|
|
McGregor, T., & Hammer, M. (2005). Expedition report: Surveying snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 6 July to 29 August 2003. The aim was to conduct the first survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard’s main prey species; in this case argali (Ovis amon) and Siberian ibex (Capra ibex sibirica) together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 sq km). Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. cat collected in the field was sent to Brunel University where it is awaiting DNA analysis. The expedition also collected data on local geology and generated mammal, bird and plant inventories.
Surveying a very large study area without snow cover made it difficult to find signs of snow leopard and primary prey species. Despite these constraints, snow leopard sign was found in each of the four two-week slots of the expedition. The field evidence indicated there was at least one resident adult. This, together with evidence from local people, confirmed the importance of the study area as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection but involving the local community is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
|
|
|
|
Thapa, K., Jackson, R., Gurung, L, Acharya, H. B., Gurung, R. K.,. (2021). Applying the double observer methodology for assessing blue sheep population size in Nar Phu valley, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Wildlife Biology, , 1–11.
Abstract: This study was undertaken in spring, 2019 to assess the applicability of the double-observer survey method for estimating blue sheep Pseudois nayaur abundance in Nar-Phu valley of Manang District located in Annapurna Conservation Area of northern Nepal. Since counting large mammals in rugged mountain habitat poses a special challenge, we tested the efficacy of the double observer method for generating robust population estimates for this important protected area. The overall detection probability for observers (O1 and O2) was 0.94 and 0.91 for a total of 106 groups comprised of 2059 individual blue sheep. We estimated the area’s blue sheep population at 2070 (SE ± 168.77; 95% CI 2059–2405) for the 246.2 km2 of sampled habitat. We determined blue sheep to be widely distributed within the study area with a mean density of 8.4 individuals per km2 based on a total study area of 246.2 km2. We discuss demographic population structure and identify limitations when applying the double observer approach, along with recommending viewshed mapping for ensuring more robust density estimates of mountain-dwelling ungulates like blue sheep or ibex that inhabit extremely heterogeneous terrain which strongly influences sighting distances and overall animal detection rates.
|
|
|
|
Thapa, K. (2005). Is their any correlation between abundance of blue sheep population and livestock depredation by snow leopards in the Phu Valley, Manang District, Annapurna Conservation Area? Final report.
Abstract: This study was undertaken in the Phu valley of Manang district in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal,
Spring, 2004 and 2005. I used the Snow Leopard Management Information System (“second order” survey technique), to determine
the relative abundance of snow leopards in delineated areas in Phu valley. Transects routes were plotted by
randomly selected feasible landforms such as along ridgelines, cliff bases and river bluffs where snow
leopards sign is likely to be found. Altogether, 16 transects (total length of 7.912 km) were laid down (mean
transect length=0.495 km). They revealed, 54 sign sites (both relic and non-relic) and altogether 88 signs (72
scrapes, 11 feces, 3 scent mark, 2 pugmarks and 1 hair) were recorded (6.8 site/km and 11.1 signs/km). There
were 61.1% non-relic and 38.9% relic sites. The density of snow leopards in Phu Valley may be 4-5 snow
leopards/100 kmý.It was found that the Ghyo block had the highest sign density (13.6 mean sign item/km)
and Phu block (9.8 mean sign item/km) and the lowest in Ngoru block (3.9 mean sign item/km.). For blue sheep, direct count method was applied from different appropriate vantage points (fixed-point
count). I counted total individuals in each herd and classified all individuals whenever possible, using 8 X24
binocular and 15-60x spotting scope. A total 37 blue sheep herds and 1209 individuals were observed in
192.25 kmý of the study area (blue sheep density, 6.3 kmý). Average herd size was 32.68. Herd size varied
from 1 to 103 animals (the largest so far recorded). The average sex ratio male to female for the entire survey
area was 0.67. Recruitment rate was 47.13. The ratio of yearlings to adult female was 0.45. In Ghyo block
had total 168 blue sheep (area, 44.08 km2 or 3.8/ km2 i.e. 137.2 kg/ kmý). Blue sheep density in Ngoru block
showed 4.7/km2 (area, 65.47 km2). Highest density of blue sheep among three blocks was recorded in Phu
block, 8.9/km2 (or 320 kg/km2) in its 82.70 km2 area. A standard questionnaire was designed, and interviews conducted for relevant information was collected on
livestock depredation patterns (total household survey). Out of 33 households surveyed, 30 reported that they
had livestock depredation by the snow leopard in 2004. Altogether 58 animals were reportedly lost to snow
leopards (3.1% of the total mortality). Out of the estimated standing available biomass (1, 83,483kg) in the
Phu valley at least 2220 kg or 1.3% of the total livestock biomass was consumed by snow leopards in the
year of our study (2004). It was estimated that in the Phu valley annually 1.8 animals were lost per household
to snow leopards. This means approx. Rs.413560 (US$ 5,908) is lost annually in the valley (US$
179/household/annum). Ghyo block, had the highest animals loss (53.4%), followed by Phu block (36.2%)
and Ngoru block (10.3%) to snow leopards. There is positive correlation among the densities of blue sheep, relative abundance of the snow leopard and
livestock depredation. Blue sheep is the main prey species of the snow leopard in Phu valley and its
conservation therefore matters to reduce livestock depredation. A general patterns appears here that shows
that blue sheep (prey) abundance determine snow leopard (predator) abundance and that livestock
depredation by snow leopards may be minimal where there is good population of blue sheep, and vice versa.
|
|
|
|
Chernogaev E.A. (1978). Materials on rare and protected species of the Kyzylsu nature reserve.
Abstract: This survey was being done (May, 1975 February, 1976) in the new Kyzylsu nature reserve, established in 1975. Before 1975, the anthropogenic pressure was mainly represented by overgrazing and unregulated hunting. Provided are data on bird species (bearded vulture, Himalayan vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, and Himalayan snow cock), mammal species (long-tailed marmot, Indian porcupine, brown bear, lynx, snow leopard, and Siberian ibex).
|
|
|
|
Devyatkin G.V. (1999). Snow leopard (Uncia uncia Schr.) in the Altai-Sayans ecologic region.
Abstract: Though snow leopard is widely distributed in the Altai-Sayans ecologic region (the Krasnoyarsk region, Khakasia, Tuva, the Altai), it is still a rare and understudied species. Its total population in Khakasia is 10-12 animals, in the Altai 60-70 animals.
|
|
|
|
Murata, K., Yanai, T., Agatsuma, T., & Uni, S. (2003). Dirofilaria immitis infection of a snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in a Japanese zoo with mitochondrial DNA analysis (Vol. 65).
Abstract: Three dog heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) were detected in the lumen of the right cardiac ventriculus and of the pulmonary artery of a captive female snow leopard (Uncia uncia) that died of pancreatic carcinoma at a zoo in Japan. Neither clinical respiratory nor circulatory symptoms caused by the heartworm infection were observed. The filarial worms were identified as D. immitis from the morphologic characteristics of the esophagus, the presence of faint longitudinal ridges on the cuticular surface, the situation of vulva posterior to the esophagus, and the measurements of the body. The heartworms from the snow leopard were identical to that of D. immitis from dogs in the sequence of the cytochrome oxidase I region in the mitochondrial DNA. This host record is the first of D. immitis in U. uncia.
|
|
|
|
Koshkarev E.P. (1990). Geographic prerequisites for snow leopard conservation in the USSR.
Abstract: Three key areas of the snow leopard habitat in the USSR are geographically segregated: Central Asia (Pamir, Tien Shan, Pamiro-Alai), East Kazakhstan (Jungar Alatau, Tarbagatai, Saur), and South Siberia (Altai, the Sayans), which are separated from one another. The fate of snow leopard in East Kazakhstan and South Siberia causes the most anxiety.
|
|
|
|
Gulyaeva T.S. (1986). About protection of natural complexes in south Altai.
Abstract: To ensure proper conservation of valuable natural complexes it is proposed that a nature reserve be established in the upper river Bakhturma. There are over 20 mammal species there, dhole and snow leopard being included in the Red Data Book of the Kazakh SSR and Red List of IUCN.
|
|
|
|
Ishunin G.I. (1974). Game and rare animals of Uzbekistan and their protection (Vol. 1).
Abstract: Totally in Uzbekistan inhabited about 40 game species, but many of them became rare (Mellivora capensis indica, Lutra lutra seistanica, Hyaena hyaena, Felis pardus ciscaucasicus, Felis uncia, Felis ¤…a…c…l michaelis, F.manul ferrugineus, Cervus elaphus bactrianus, ¥…da… falconeri heptneri, Ovis orientalis bochariensis, I. about severtsovi, About ammon k…a†1ini), from fauna of region have disappeared Cuon alpinus hesperius, D…nthera tigris virgata, Acion¢o jubatus, Cervus elaphus sibiricus, Equus h†mionus, E. dazewalskii, Camelus bactrianus. For protection of valuable species of animals in Uzbekistan 6 nature reserves and 6 zakazniks were established.
|
|
|
|
Oshmarin P.G. (1990). Traces in nature.
Abstract: Traces of vital activity of various animal species such as footprints, faeces, food remains, etc. are identified. It also provides information about hunting behavior of predators. Snow leopards would hunt along rather than in groups. Near the remains of prey they leave pieces of skin, skull of victim remaining untouched.
|
|
