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Author Shrestha, B.
Title Prey Abundance and Prey Selection by Snow Leopard (uncia uncia) in the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal Type Report
Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-35
Keywords project; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; network; conservation; program; prey; abundance; selection; uncia; Uncia uncia; Uncia-uncia; Sagarmatha; national; national park; National-park; park; Nepal; resource; predators; predator; ecological; impact; region; community; structure; number; research; population; status; density; densities; wild; prey species; prey-species; species; Himalayan; tahr; musk; musk-deer; deer; game; birds; diet; livestock; livestock depredation; livestock-depredation; depredation; awareness; co-existence; ungulates; ungulate; Human; using; areas; area; monitoring; transect; Hair; identification; scat; attack; patterns; sighting; 1760; populations; birth; Male; Female; young; domestic; domestic livestock; 120; scats; yak; Dog; pika; wildlife; Seasons; winter; horse; study; cover; land; predation; Pressure; development; strategy; threatened; threatened species; threatened-species; conflicts; conflict; people; control; husbandry; compensation; reintroduction; blue; blue sheep; blue-sheep; sheep; free ranging
Abstract (down) Predators have significant ecological impacts on the region's prey-predator dynamic and community structure through their numbers and prey selection. During April-December 2007, I conducted a research in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park (SNP) to: i) explore population status and density of wild prey species; Himalayan tahr, musk deer and game birds, ii) investigate diet of the snow leopard and to estimate prey selection by snow leopard, iii) identify the pattern of livestock depredation by snow leopard, its mitigation, and raise awareness through outreach program, and identify the challenge and opportunities on conservation snow leopard and its co-existence with wild ungulates and the human using the areas of the SNP. Methodology of my research included vantage points and regular monitoring from trails for Himalayan tahr, fixed line transect with belt drive method for musk deer and game birds, and microscopic hair identification in snow leopard's scat to investigate diet of snow leopard and to estimate prey selection. Based on available evidence and witness accounts of snow leopard attack on livestock, the patterns of livestock depredation were assessed. I obtained 201 sighting of Himalayan tahr (1760 individuals) and estimated 293 populations in post-parturient period (April-June), 394 in birth period (July -October) and 195 November- December) in rutting period. In average, ratio of male to females was ranged from 0.34 to 0.79 and ratio of kid to female was 0.21-0.35, and yearling to kid was 0.21- 0.47. The encounter rate for musk deer was 1.06 and density was 17.28/km2. For Himalayan monal, the encounter rate was 2.14 and density was 35.66/km2. I obtained 12 sighting of snow cock comprising 69 individual in Gokyo. The ratio of male to female was 1.18 and young to female was 2.18. Twelve species (8 species of wild and 4 species of domestic livestock) were identified in the 120 snow leopard scats examined. In average, snow leopard predated most frequently on Himalayan tahr and it was detected in 26.5% relative frequency of occurrence while occurred in 36.66% of all scats, then it was followed by musk deer (19.87%), yak (12.65%), cow (12.04%), dog (10.24%), unidentified mammal (3.61%), woolly hare (3.01%), rat sp. (2.4%), unidentified bird sp. (1.8%), pika (1.2%), and shrew (0.6%) (Table 5.8 ). Wild species were present in 58.99% of scats whereas domestic livestock with dog were present in 40.95% of scats. Snow leopard predated most frequently on wildlife species in three seasons; spring (61.62%), autumn (61.11%) and winter (65.51%), and most frequently on domestic species including dog in summer season (54.54%). In term of relative biomass consumed, in average, Himalayan tahr was the most important prey species contributed 26.27% of the biomass consumed. This was followed by yak (22.13%), cow (21.06%), musk deer (11.32%), horse (10.53%), wooly hare (1.09%), rat (0.29%), pika (0.14%) and shrew (0.07%). In average, domestic livestock including dog were contributed more biomass in the diet of snow leopard comprising 60.8% of the biomass consumed whilst the wild life species comprising 39.19%. The annual prey consumption by a snow leopard (based on 2 kg/day) was estimated to be three Himalayan tahr, seven musk deer, five wooly hare, four rat sp., two pika, one shrew and four livestock. In the present study, the highest frequency of attack was found during April to June and lowest to July to November. The day of rainy and cloudy was the more vulnerable to livestock depredation. Snow leopard attacks occurred were the highest at near escape cover such as shrub land and cliff. Both predation pressure on tahr and that on livestock suggest that the development of effective conservation strategies for two threatened species (predator and prey) depends on resolving conflicts between people and predators. Recently, direct control of free – ranging livestock, good husbandry and compensation to shepherds may reduce snow leopard – human conflict. In long term solution, the reintroduction of blue sheep at the higher altitudes could also “buffer” predation on livestock.
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Notes Project funded by Snow Leopard Network's Snow Leopard Conservation Grant Program. Forum of Natural Resource Managers, Nepal. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1076 Serial 887
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Author Gurung, Gand T.K.
Title Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) and Human Interaction in Phoo Village in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal Type Miscellaneous
Year 2004 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords phoo; annapurna conservation area; Nepal; livestock; human interaction; conflict management; yaks; goats; sheep; horse; corral; 5280
Abstract (down) Phoo village in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in Nepal is located at 4,052 m als physically

in the central north of the country. Livestock keeping is the main activity of the people for making a

living amidst a conflict with snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Each year snow leopard kills a number of

livestock resulting significant economic losses for the poor people living in this remote area. Unless

the people – snow leopard conflict is well understood and appropriate conflict management activities

are implemented, the long run co-existence between people and snow leopard – especially the

existence of snow leopard in this part of the world -will be in question. This has now become an

utmost important as the aspiration of the people for economic development has risen significantly and

the area has been opened to tourism since spring 2002. In addition to this, the globalisation process has

directly and indirectly affected the traditional resource management practices and co-existence

strategies of many traditional societies including Phoo.

