sheep; prey; livestock; predation; blue; sheep; browse; 740; snow; snow leopards; snow leopard; snow-leopards; snow-leopard; leopards; leopard; blue sheep; densities; density; predator  
  Abstract (down) I studied snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in Manang District, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, to estimate numbers and analyze predator-prey interactions. Five to seven adult leopards used the 10-5-km-2 study area, a density of 4.8 to 6.7 leopards/100 km-2. Density of blue sheep was 6.6 10.2 sheep/km-2, and biomass density was 304 kg/km-2. Estimated relative biomass consumed by snow leopards suggested that blue sheep were the most important prey; marmots (Marmota himalayana) also contributed significantly to the diel of snow leopards Snow leopards in Manang were estimated to harvest 9-20% of total biomass and 11-24% of total number of blue sheep annually. Snow leopard: blue sheep ratio was 1:114-1:159 on a weight basis, which was considered sustainable given the importance of small mammals in the leopard's diet and the absence of other competing predators.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Document Type: English Call Number: 599.05 JO Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 236 Serial 746  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kadamshoev M. url 
  Title Establishment of highland nature reserves required Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1990 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Part 1. Issue Pages 227-228  
  Keywords Tajikistan; Pamir; Mountain Badakhshan; nature reserves; endemics; rare species; snow leopard; tourism.; 7030; Russian  
  Abstract (down) Human population growth in the Mountain Badakhshan autonomous province will result in changes of wild life habitat. The first highland nature reserve (Muksu river basin) is proposed to be established within the habitat of Marco Polo sheep, Siberian ibex, Tien Shan brown bear, snow leopard, Himalayan and Tibetan snow-cock, bar-headed goose, bearded and Himalayan vultures. The Mountain Badakhshan nature reserve will serve as a reference for other highland landscapes of the USSR, a `fiduciary' of gene bank containing valuable endemic, rare, and endangered animal and plant species.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in RussianJournal Title: Nature reserves of the USSR. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 681 Serial 509  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Yazan Yu.P. url 
  Title The Almaty state nature reserve Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1980 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 162-164  
  Keywords Kazakhstan; Almaty nature reserve; establishment; climate; physiographic factors; plants; Animals; insects; reptiles; birds; mammals; snow leopard.; 8590; Russian  
  Abstract (down) History of the Alma-Ata nature reserve establishment, its location physical and geographic data, climate, and vegetation zones are described. Fauna of the protected area is represented by 64 mammal species, and about 200 bird species. Briefly described are behavioural patterns of roe deer, moral, wild boar, Siberian ibex, snow leopard, lynx, brown bear, and marten, and other mammals of the mountainous area.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in RussianJournal Title: Nature reserves of the USSR. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 836 Serial 1058  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Novikov L.K. url 
  Title Mammals Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1972 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 20-24  
  Keywords Uzbekistan; protected areas; Chatkal nature reserve; mammals; snow leopard.; 7770; Russian  
  Abstract (down) History of establishment of the nature reserves in Uzbekistan, climate, flora and fauna are described. Status of mammals in Chatkal nature reserve is described. Here inhabited marten, weasel, ermine, badger, brown bear, wild ibex and snow leopard.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in RussianJournal Title: Protected areas of Uzbekistan. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 755 Serial 727  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Koshkarev E.P. url 
  Title Snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan. The structure of habitat, ecology, protection Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1989 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 100 p.  
