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Mukherjee, S., Ashalakshmi, C. N., Home, C., Ramakrishnan, U. (2010). SAhonrt Reepvoartluation of the PCR-RFLP technique to aid molecular-based monitoring of felids and canids in India. BMC Research Notes, 3, 159–166.
Abstract: Background: The order Carnivora is well represented in India, with 58 of the 250 species found globally, occurring here. However, small carnivores figure very poorly in research and conservation policies in India. This is mainly due to
the dearth of tested and standardized techniques that are both cost effective and conducive to small carnivore studies in the field. In this paper we present a non-invasive genetic technique standardized for the study of Indian felids and canids with the use of PCR amplification and restriction enzyme digestion of scat collected in the field. Findings: Using existing sequences of felids and canids from GenBank, we designed primers from the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome and tested these on ten species of felids and five canids. We selected restriction enzymes that would cut the selected region differentially for various species within each family. We produced a restriction digestion profile for the potential differentiation of species based on fragment patterns. To test our technique, we used felid PCR primers on scats collected from various habitats in India, representing varied environmental conditions. Amplification success with field collected scats was 52%, while 86% of the products used for restriction digestion could be accurately assigned to species. We verified this through sequencing. A comparison of costs across the various techniques currently used for scat assignment showed that this technique was the most practical and cost effective. Conclusions: The species-specific key developed in this paper provides a means for detailed investigations in the future that focus on elusive carnivores in India and this approach provides a model for other studies in areas of Asia where many small carnivores co-occur. |
Bhatnagar, Y. V. (2010). Project Snow Leopard. In Nature Without Borders (Vol. 613, pp. 44–48). India.
Abstract: Nature Without Borders: a symposium on innovative approaches to conserving nature and wildlife. http://www.india-seminar.com/2010/613.htm
IN January 2009, the Ministry of Environment and Forests launched an ambitious conservation programme called Project Snow Leopard for the Indian high altitude areas. This was a unique endeavour that was catalyzed by a voluntary organization, with active participation of the five Himalayan state governments, the ministry and a select group of organizations and individuals in a consultative process which lasted close to four years. Given, however, a good representation of wildlife protected areas in the high altitudes (over 9% for the Trans Himalaya), the question is why was such a scheme required; what were the attributes of the region that necessitated an alternative strategy? This article discusses the salient features of the snow leopard initiative and the challenges ahead. |
WWF Russia & Mongolia. (2010). WWF Altai-Sayan Newsletter. Russia: WWF.
Abstract: WWF Russia and WWF Mongolia share the main achievements of both offices in Altai – Sayan Ecoregion regarding species conservation, protected areas, ecotourism, public awareness,education, eco clubs, fresh water. Several articles reference snow leopards and argali:
WWF Russia Camera Trapping in Argut River Valley Community inspection is established in Republic of Altai to take part in anti – poaching activities in the key territory for argali and snow leopard conservation “Land of Snow Leopard” Ecotourism Project as a tool to protect Irbis and Argali by local communities Snow Leopard and Argali inspired the Masters of Felt Making of Republic of Altai Snow Leopard – a Treasure of Tuva. WWF introduces Tuva journalists to the snow leopard (Tsagaan Shibetu Ridge) WWF and Oxfam –GB joint project works on capacity building of local people in Tuva WWF Mongolia Nature conservation through involving local residents and supporting their initiatives Community groups trans-boundary cooperation Altai-Sayan PA administration staff start to undertake quality research activities at experts level |
Sharma, R. (2010). Of Men and Mountain Ghosts: Glimpses from the Rooftop of the World. GEO, 3(6), 56–67.
Abstract: Catching a glimpse of a snow leopard is a rare and exciting event for anyone. For researchers, hideen camera traps have become a vital tool in their work.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2010). Expedition report: Mountain ghosts: 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 29 June to 22 August 2009. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra 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. In 2009 surveys were extended to areas away from the Talduair massif site (core area) to the valleys and surrounding ridges of the Karaghem mountain pass. Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories. Fresh signs of snow leopard presence recorded this year are an indication that the core area once again has been visited and used. The developing relationship between the predator and prey species seems to be very fragile, so any decline (perhaps even slight) in the prey species may drive the snow leopard out of the core area. In addition, human disturbance is considered to be a severe threat. Yet the study area still retains its importance 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 and raising public awareness is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed. Today work on establishing four additional nature parks in the Republic of Tuva and the Sailugem Nature Reserve in the Republic of Altai, which will protect the biggest Russian population of the snow
leopard is in progress. Keywords: Altai
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Jordan, B. (2010). Der Schneeleopard: Schneeleoparden in der Natur. |
Ale, S., Thapa, K., Jackson, R., Smith, J.L.D. (2010). The fate of snow leopards in and around Mt. Everest. Cat News, 53(Autumn), 19–21.
Abstract: Since the early 2000s snow leopards Panthera uncia have re-colonized the southern slopes of Mt. Everest after several decades of extirpation. Are they now beginning to disperse to the adjoining valleys that may serve as habitat corridors linking the Everest region to other protected areas in Nepal? We conducted a cursory survey in autumn 2009 in Rolwaling lying west of Mt. Everest and detected snow leopard presence. We conclude that in these remote valleys snow leopards must rely upon livestock given the low abundance of natural prey, Himalayan tahr. Livestock-rearing is unfortunately declining in the region. Rolwaling requires immediate conservation attention for the continued survival of the endangered snow leopard and other high altitude flora and fauna.
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Singh, N., Milner-Gulland, E.J. (2010). Monitoring ungulates in Central Asia: current constraints and future potential. Oryx, , 1–12.
Abstract: Asia’s rangelands and mountains are strongholds for several endemic ungulate species. Little is known about the ecology of these species because of the region’s remoteness and the lack of robust scientific studies. Hunting, habitat modification, increased livestock grazing, disease and development are the major threats to the species. There is an urgent need for better monitoring to identify the size, distribution and dynamics of the populations of these species, and the threats to them, for effective conservation. The feasibility of standard scientific monitoring is greatly influenced by the remoteness of the region, the pre-existing scientific ideology, lack of expertise in the latest monitoring
methods and awareness of biases and errors, and low capacity and logistical and financial constraints. We review the existing methods used for monitoring ungulates, identify the practical and institutional challenges to effective monitoring in Central Asia and categorize the methods based on various criteria so that researchers can plan better monitoring studies suited to particular species. We illustrate these issues using examples from several contrasting ungulate species. We recommend that scientific surveys should be complemented by increases in participatory monitoring, involving local people. The future of ungulate monitoring in Central Asia lies in a better recognition of the existing errors and biases in monitoring programmes and methods, allocation of more monitoring effort in terms of manpower, finances and logistics, understanding of robust scientific methods and sampling theory and changing the scientific culture, as well as a commitment to ensuring that we monitor the things that matter. |
Richardson, N. (2010, 16 Dec 2010). The snow leopard: ghost of the mountains. The telegraph.
Abstract: Snow leopards face the threats of poaching, habitat loss and diminishing prey. In remotest Mongolia, a research team is keeping tabs on this iconic and elusive species.
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Rosen, T. (2010). From Yellowstone to the Karakorums: A journey to understand conflicts with large carnivores. NRCC News, 23(1), 12–13. |