The livestock depredation for 3 years (2001 – 2004) by snow leopard was studied by interviewing the

herders to understand the responsible and specific bio-physical and socio-economic factors. The study

revealed that goats are most depredated species followed by sheep. Winter months (January – April)

and winter pastures are most vulnerable to snow leopard predation. Presence of bushes, forest and

boulders make good hides for snow leopard resulting into high depredation. The study also showed

that a lax animal guarding system was significantly responsible for high livestock depredation by snow

leopard.

The study showed that improvement in livestock guarding system should be adopted as the most

important activity. However despite the importance of livestock in the economy of Phoo it is still not

well understood why the herders neglect for proper livestock guarding. This requires further study.

Proper guarding system is required especially in winter season in winter pastures. It is also suggested

that there should be changes in the composition of livestock species by promoting more yaks and

discouraging or minimising goats. Yaks and large animals are less depredated and small animals like

goats and sheep are highly depredated by snow leopard. A trend was also observed in Phoo village

where there is an increase in the number of yaks and a decrease in the number of goats over last few

years. This could be a management response of the herders to livestock depredation. Other protective

measures of the livestock at the corrals have also been recommended including promotion of guard

dogs and other measures.

Since the area is opened for tourism, it is suggested that the tourism opportunity for the economic

development of the area should be grasped so that the heavy dependence on livestock raising would be