  Keywords Kyzgyzstan; snow leopard; life-history; distribution; habitats; number; diet; behavior; conservation measures.; 7240; Russian  
  Abstract (down) Habitat, status of population, geographical distribution, number, and ecology of snow leopard in Tien Shan are analyzed based on original realistic material collected 1981 through 1988.Information about irbis in the `foreign' part of its habitat is given for comparison. The reasons for snow leopard habitat shrinkage in Central Asia and Kazakhstan for over 100 years are assessed. Status of ungulate populations snow leopard prey on is given. The predator's behavioral pattern and condition in enclosure are given consideration. Protection measures are proposed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in Russian Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 702 Serial 558  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xu, F.; Ming, M.; Yin, S.-jing; Munkhtsog, B. url 
  Title Autumn Habitat Selection by Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) in Beita Mountain, Xinjiang, China Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2006 Publication Zoological Research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 221-224  
  Keywords habitat; Habitat selection; selection; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; uncia; Uncia uncia; Uncia-uncia; mountain; Xinjiang; China; Chinese; Altay; mountain system; system; 30; transects; transect; surveys; survey; study; area; analysis; primary; factor; 200; 600; Base; valley; Forest; region; south; grazing; status; topography  
  Abstract (down) Habitat selection of Snow Leopard ( Unica unica) in Beita Mountain of the Altay Mountain system in northeast Xinjiang was conducted from September to October 2004. Six habitat features of 59 sites used by Snow Leopard and 30 random plots were measured by locating 15 transects surveys in the study area . Vanderploge and Scaviaps selectivity index was used to assess Snow Leopardps selection for the different habitat parameters. Principal Component Analysis was used as the primary factor . The results indicated that Snow Leopard preferred the altitude between 2000 – 2 200 m and avoided 2 600 – 3 000 m ; selected cliff base , ridgeline and avoided hillside and valley bottom ; utilized the shrub and rejected the forest ; selected the nongrazing area and avoided the slightly broken region ; preferred north orientation and rejected the south orientation. The results show that grazing status , vegetation type , topography and the ruggedness are the primary factors for the habitat selection of Snow Leopard.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in Chinese Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 872 Serial 1039  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Tsherbakov B.V. url 
  Title About rare and endangered mammal species in the East Kazakhstan region Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1982 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 203-204  
  Keywords Kazakhstan; Eastern Kazakhstan province; distribution; number; rare species; snow leopard.; 8400; Russian  
  Abstract (down) Given is data concerning numbers and distribution of yellow lemming on the Korjun cape and in the Karakas tract; dhole in the tundra zoneof the Azu-Tau ridge (South Alati) between Matabay and Urunkhaikoy, in the Salkanchok mountains; concering an encounter with snow leopard (March 25, 1981) in the upper river Bukhtarma near eastern extremity of the South Altai ridge, and argali in the mountain group Kalby-Baicha, the Taldy, Koktau, Monraka mountains (an area between Kusty and Kizil-Gain), near summit Shorbas.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in RussianJournal Title: Fauna of Kazakhstan and its conservation problems. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 818 Serial 972  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vyrypaev V.A. url 
  Title The influence of sarcoptosis on the population of Capra sibirica Pall. in Western Tien Shan Type Miscellaneous
  Year 1974 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Vol. II. Issue Pages 292-293  
  Keywords Uzbekistan; Western Tien Shan; Chatkal nature reserve; sarcoptosis; predators; snow leopard.; 8560; Russian  
  Abstract (down) Given is data concerning disease (sarcoptosis) of Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) in Western Tien Shan. The carriers of the disease are adult males of Capra sibirica during distant migrations that as a rule take place in anticipation of snowy winters or owing to human influence. Ibexes are not merely infected with sarcoptosis but perish enmasse from the disease. In the first year the disease strikes down, in the main, migrants – adult males. Predators including snow leopard kill the weakened animals. During the recent five years the density of Carpa sibirica at the Chatkal Mountain-Forest Reservation dropped 2.3-fold as a result of sarcoptosis and owing to the migrations caused by the reduction of the population. Is recommended: 1. Stringent veterinary control at places of possible contacts between infected domestic animals and healthy wild ungulates. 2. Using modern technology migration routes of ungulates should be studied for elaborating effective measures of quarantine.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Full text available in RussianJournal Title: Proceedings of First Unternational Theriological Congress. Moscow. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 833 Serial 996  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print

Save Citations:
Export Records: