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Author Riordan, P.
Title Unsupervised recognition of individual tigers and snow leopards from their footprints Type Miscellaneous
Year 1998 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 1 Issue Pages 253-262
Keywords captive; panthera tigris; panthera uncia; snow leopard; techniques; tiger
Abstract This study presents the testing of two unsupervised classification methods for their ability to accurately identify unknown individual tigers, Panthera tigris, and snow leopards, Panthera uncia, from their footprints. A neural-network based method, the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM), and a Bayesian method, AutoClass, were assessed using hind footprints taken from captive animals under standardized conditions. AutoClass successfully discriminated individuals of both species from their footprints. Classification accuracy was greatest for tigers, with more misclassification of individuals occurring for snow leopards. Examination of variable influence on class formations failed to identify consistently influential measurements for either species. The self-organizing map did not provide accurate classification of individuals for either species. Results were not substantially improved by altering map dimensions nor by using principal components derived from the original data. The interpretation of resulting classifications and the importance of using such techniques in the study of wild animal populations are discussed. The need for further testing in the field is highlighted.
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 896 Serial 823
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Author Shi, K.; Jun, Z.F.S.; Zhigang, D.; Riordan, P.; MacDonald, D.
Title Reconfirmation of snow leopards in Taxkurgan Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, China Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume 43 Issue 2 Pages 169-170
Keywords administration; Beijing; China; conservation; global; habitat; management; nature; presence; province; range; research; reserve; snow-leopard; snow-leopards; snow leopard; snow leopards; species; uncia; wildlife; Xinjiang
Abstract China may hold a greater proportion of the global snow leopard Panthera uncia population than any other country, with the area of good quality suitable habitat, estimated at nearly 300,000 km2, comprising .50% of that available across the species' entire range. We can now reconfirm the presence of snow leopard in the Taxkurgan area of Xinjiang Province in north-west China after a period of 20 years.
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Publisher Fauna & Flora International Place of Publication United Kingdom Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Notes SHI KUN Institute of Wildlife Conservation and Management, Beijing Forestry University, China ZHU FUDE SHI JUN and DAI ZHIGANG Xinjiang Forestry Administration, China PHILIP RIORDAN and DAVID MACDONALD Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, OX13 5QL, UK. E-mail philip.riordan@zoo.ox.ac.uk Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1056 Serial 884
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Author Atzeni, L., Cushman, S. A., Bai, D., Wang, J., Chen, P., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
Title Meta-replication, sampling bias, and multi-scale model selection: A case study on snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in western China. Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Ecology and Evolution Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-27
Keywords MaxEnt, meta-replication, multi-scale, Panthera uncia, sampling bias, scale selection, snow leopard, species distribution model
Abstract Replicated multiple scale species distribution models (SDMs)

have become increasingly important to identify the correct variables

determining species distribution and their influences on ecological

responses. This study explores multi-scale habitat relationships of the

snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in two study areas on the Qinghai–Tibetan

Plateau of western China. Our primary objectives were to evaluate the

degree to which snow leopard habitat relationships, expressed by

predictors, scales of response, and magnitude of effects, were

consistent across study areas or locally landcape-specific. We coupled

univariate scale optimization and the maximum entropy algorithm to

produce multivariate SDMs, inferring the relative suitability for the

species by ensembling top performing models. We optimized the SDMs based

on average omission rate across the top models and ensembles’ overlap

with a simulated reference model. Comparison of SDMs in the two study

areas highlighted landscape-specific responses to limiting factors.

These were dependent on the effects of the hydrological network,

anthropogenic features, topographic complexity, and the heterogeneity of

the landcover patch mosaic. Overall, even accounting for specific local

differences, we found general landscape attributes associated with snow

leopard ecological requirements, consisting of a positive association

with uplands and ridges, aggregated low-contrast landscapes, and large

extents of grassy and herbaceous vegetation. As a means to evaluate the

performance of two bias correction methods, we explored their effects on

three datasets showing a range of bias intensities. The performance of

corrections depends on the bias intensity; however, density kernels

offered a reliable correction strategy under all circumstances. This

study reveals the multi-scale response of snow leopards to environmental

attributes and confirms the role of meta-replicated study designs for

the identification of spatially varying limiting factors. Furthermore,

this study makes important contributions to the ongoing discussion about

the best approaches for sampling bias correction.
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Call Number Serial 1616
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Author Alexander, J., Chen, P., Damerell, P., Youkui, W., Hughes, J., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
Title Human wildlife conflict involving large carnivores in Qilianshan, China and the minimal paw-print of snow leopards Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 187 Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords Snow leopard Carnivores Livestock depredation Social attitudes China
Abstract In this paper, we assess local perceptions towards snow leopards in North West China using a framework

depicting key conflict domains. We describe the perceived threats posed to humans by the snow leopard

and set them within beliefs and attitudes towards other species within the large carnivore assemblage in

this region. Surveys were conducted in seven villages within Qilianshan National Nature Reserve, Gansu

Province, China, to document reports of snow leopard (Panthera uncia), grey wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian

lynx (Lynx lynx) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) depredation of livestock, and local attitudes towards each

species. Questionnaire-based interviews were held with 60 households and 49 livestock herders. Herding

of yak, sheep and goats was found to be a common livelihood activity among households in all villages.

Herders reported losing livestock to all four carnivore species. Herders reported that depredation was the

most common event affecting livestock, compared with natural disasters or disease, and represented a

total loss of 3.6% of the livestock population during the previous year. Most (53%) depredation losses were

attributed to lynx, while snow leopards were held responsible for only 7.8% of depredation losses. The

reported impact of snow leopards on herding activities was relatively small and the majority of both

householders and herders expressed positive attitudes towards them and supported measures for their

protection. Households and herders held negative attitudes towards lynx, wolves and bears, however,

most likely due to their perceived threat to livestock and humans. Understanding community perceptions

of threats posed by wildlife is vital for gaining community support for, and engagement in, conflict

mitigation.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1422
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Author Alexander, J. S., Gopalswamy, A. M., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
Title Face Value: Towards Robust Estimates of Snow Leopard Densities Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Plos One Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Densities, Snow Leopard, Camera traps, Spatial Capture Recapture models
Abstract When densities of large carnivores fall below certain thresholds, dramatic ecological effects

can follow, leading to oversimplified ecosystems. Understanding the population status of

such species remains a major challenge as they occur in low densities and their ranges are

wide. This paper describes the use of non-invasive data collection techniques combined

with recent spatial capture-recapture methods to estimate the density of snow leopards

Panthera uncia. It also investigates the influence of environmental and human activity indicators

on their spatial distribution. A total of 60 camera traps were systematically set up during

a three-month period over a 480 km2 study area in Qilianshan National Nature Reserve,

Gansu Province, China. We recorded 76 separate snow leopard captures over 2,906 trapdays,

representing an average capture success of 2.62 captures/100 trap-days. We identified

a total number of 20 unique individuals from photographs and estimated snow leopard

density at 3.31 (SE = 1.01) individuals per 100 km2. Results of our simulation exercise indicate

that our estimates from the Spatial Capture Recapture models were not optimal to

respect to bias and precision (RMSEs for density parameters less or equal to 0.87). Our

results underline the critical challenge in achieving sufficient sample sizes of snow leopard

captures and recaptures. Possible performance improvements are discussed, principally by

optimising effective camera capture and photographic data quality.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1431
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Author Alexander, J. S., Shi, K., Tallents, L. A., Riordan, P.
Title On the high trail: examining determinants of site use by the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qilianshan, China Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Fauna & Flora International Pages 1-8
Keywords Camera Trap, China, Detection Probability, Occupancy Modelling, Panthera Uncia, Site use, Snow Leopard
Abstract Abstract There is a need for simple and robust techniques for assessment and monitoring of populations of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia to inform the de- velopment of action plans for snow leopard conservation. We explored the use of occupancy modelling to evaluate the influence of environmental and anthropogenic features on snow leopard site-use patterns. We conducted a camera trap survey across  km in Gansu Province, China, and used data from  camera traps to estimate probabilities of site use and detection using the single season occupancy model. We assessed the influence of three covariates on site use by snow leopards: elevation, the presence of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur and the presence of human disturb- ance (distance to roads). We recorded  captures of snow leopards over , trap-days, representing a mean capture success of . captures per  trap-days. Elevation had the strongest influence on site use, with the probability of site use increasing with altitude, whereas the influence of presence of prey and distance to roads was relatively weak. Our findings indicate the need for practical and robust tech- niques to appraise determinants of site use by snow leo- pards, especially in the context of the limited resources available for such work.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1433
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Author Alexander, J. S., Cusack, J. J., Pengju, C, Kun, S., Riordan, P.
Title Conservation of snow leopards: spill-over benefits for other carnivores? Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Fauna & Flora International Pages 1-5
Keywords China, conservation, Eurasian lynx, grey wolf, red fox, snow leopard
Abstract In high-altitude settings of Central Asia the

Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia has been recognized

as a potential umbrella species. As a first step in assessing

the potential benefits of snow leopard conservation for

other carnivores, we sought a better understanding of the

presence of other carnivores in areas occupied by snow leopards

in China’s Qilianshan National Nature Reserve. We

used camera-trap and sign surveys to examine whether

other carnivores were using the same travel routes as snow

leopards at two spatial scales. We also considered temporal

interactions between species. Our results confirm that other

carnivores, including the red fox Vulpes vulpes, grey wolf

Canis lupus, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and dhole Cuon alpinus,

occur along snow leopard travel routes, albeit with low detection

rates. Even at the smaller scale of our camera trap survey

all five carnivores (snow leopard, lynx, wolf, red fox and

dhole) were observed. Kernel density estimates suggested a

high degree of temporal overlap between the snow leopard

and the fox, and the snow leopard and the lynx, as indicated

by high overlap coefficient estimates. There is an opportunity

to consider protective measures at the local scale that would

benefit various species simultaneously. However, it should

also be recognized that snow leopard conservation efforts

could exacerbate human–wildlife conflicts through their protective

effect on other carnivore species.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1434
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Author Alexander, S., A., Zhang, C., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
Title A granular view of a snow leopard population using camera traps in Central China Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 197 Pages 27-31
Keywords Snow leopard Camera trap China Density Monitoring
Abstract Successful conservation of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) relies on the effectiveness of monitoring programmes. We present the results of a 19-month camera trap survey effort, conducted as part of a longterm study of the snow leopard population in Qilianshan National Nature Reserve of Gansu Province, China. Weassessed the minimumnumber of individual snowleopards and population density across different sampling periods using spatial capture–recapture methods. Between 2013–2014, we deployed 34 camera traps across an area of 375 km2, investing a total of 7133 trap-days effort. Weidentified a total number of 17–19 unique individuals

from photographs (10–12 adults, five sub-adults and two cubs). The total number of individuals identified and estimated density varied across sampling periods, between 10–15 individuals and 1.46–3.29 snow leopards per 100 km2 respectively. We demonstrate that snow leopard surveys of limited scale and conducted over short sampling periods only present partial views of a dynamic and transient system.We also underline the challenges in achieving a sufficient sample size of captures and recaptures to assess trends in snow leopard population size and/or density for policy and conservation decision-making
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1436
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Author Alexander, J., S., Gopalaswamy, A., M., Shi, K., Hughes, J., Riordan, P.
Title Patterns of Snow Leopard Site Use in an Increasingly Human-Dominated Landscape Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-15
Keywords
Abstract Human population growth and concomitant increases in demand for natural resources pose threats to many wildlife populations. The landscapes used by the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and their prey is increasingly subject to major changes in land use. We aimed to assess the influence of 1) key human activities, as indicated by the presence of mining and livestock herding, and 2) the presence of a key prey species, the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), on probability of snow leopard site use across the landscape. In Gansu Province, China, we conducted sign surveys in 49 grid cells, each of 16 km2 in size, within a larger area of 3392 km2. We analysed the data using likelihood-based habitat occupancy models that explicitly account for imperfect detection and spatial auto-correlation between survey transect segments. The model-averaged estimate of snow leopard occupancy was high [0.75 (SE 0.10)], but only marginally higher than the naïve estimate (0.67). Snow leop- ard segment-level probability of detection, given occupancy on a 500 m spatial replicate, was also high [0.68 (SE 0.08)]. Prey presence was the main determinant of snow leopard site use, while human disturbances, in the form of mining and herding, had low predictive power. These findings suggest that snow leopards continue to use areas very close to such disturbances, as long as there is sufficient prey. Improved knowledge about the effect of human activity on large carnivores, which require large areas and intact prey populations, is urgently needed for conservation planning at the local and global levels. We highlight a number of methodological considerations that should guide the design of such research.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1440
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Author Alexander, J. S., Zhang, C., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
Title A spotlight on snow leopard conservation in China Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Integrative Zoology Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 11 Pages
Keywords China, conservation, Panthera uncia, research prioritization
Abstract China holds the greatest proportion of the snow leopard’s (Panthera uncia) global range and is central to their conservation. The country is also undergoing unprecedented economic growth, which increases both the threats to the snow leopard and the opportunities for its conservation. In this paper we aim to review published literature (from 1950 to 2014) in English and Mandarin on snow leopard ecology and conservation in China in order to identify thematic and geographic research gaps and propose research priorities. We first retrieved all publish items that considered snow leopards in China (n = 106). We extracted from these papers 274 reports of snow leopard presence in China. We then reviewed a subset of papers (n = 33) of this literature, which specifically focused on snow leopard ecology and conservation within China. We introduced a thematic framework that allows a structured and comprehensive assessment of findings. This framework recognizes 4 critical and interrelated topics underpinning snow leopard ecology and conservation: habitat (distribution and protected area coverage); prey (distribution and abundance, predator–prey relationships); human interactions (hunting and trade, livestock interactions and conflicts); and the underlying policy context. Significant gains in knowledge as well as research gaps and priorities are discussed with reference to our framework. The modest quantity and limited scope of published research on the snow leopard in China calls for a continued and intensified effort to inform and support national conservation policies.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1442
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