minimised. This will help minimise the number of human – snow leopard conflicts.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 513 Serial 363
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Author Mishra, C.; Allen, P.; McCarthy, T.; Madhusudan, M.D.; Agvaantserengiin, B.; Prins H.
Title The role of incentive programs in conserving the snow leopard Type Miscellaneous
Year 2003 Publication Conservation Biology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue Pages 1512-1520
Keywords Central Asia; community; conservation; herder; incentive program; India; livestock; Mongolia; pastoralists; poaching; retaliatory killing; snow leopard; Uncia uncia
Abstract (down) Pastoralists and their livestock share much of the habitat of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia) across south and central Asia. The levels of livestock predation by the snow leopard and other carnivores are high, and retaliatory killing by the herders is a direct threat to carnivore populations. Depletion of wild prey by poaching and competition from livestock also poses an indirect threat to the region's carnivores. Conservationists working in these underdeveloped areas that face serious economic damage from livestock losses have turned to incentive programs to motivate local communities to protect carnivores. We describe a pilot incentive program in India that aims to offset losses due to livestock predation and to enhance wild prey density by creating livestock-free areas on common land. We also describe how income generation from handicrafts in Mongolia is helping curtail poaching and retaliatory killing of snow leopards. However, initiatives to offset the costs of living with carnivores and to make conservation beneficial to affected people have thus far been small, isolated, and heavily subsidized. Making these initiatives more comprehensive, expanding their coverage, and internalizing their costs are future challenged for the conservation of large carnivores such as the snow leopard.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 904 Serial 693
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Author Prakash, I.
Title Asian predators of livestock Type Journal Article
Year 1985 Publication Parasites, pests and predators.World animal science Abbreviated Journal
Volume B2 Issue Pages 405-410
Keywords predators; asia; snow-leopard; livestock; status; prey; Panthera-uncia; distribution; predator; snow leopard; browse; panthera uncia; panthera; uncia; 870
Abstract (down) Outlines the distribution, status and predatory behaviour on livestock of Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis, gharial Gavialis gangeticus and several species of Crocodylus and Python; and of wolf Canis lupus, Asiatic jackal C. aureus, dhole (Indian wild dog) Cuon alpinus, brown bear Ursus arctos, Asiatic black bear Selenarctos thibetanus, striped hyaena Hyaena hyaena, clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, leopard (panther) Panthera pardus, tiger P. tigris, lion P. leo, snow leopard P. uncia, other Felidae and Viverridae. -P.J.Jarvis
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Notes ED: Gaafar,-S.M.; et-al. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 84 Serial 791
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Author Jackson, R.; Fox, J.L.
Title Report on Fifth Slims Training Workshop (Nepal) Type Miscellaneous
Year 2000 Publication Snow Line Abbreviated Journal
Volume xvii Issue Pages 6-15
Keywords Slims; Nepal; training; techniques; Gps; field-work; surveys; Tibet; habitat; China; hunting; poaching; livestock; population; Shey-Phoksundo; parks; protected-area; reserves; annapurna; Dhorpatan; Manaslu; Sagarmatha; Langtang; Islt; Wwf; Hmg; Dnpwc; browse; 4460
Abstract (down) Nepal's snow leopards (Uncia uncia) are mostly found along the northern border with Tibet (China). The largest populations are in Dolpa, Mugu, Manang, and Myagdi Districts. Potential habitat totals about 30,000 square kilometers. Numbers are estimated at 300-500, but surveys are urgently needed to confirm this rough guess. Like elsewhere, the primary threats center on poaching, depletion of natural prey, livestock depredation and resultant retributive killing of snow leopards by herders, and the lack of public awareness and support for conserving snow leoaprds, especially among local herders.
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Publisher International Snow Leopard Trust Place of Publication Seattle Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 434 Serial 466
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Author Suryawanshi, K.R.; Bhatnagar, Y.; Mishra, C.
Title Why should a grazer browse? Livestock impact on winter resource use by bharal Pseudois nayaur Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication Oecologia Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords browse; livestock; impact; winter; resource; use; bharal; Pseudois; pseudois nayaur; Pseudois-nayaur; nayaur; diet; variation; diets; conservation; Media; study; decline; areas; area; grazing; Pressure; plants; plant; sign; feeding; location; population; structure; populations; using; young; Female; times; High; Competition; species; predators; predator; endangered; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; trans-himalaya; transhimalaya
Abstract (down) Many mammalian herbivores show a temporal diet variation between graminoid-dominated and browse dominated diets. We determined the causes of such a diet shift and its implications for conservation of a medium sized ungulate-the bharal Pseudois nayaur. Past studies show that the bharal diet is dominated by graminoids (>80%) during summer, but the contribution of graminoids declines to about 50% in winter. We tested the predictions generated by two alternative hypotheses explaining the decline: low graminoid availability during winter causes bharal to include browse in their diet; bharal include browse, with relatively higher nutritional quality, in their diet to compensate for the poor quality of graminoids during winter. We measured winter graminoid availability in areas with no livestock grazing, areas with relatively moderate livestock grazing, and those with intense livestock grazing pressures. The chemical composition of plants contributing to the bharal diet was analysed. The bharal diet was quantiWed through signs of feeding on vegetation at feeding locations. Population structures of bharal populations were recorded using a total count method. Graminoid availability was highest in areas without livestock grazing, followed by areas with moderate and intense livestock grazing. The bharal diet was dominated by graminoids (73%) in areas with highest graminoid availability. Graminoid contribution to the bharal diet declined monotonically (50, 36%) with a decline in graminoid availability. Bharal young to female ratio was 3 times higher in areas with high graminoid availability than areas with low graminoid availability. The composition of the bharal winter diet was governed predominantly by the availability of graminoids in the rangelands. Our results suggest that bharal include more browse in their diet during winter due to competition from livestock for graminoids. Since livestock grazing reduces graminoid availability, creation of livestock-free areas is necessary for the conservation of grazing species such as the bharal and its predators including the endangered snow leopard in the Trans-Himalaya.
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Publisher Springer-Verlag Place of Publication Online Editor
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Notes This study was made possible by a grant from the Snow Leopard Network. Additional support was given by the Wildlife Conservation Society-India Program and Nature Conservation Foundation, the Whitley Fund for Nature, the Ford Foundation, and the Nadathur Conservation Trust. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1062 Serial 951
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Author Khan, A.
Title Snow Leopard Occurrence in Mankial Valley, Swat: Final report Type Report
Year 2004 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-17
Keywords snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; valley; Report; project; International; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; trust; program; ecosystem; habitat; species; plants; plant; Animals; Animal; birds; research; action; study; survey; Support; Islt; community; Organization; surveys; winter; information; local; sign; pugmarks; feces; scrapes; scrape; prey; prey species; prey-species; recent; population; markhor; hunting; Culture; Pressure; areas; area; feeding; livestock; burning; decline
Abstract (down) Mankial is a sub-valley of the Swat Kohistan. Temperate ecosystem of the valley is intact to a greater extent, which provides habitat to a variety of species of plants, animals and birds. Snow leopard is reported from the valley. To confirm its occurrence, the HUJRA (Holistic Understanding for Justified Research and Action), conducted the study titled “Snow Leopard Survey in Mankial Valley, district Swat, NWFP”. The author provided technical support, while ISLT (The International Snow Leopard Trust) funded the project under its small grants program. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the Mankial Community Organization (MCO) facilitated surveys under the project. Surveys revealed that Snow leopard visits parts of the Mankial valley in winter months. Information from the local community shows that Snow leopard remains in the Serai (an off-shoot of the Mankial Valley) from early winter to early spring. Intensive surveys of the prime snow leopard winter habitat in the valley found several snow leopard signs including pugmarks, feces, and scrapes. The study also found occurrence of prey species through indirect evidence though. However, information from the local community confirmed that in the recent past there was a good population of markhor in the valley, which is now reduced to less than 50, mostly due to hunting and habitat disturbance. Hunting is part of the local culture and lifestyle. During winter months hunting pressure is low, as most of the local community migrates to warmer plain areas than Mankial Valley. However, those who live in the area lop oak branches for feeding their livestock and cut trees for burning, in addition to hunting prey species of snow leopard. This has resulted in stunted oak vegetation in most of the lower reaches of the valley and decline of the markhor population.
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Notes Project funded by International Snow Leopard Trust Small Grants Program, 2003. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1069 Serial 530
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Author Salvatori, M., Oberosler, V., Augugliaro, C., Krofel, M., Rovero, F.
Title Effects of free-ranging livestock on occurrence and interspecific interactions of a mammalian community Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Ecological-Applications. Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue e2644 Pages 1-13
Keywords activity pattern, community occupancy, grassland, interspecific interactions, livestock encroachment, snow leopard
Abstract (down) Mammalian communities inhabiting temperate grasslands are of conservation concern globally, especially in Central Asia, where livestock numbers have dramatically increased in recent decades, leading to overgrazing and land-use change. Yet, how this pervasive presence of livestock herds affects the community of wild mammals remains largely unstudied. We used systematic camera trapping at 216 sites across remote, mountainous areas of the Mongolian Altai Mountains to assess the spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence and the interspecific relationships within a mammalian community that includes different categories of livestock. By adopting a recently proposed multispecies occupancy model that incorporates interspecific correlation in occupancy, we found several statistically strong correlations in occupancy among species pairs, with the majority involving livestock. The sign of such associations was markedly species-dependent, with larger wild species of conservation concern, namely, snow leopard and Siberian ibex, avoiding livestock presence. As predicted, we found evidence of a positive correlation in occupancy between predators and their respective main prey. Contrary to our expectations, a number of intraguild species pairs also showed positive co-occurrence, with no evidence of spatiotemporal niche partitioning. Overall, our study suggests that livestock encroaching into protected areas influences the whole local community of wild mammals. Though pastoralism has coexisted with wildlife for millennia in central Asian grasslands, our findings suggest that policies and practices to decrease the pressure of livestock husbandry on wildlife are needed, with special attention on large species, such as the snow leopard and its wild prey, which seem to be particularly sensitive to this pervasive livestock presence.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1690
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Author OGara, B.W.
Title Snow Leopards and Sport Hunting in The Mongolian Peoples Republic Type Conference Article
Year 1988 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 215-225
Keywords Mongolia; gobi; Altai; ibex; argali; hunting; conservation; predator; prey; livestock; herder; herders; browse; 1790
Abstract (down) Logging, overgrazing, cultivating steep slopes and overhunting are endangering wildlife, especially big game, in many areas I am familiar with in China Nepal and Pakistan. Attempted solutions have included the formation of parks and closing hunting seasons. But, without hunting seasons in poor countries, little money is available to enforce gamelaws except in the parks.
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Publisher International Snow Leopared Trust Place of Publication India Editor H.Freeman
Language Summary Language Original Title
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Notes Full Text at URLTitle, Monographic: Fifth International Snow Leopard SymposiumPlace of Meeting: Srinagar, IndiaDate of Copyright: 1988 Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 123 Serial 736
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Author Namgail, T.; Fox, J.; Bhatnagar, Y.
Title Habitat shift and time budget of the Tibetan argali: the influence of livestock grazing Type Miscellaneous
Year 2007 Publication Ecological Resources Abbreviated Journal
Volume 22 Issue Pages 25-31
Keywords habitat shift; livestock; Tibetan argali; Time budget; trans-himalaya
Abstract (down) Livestock production is the primary source of livelihood and income in most of the high steppe and alpine regions of the Indian Trans-Himalaya. In some areas, especially those established or proposed for biodiversity conservation, recent increases in populations of domestic livestock, primarily sheep and goats, have raised concern about domestic animals competitively excluding wild herbivores from the rangelands. We

evaluated the influence of domestic sheep and goat grazing on the habitat use and time budget of the endangered Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni in the proposed Gya-Miru Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh, India. We asked if the domestic sheep and goat grazing and collateral human activities relegate the argali to suboptimal habitats, and alter their foraging time budgets. Data were collected on habitat use and time budget of a population of c. 50 argalis before and after c. 2,000 sheep and goats moved onto their winter pasture in the Tsabra catchment of the aforementioned reserve. Following the introduction of domestic sheep and goats, argalis continued to use the same catchment but shifted to steeper habitats, closer to cliffs, with lower vegetation cover, thus abandoning previously used plant communities with denser cover. Argalis' active time spent foraging also decreased by 10% in response to the presence of livestock. These results suggest a clear disturbance effect of livestock on argalis, and indicate a potential for competition, conceivably a significant disadvantage for argalis in winter when forage availability is minimal.
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 926 Serial 713
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Author Namgail, T.
Title Interactions between argali and livestock, Gya-Miru Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh, India, Final Project Report Type Report
Year 2004 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-39
Keywords Interactions; interaction; argali; livestock; Gya-Miru; wildlife; sanctuary; sanctuaries; Ladakh; India; project; Report; land-use; land use; region; indian; trans-himalaya; transhimalaya; economy; Animal; products; meat; diet; people; wool; goats; goat; International; High; recent; change; population; grazing; Pressure; pasture; impact; 2000; knowledge; primary; Chundawat; wild; area; Support; ungulate; species; fox; nature; domestic; sheep; habitat; habitat use; use; tibetan; Tibetan argali; ovis; Ovis ammon hodgsoni; ammon; reserve; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; trust; program
Abstract (down) Livestock production is the major land-use in Ladakh region of the Indian Trans-Himalaya, and is a crucial sector that drives the region's economy (Anon, 2002). Animal products like meat and milk provide protein to the diet of people, while products like wool and pashmina (soft fibre of goats) find their way to the international market. Such high utility of livestock and the recent socio-economic changes in the region have caused an increase in livestock population (Rawat and Adhikari, 2002; Anon. 2002), which, if continue apace, may increase grazing pressure and deteriorate pasture conditions. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess the impact of such escalation in livestock population on the regions wildlife. Although, competitive interaction between wildlife and livestock has been studied elsewhere in the Trans-Himalaya (Bhatnagar et al., 2000; Mishra, 2001; Bagchi et al., 2002), knowledge on this aspect in the Ladakh region is very rudimentary. The rangelands of Ladakh are characterised by low primary productivity (Chundawat & Rawat, 1994), and the wild herbivores are likely to compete with the burgeoning livestock on these impoverished rangelands (Mishra et al., 2002). Thus, given that the area supports a diverse wild ungulate assemblage of eight species (Fox et al., 1991b), and an increasing livestock population (Rawat and Adhikari, 2002), the nature of interaction between wildlife and livestock needs to be assessed. During this project, we primarily evaluated the influence of domestic sheep and goat grazing on the habitat use of Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni in a prospective wildlife reserve in Ladakh.
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Notes Project funded by International Snow Leopard Trust Small Grants Program, 2003. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1073 Serial 711
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Author Mishra, C.; Bagchi, S.
Title Living with large carnivores: predation on livestock by the snow leopard (Uncia uncia) Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-8
Keywords large; carnivores; carnivore; predation; livestock; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; uncia
Abstract (down) Livestock predation by large carnivores and their retaliatory persecution by pastoralists are worldwide conservation concerns. Poor understanding of the ecological and social underpinnings of this human-wildlife conflict hampers effective conflict management programs. The endangered snow leopard Uncia uncia is involved in conflict with people across its mountainous range in South and Central Asia, where pastoralism is the predominant land use, and is widely persecuted in retaliation. We examined human-snow leopard conflict at two sites in the Spiti region of the Indian Trans-Himalaya, where livestock outnumber wild ungulates, and the conflict is acute. We quantified the snow leopard's dependence on livestock by assessing its diet in two sites that differed in the relative abundance of livestock and wild ungulates. We also surveyed the indigenous Buddhist community's attitudes towards the snow leopard in these two sites. Our results show a relatively high dependence of snow leopards on livestock. A higher proportion of the snow leopard's diet (58%) was livestock in the area with higher livestock (29.7 animals km^2) and lower wild ungulate abundance (2.1-3.1 bharal Pseudois nayaurkm^2), compared with 40% of diet in the area with relatively lower livestock (13.9km^2) and higher wild ungulate abundance (4.5-7.8 ibex Capra ibexkm^2). We found that the community experiencing greater levels of livestock losses was comparatively more tolerant towards the snow leopard. This discrepancy is explained by the presence of a conservation-incentive program at the site, and by differences in economic roles of livestock between these two communities. The former is more dependent on cash crops as a source of income while the latter is more dependent on livestock, and thereby less tolerant of the snow leopard. These data have implications for conflict management strategies. They indicate that the relative densities of livestock and wild prey may be reasonable predictors of the extent of predation by the snow leopard. However, this by itself is not an adequate measure of the intensity of conflict even in apparently similar cultural settings.
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 862 Serial 696
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Author Maheshwari, A., Sathyakumar, S.
Title Patterns of Livestock Depredation and Large Carnivore Conservation Implications in the Indian Trans-Himalaya Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Journal of Arid Environments Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-5
Keywords Large carnivores Livestock depredation Participatory approach Snow leopard Kargil Himalaya
Abstract (down) Livestock is one of the major sources of livelihood for the

agro-pastoral communities in central and south Asia. Livestock

depredation by large carnivores is a wide-ranging issue that leads to

economic losses and a deviance from co-existence. We investigated the

grass root factors causing livestock depredation in Kargil, Ladakh and

tested the findings of diet analysis in validating reported livestock

depredation. Globally vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and more

common wolf (Canis lupus) were the two main wild predators. A total of

1113 heads of livestock were reportedly killed by wolf (43.6%) followed

by unknown predators (31.4%) and snow leopard (21.5%) in the study site

from 2009 to 2012, which comes to 2.8% annual livestock losses. Scat

analysis also revealed a significant amount of livestock in the diet of

snow leopard (47%) and wolf (51%). Poor livestock husbandry practices

and traditional livestock corrals were found to be the major drivers

contributing in the livestock depredation. Based on the research

findings, we worked with the local communities to sensitize them about

wildlife conservation and extended limited support for predator proof

livestock corrals at a small scale. Eventually it helped in reducing

conflict level and conserving the globally threatened carnivores. We

conclude that a participatory approach has been successful to generate

an example in reducing large carnivore-human conflict in the west

Himalaya.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 1609
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Author Jackson, R.
Title Snow Leopards, Local People and Livestock Losses: Finding solutions using Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action (APPA) in the Markha Valley of Hemis National Park, Ladakh, October 6-26, 1999 Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication Cat News Abbreviated Journal
Volume 31 Issue Autumn Pages 22-23
Keywords snow; snow leopards; snow leopard; snow-leopards; snow-leopard; leopards; leopard; local; local people; people; livestock; loss; using; participatory; planning; action; valley; Hemis; national; national park; National-park; park; Ladakh
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation is emerging as a significant issue across the Himalaya, including the Hemis National Park (HNP) in Ladakh. Some consider that this protected area harbors the best snow leopard population in India, but local herders perceive the endangered snow leopard as a serious threat to their livelihood.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1018 Serial 463
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Author Jackson, R.; Wangchuk, R.; Hillard, D.
Title Grassroots Measures to Protect the Endangered Snow Leopard from Herder Retribution: Lessons Learned from Predator-Proofing Corrals in Ladahh Type Conference Article
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords snow; leopard; livestock; depredation; herder; conflict; Ladakh; predator; protection; predation; protected; uncia; 4960
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation is an increasingly contentious issue across the range of the

endangered snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Depredation is most severe in or near protected areas

offering core habitat for this cat. “Surplus killing,” in which as many as 100 sheep and goats have

been killed in a single night, inevitably results in attempts at retaliatory killing of predators by

herders suffering significant loss. Ironically, such predation by snow leopard, wolf, or lynx can be

avoided by adequately predator-proofing nighttime enclosures. Predation on the open range is far

more difficult to address, but may be reduced to acceptable levels through improved day-time

guarding of livestock, educating herders on the importance of protecting the predator's natural prey

base, and by providing economic incentives to help offset unavoidable loss.

This paper describes community-based initiatives being undertaken in India's Hemis National Park

aimed at predator-proofing livestock corrals and encouraging local herders to become more effective

stewards of the snow leopard, its prey and habitat. A highly participatory, 4-step process known as

Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action (APPA) provides the primary mechanism for

assisting communities to develop Action Plans to reduce livestock depredation losses, increase

household incomes, and strengthen environmental stewardship. Herders are informed about the

Snow Leopard Stewardship program and conditions for a successful outcome. The team, comprised

of local people, NGO staff, facilitators and government officials, first identifies the root causes for

depredation (Discovery). Under the next phase, Dreaming, participants envision how their village

might appear if depredation losses were reduced to acceptable levels, household incomes increased,

and snow leopards fully protected. This provides a good basis upon which to collaboratively devise

actions for addressing the community's concerns (Design). Delivery involves implementing actions

under the overall Action Plan, as well as specific measures that can be acted upon immediately. The

community is encouraged to use simple but realistic indicators for monitoring the project's

effectiveness.

In Lessons Learned to Date, we highlight the importance of providing meaningful community

involvement from inception through project implementation and monitoring. The use of APPA

greatly increases ownership, communal empowerment and self-reliance, and local people's

willingness to protect wildlife. The Snow Leopard Conservancy believes that the most effective

conservation actions will be contingent upon (1) establishing direct linkages with biodiversity

protection; (2) ensuring reciprocal co-financing and commensurate responsibility from the

community; (3) encouraging full participation from all stakeholders irrespective of their gender, age

or economic status; and (4) ensuring regular monitoring and evaluation under an agreed-to Action

Plan that sets forth the responsibilities, contributions and obligations of each partner.
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Notes Title, Monographic: Proceedings of the Snow Leopard Survival SummitPlace of Meeting: Seattle,WA Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 482 Serial 468
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Author Tallian, A., Mattisson, J., Samelius, G., Odden, J., Mishra, C., Linnell, J. D. C., Lkhagvajav, P., Johansson, O.
Title Wild versus domestic prey: Variation in the kill-site behavior of two large felids Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Global Ecology and Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 47 Issue e026750 Pages 1-13
Keywords Eurasian lynx, Handling time, Landscape, Livestock, Predation, Snow leopard
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation is an important source of conflict for many terrestrial large carnivore

species. Understanding the foraging behavior of large carnivores on domestic prey is therefore

important for both mitigating conflict and conserving threatened carnivore populations. Handling

time is an important, albeit often overlooked, component of predatory behavior, as it directly

influences access to food biomass, which can affect predator foraging efficiency and subsequent

kill rates. We used long-term data on snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Mongolia (Asia) and

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Norway (Europe) to examine how large carnivore foraging patterns

varied between domestic and wild prey, and how the different landscape characteristics affected

those patterns. Our results suggest handling time was generally shorter for domestic compared to

wild prey. For snow leopards, rugged terrain was linked to increased handling time for larger

prey. For lynx, handling time increased with terrain ruggedness for domestic, but not wild, prey,

and was greater in closed compared to open habitats. There were also other differences in snow

leopard and lynx foraging behavior, e.g., snow leopards also stayed longer at, and remained closer

to, their kill sites than lynx. Shorter handling time suggests that felids may have utilized domestic

prey less effectively than wild prey, i.e., they spent less time consuming their prey. This could a)

result in an energetic or fitness cost related to decreased felid foraging efficiency caused by the

risk of anthropogenic disturbance, or b) exacerbate conflict if reduced handling time associated

with easy prey results in increased livestock depredation.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1737
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Author Mishra, C.
Title Livestock depredation by large carnivores in the Indian trans-Himalaya: Conflict perceptions and conservation prospects Type Journal Article
Year 1997 Publication Environmental Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 24 Issue 4 Pages 338-343
Keywords canis lupis; carnivore; conflict; human-wildlife conflict; India; livestock; livestock depredation; snow leopard; trans-himalaya; Uncia uncia; wolf
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation by the snow leopard, Uncia uncia, and the wolf, Canis lupus, has resulted in a human-wildlife conflict that hinders the conservation of these globally-threatened species throughout their range. This paper analyses the alleged economic loss due to livestock depredation by these carnivores, and the retaliatory responses of an agro-pastoral community around Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in the Indian trans-Himalaya. The three villages studied (80 households) attributed a total of 189 livestock deaths (18% of the livestock holding) over a period of 18 months to wild predators, and this would amount to a loss per household equivalent to half the average annual per capita income. The financial compensation received by the villagers from the Government amounted to 3% of the perceived annual loss. Recent intensification of the conflict seems related to a 37.7% increase in livestock holding in the last decade. Villagers have been killing the wolf, though apparently not the snow leopard. A self-financed compensation scheme, and modification of existing livestock pens are suggested as area-specific short-term measures to reduce the conflict. The need to address the problem of increasing livestock holding in the long run is emphasized.
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Notes Document Type: English Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 333 Serial 689
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Author Wangchuk, R.; Jackson, R.
Title A Community-based Approach to Mitigating Livestock-Wildlife Conflict in Ladakh, India Type Report
Year 2009 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords community-based; approach; conflict; Ladakh; India; livestock; livestock depredation; livestock-depredation; depredation; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; wolf; wolves; Himalayan; region; Jackson; kibber; Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary; wildlife; sanctuary; sanctuaries; loss; us; villagers; predation; establishment; surveys; survey; number; change; Animal; animal-husbandry; husbandry; system; 2000
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation by snow leopard and wolf is widespread across the Himalayan region (Jackson et al. 1996, Jackson and Wangchuk 2001; Mishra 1997, Oli et al 1994). For example, in India's Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Mishra (1997) reported losses amounting to 18% of the livestock holdings and valued at about US $138 per household. The villagers claimed predation rates increased after establishment of the sanctuary, but

surveys indicated a dramatic increase in livestock numbers accompanying changes in animal husbandry systems (Mishra 2000).
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Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1014 Serial 1005
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Author Pahuja, M., Sharma, R. K.
Title Wild Predators, Livestock, and Free Ranging Dogs: Patterns of Livestock Mortality and Attitudes of People Toward Predators in an Urbanizing Trans-Himalayan Landscape Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Frontiers in Conservation Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 109 Pages 1-13
Keywords Canis lupus, human-wildlife relationships, human-wildlife conflict (HWC), livestock depredation, multiple use landscapes, Panthera uncia, pastoralism, urban wildlife
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation by large carnivores is a significant source of conflicts over predators and an important conservation and economic concern. Preventing livestock loss to wild predators is a substantial focus of human-carnivore conflict mitigation programs. A key assumption of the preventive strategy is reduction in the livestock losses leading to a positive shift in the attitudes toward predators. Therefore, it is important to quantify the true extent of livestock mortality caused by wild predators and its influence on attitudes of the affected communities. We examined seasonal and spatial patterns of livestock mortality and factors influencing people’s attitudes toward wild predators i.e., snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and wolves (Canis lupus chanco) and free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in a Trans-Himalayan urbanizing landscape in India. We used systematic sampling to select the survey households and implemented a semi- structured questionnaire to respondents. The sampled villages (n = 16) represent a mosaic of urban and agricultural ecosystems within a radius of 40 km of Leh town. In 2016–2017, 93% of the sampled households lost livestock to predators, accounting for 0.93 animals per household per year. However, of the total events of livestock mortality, 33% were because of weather/natural events, 24% by snow leopards, 20% because of disease, 15% because of free-ranging dogs and 9% because of wolves. The annual economic loss per household because of livestock mortality was USD 371, a substantial loss given the average per capita income of USD 270 in the region. Of the total loss, weather/natural events caused highest loss of USD 131 (35%), followed by snow leopards USD 91 (25%), disease USD 87 (24%), free ranging dogs USD 48 (13%), and wolves USD 14 (4%). Despite losing a considerable proportion of livestock (33 %) to wild predators, respondents showed a positive attitude toward them but exhibited neutral attitudes toward free-ranging dogs. Gender emerged as the most important determinant of attitudes toward wild predators, with men showing higher positive attitude score toward wild predators than women. Our findings highlight the context specific variation in human-wildlife interactions and emphasize that generalizations must be avoided in the absence of site specific evidence.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1667
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Author Samelius, G., Suryawanshi, K., Frank, J., Agvaantseren, B., Baasandamba, E., Mijiddorj, T., Johansson, O., Tumursukh, L., Mishra, C.
Title Keeping predators out: testing fences to reduce livestock depredation at night-time corrals Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-7
Keywords Canis lupus, carnivore conservation, coexistence, conflict mitigation, conservation conflict, livestock depreda- tion, Panthera uncia, preventative measure
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation by large carnivores is a global conservation challenge, and mitigation measures to reduce livestock losses are crucial for the coexistence of large carnivores and people. Various measures are employed to reduce livestock depredation but their effectiveness has rarely been tested. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of tall fences to reduce livestock losses to snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus at night-time corrals at the winter camps of livestock herders in the Tost Mountains in southern Mongolia. Self-reported livestock losses at the fenced corrals were reduced from a mean loss of 3.9 goats and sheep per family and winter prior to the study to zero losses in the two winters of the study. In contrast, self-reported livestock losses in winter pastures, and during the rest of the year, when herders used different camps, remained high, which indicates that livestock losses were reduced because of the fences, not because of temporal variation in predation pressure. Herder attitudes towards snow leopards were positive and remained positive during the study, whereas attitudes towards wolves, which attacked livestock also in summer when herders moved out on the steppes, were negative and worsened during the study. This study showed that tall fences can be very effective at reducing night-time losses at corrals and we conclude that fences can be an important tool for snow leopard conservation and for facilitating the coexistence of snow leopards and people.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1492
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Author Tiwari, M. P., Devkota, B. P., Jackson, R. M., Chhetri, B. B. K., Bagale, S.
Title What Factors Predispose Households in Trans-Himalaya (Central Nepal) to Livestock Predation by Snow Leopards? Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Animals Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue 2187 Pages 1-14
Keywords human-snow leopard conflict; livestock predation; Narphu valley; trans-Himalaya
Abstract (down) Livestock depredation across the trans-Himalaya causes

significant economic losses to pastoralist communities. Quantification

of livestock predation and the assessment of variables associated with

depredation are crucial for designing effective long-term mitigation

measures. We investigated the patterns and factors of livestock

depredation by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) using semi-structured

questionnaires targeting herders in the Narphu valley of the Annapurna

Conservation Area, Nepal. During the two years (2017/18 and 2018/19),

73.9% of the households interviewed (n = 65) lost livestock to snow

leopards, with an annual average loss of two livestock per household. Of

the total depredation attributed to snow leopards, 55.4% were yak

(mainly female: 79%), 31.7% goat, 6.8% sheep, 3.2% horse and 2.8%

cattle. Results from applying Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs)

revealed the total number of livestock owned and the number of larger

bodied livestock species as the main explanatory covariates explaining

livestock depredation. Forty-one (41%) of all herders considered snow

leopard’s preference for domestic livestock as the main factor in

livestock predation, whereas only 5% perceived poor herding practice as

the main reason for the loss. Our study found poor and changing herding

practices in the valley, whereby 71% herders reported careful herding as

a solution to snow leopard depredation, and 15% of herders considered

the complete extermination of snow leopards as the best solution to the

problem. Tolerance levels and awareness among herders towards snow

leopard conservation is increasing, mainly due to the Buddhist religion

and strict law enforcement within this protected area. We recommend the

effective implementation of a community-based livestock insurance scheme

to compensate the economic loss of herders due to predation and improved

herding practices as the recommended mitigation measures for ensuring

livestock security and snow leopards’ conservation in the valley.
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Call Number Serial 1624
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Author Sharma, R. K., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Mishra, C.
Title Does livestock benefit or harm snow leopards? Type Journal Article
Year 201 Publication Biological Conservatio Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 190 Pages 8-13
Keywords Panthera uncia, Trans-Himalaya, Pastoralism, Large carnivores, Livestock grazing, Co-existence
Abstract (down) Large carnivores commonly prey on livestock when their ranges overlap. Pastoralism is the dominant land use type across the distributional range of the endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia. Snow leop- ards are often killed in retaliation against livestock depredation. Whether livestock, by forming an alter- native prey, could potentially benefit snow leopards, or, whether livestock use of an area is detrimental to snow leopards is poorly understood. We examined snow leopard habitat use in a multiple use landscape that was comprised of sites varying in livestock abundance, wild prey abundance and human population size. We photographically sampled ten sites (average size 70 sq. km) using ten camera traps in each site, deployed for a period of 60 days. Snow leopard habitat use was computed as a Relative Use Index based on the total independent photographic captures and the number of snow leopard individuals captured at each site. We quantified livestock abundance, wild prey abundance, human population size and terrain ruggedness in each of the sites. Key variables influencing snow leopard habitat use were identified using Information Theory based model selection approach. Snow leopard habitat use was best explained by wild prey density, and showed a positive linear relationship with the abundance of wild ungulates. We found a hump-shaped relationship between snow leopard habitat use and livestock stocking density, with an initial increase in habitat use followed by a decline beyond a threshold of livestock density. Our results suggest that in the absence of direct persecution of snow leopards, livestock grazing and snow leopard habitat use are potentially compatible up to a certain threshold of livestock density, beyond which habitat use declines, presumably due to depressed wild ungulate abundance and associated anthropogenic disturbance.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1426
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Author The Snow Leopard Conservancy
Title A Learning Tour of the CBN (Corbett, Nainital and Binsar) Eco-tourism Initiative Sites by Villagers from Hemis National Park and the Surrounding Area (18-28th November 2002) Type Report
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume SLC Field Document Series No 5 Issue Pages
Keywords Ladakh; Himalayas; Himalaya; Karakoram; mountains; mountain; landscape; tourists; trans-himalayan; transhimalayan; biodiversity; home; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; tourism; number; ecotourism; 80; conservation; traditional; local; community; Culture; income; people; leh; travel; rural; Snow Leopard Conservancy; ecotourism activities; ecotourism-activities; activities; activity; Hemis; national; national park; National-park; park; livelihood; loss; livestock; Animals; Animal; local people; NGO's; eco-tourism; villagers; area
Abstract (down) Ladakh lies between the Great Himalayas and the formidable Karakoram mountains.

Its unique landscape and rich cultural heritage have been a great attraction to tourists all over

the world. Apart from its uniqueness it has a rich Trans-Himalayan bio-diversity and is home

to the rare and elusive snow leopard. It opened to tourism in 1974 with a handful of tourists

and has gone up to the present number of about 18,000 visitors annually. Ecotourism started in Ladakh in mid 80s in the form of conservation of traditional

architecture when local communities realized the importance of their rich culture and

traditions being valued by the visiting tourists. However, while tourism became a major

source of income to people in Leh, most of the benefits stayed with outside (Delhi) based

travel agents thus leaving out the rural masses. During the last three years Snow Leopard Conservancy and The Mountain Institute have been

initiating ecotourism activities with local communities in the Hemis National Park as an

alternate livelihood and an indirect way to compensate losses of livestock from predatory

animals. However, local people while venturing into such new initiatives have tended to be

like blind men that are being led by NGO's so that they do not stumble along their paths.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Leh, Ladakh, India Editor Wangchuk, R.; Dadul, J.
Language Summary Language Original Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1025 Serial 963
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Author Khatiwada, J.R. & Chalise, M.K.
Title Status of snow leopard and conflict perception in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, Eastern Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Nepalese Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages 1-8
Keywords Uncia uncia, Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, livestock depredation, blue sheep
Abstract (down) Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) is situated in the Taplejung district at the north-eastern region of Nepal. Livestock keeping is the main activity of people for making a living amidst a conflict with snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Each year snow leopard kills a number of livestock resulting significant economic losses for the poor people living in this remote area. Unless the people – snow leopard conflicts is well understood and appropriate conflict management activities are implemented, the long run co-existence between people and snow leopard –especially the existence of snow leopard in this part of the world–will be in question. This has now become an utmost important as the aspiration of the people for economic development has risen significantly and the area has been open to tourism. Study was done by counting snow leopard signs walking systematically in total 18 snow leopard sign transects covering 18.01 km in length in three sites, i.e. Lonak, Khambachen and Dudhpokhari of the Conservation Area. The average sign density was 12.63/km. The livestock depredation by snow leopard for one year (2005-06) was studied by interviewing the herders to understand the responsible and specific bio-physical and economic factors. The study revealed that sub-adult yaks were mostly hunted by snow leopard. Cattle's' winter (December-April) pastures are most vulnerable sites for predation. Presence of bushes, forest and boulders and rugged mountain crevices make good hides for snow leopard. The study also showed that a lax animal guarding system was significantly responsible for high livestock depredation by snow leopard. Blue sheep was observed by walking in selected trails and from vantage points. A total of 354 individual sheep of different age and sex of 14 different herds were recorded during the study period. The study showed that improvement in livestock guarding system should be adopted as the most important activity. However despite the importance of livestock in the KCA it is still not well understood why the herders neglect for proper livestock guarding. Proper guarding system required in winter pastures to reduce the depredation pressure.
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
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Notes September Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ Serial 1319
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Author Smith, A.T.; Foggin, M.J.
Title The Plateau Pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a Keystone Species for Biodiversity on the Tibetan Plateau Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue Pages 235-240
Keywords prey; species; pika; Tibet; tibetan plateau; domestic livestock; biodiversity; browse; 90
Abstract (down) It is necessary to look at the big picture when managing biological resources on the QinghaiXizang (Tibetan) plateau. Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) are poisoned widely across the plateau. Putative reasons for these control measures are that pika populations may reach high densities and correspondingly reduce forage for domestic livestock (yak, sheep, horses), and because they may be responsible for habitat degradation. In contrast, we highlight the important role the plateau pika plays as a keystone species in the Tibetan plateau ecosystem. The plateau pika is a keystone species because it: (i) makes burrows that are the primary homes to a wide variety of small birds and lizards; (ii) creates microhabitat disturbance that results in an increase in plant species richness; (iii) serves as the principal prey for nearly all of the plateau's predator species; (iv) contributes positively to ecosystem-level dynamics. The plateau pika should be managed in concert with other uses of the land to ensure preservation of China's native biodiversity, as well as long-term sustainable use of the pastureland by domestic livestock.
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Notes Cambridge University PressCopyright c 1999 The Zoological Society of London Document Type: English Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 357 Serial 902
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