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Author (up) Chetri, M, Odden, M., Sharma, K., Flagstad, O., Wegge, P
Title Estimating snow leopard density using fecal DNA in a large landscape in north-central Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Global Ecology and Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 17 Pages 1-8
Keywords Panthera uncia, Density, Annapurna-Manaslu landscape, Noninvasive, Spatial scale
Abstract Although abundance estimates have a strong bearing on the conservation status of a

species, less than 2% of the global snow leopard distribution range has been sampled

systematically, mostly in small survey areas. In order to estimate snow leopard density

across a large landscape, we collected 347 putative snow leopard scats from 246 transects

(490 km) in twenty-six 5  5km sized sampling grid cells within 4393 km2 in Annapurna-

Manaslu, Nepal. From 182 confirmed snow leopard scats, 81 were identified as belonging

to 34 individuals; the remaining were discarded for their low (<0.625) quality index. Using

maximum likelihood based spatial capture recapture analysis, we developed candidate

model sets to test effects of various covariates on density and detection of scats on transects.

The best models described the variation in density as a quadratic function of

elevation and detection as a linear function of topography. The average density estimate of

snow leopards for the area of interest within Nepal was 0.95 (SE 0.19) animals per 100 km2

(0.66e1.41 95% CL) with predicted densities varying between 0.1 and 1.9 in different parts,

thus highlighting the heterogeneity in densities as a function of habitat types. Our density

estimate was low compared to previous estimates from smaller study areas. Probably,

estimates from some of these areas were inflated due to locally high abundances in overlap

zones (hotspots) of neighboring individuals, whose territories probably range far beyond

study area borders. Our results highlight the need for a large-scale approach in snow

leopard monitoring, and we recommend that methodological problems related to spatial

scale are taken into account in future snow leopard research.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1478
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Author (up) Hacker, C., Atzeni, L., Munkhtsog, B., Munkhtsog, B., Galsandorj, N., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., Buyanaa, C., Bayandonoi, G., Ochirjav, M., Farrington, J. D., Jevit, M., Zhang, Y., Wu, L. Cong, W., Li, D., Gavette, C., Jackson, R., Janecka, J. E.
Title Genetic diversity and spatial structures of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) reveal proxies of connectivity across Mongolia and northwestern China Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Landscape Ecology Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-19
Keywords Admixture · Central Asia · Connectivity · Habitat Modeling · Landscape Genetics · Noninvasive Genetics · MEM · Spatial Structures
Abstract Understanding landscape connectivity and population genetic parameters is imperative for threatened species management. However, such information is lacking for the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). This study sought to explore hierarchical snow leopard gene flow patterns and drivers of genetic structure in Mongolia and China. A total of 97 individuals from across Mongolia and from the north-eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in Gansu Province to the middle of Qinghai Province in China were genotyped across 24 microsatellite loci. Distance-based frameworks were used to determine a landscape scenario best explaining observed genetic structure. Spatial and non-spatial methods were used to investigate fine-scale autocorrelation and similarity patterns as well as genetic structure and admixture. A genetic macro-division between populations in China and Mongolia was observed, suggesting that the Gobi Desert is a substantial barrier to gene flow. However, admixture and support for a resistance-based mode of isolation suggests connective routes that could facilitate movement. Populations in Mongolia had greater connectivity, indicative of more continuous habitat. Drivers of genetic structure in China were difficult to discern, and fine-scale sampling is needed. This study elucidates snow leopard landscape connectivity and helps to prioritize conservation areas. Although contact zones may have existed and occasional crossings can occur, establishing corridors to connect these areas should not be a priority. Focus should be placed on maintaining the relatively high connectivity for snow leopard populations within Mongolia and increasing research efforts in China.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1717
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Author (up) Jackson, R.; Roe, J.
Title Preliminary Observations On Non-Invasive Techniques for Identifying Individual Snow Leopards and Monitoring Populations Type Conference Article
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords snow; leopard; monitoring; population; uncia; non; invasive; photo; camera; trap; traps; 4970
Abstract
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Notes Abastract OnlyTitle, Monographic: Proceedings of the Snow Leopard Survival SummitPlace of Meeting: Seattle,WA Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 483 Serial 469
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Author (up) Janecka, J. E., Jackson, R., Munkhtsog, B., Murphy, W. J.
Title Characterization of 9 microsatellites and primers in snow leopards and a species-specific PCR assay for identifying noninvasive samples Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Conservation Genetic Resource Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 369:373
Keywords Microsatellites,Cytochrome b, Snow Leopard, Noninvasive genetics, Individual identification
Abstract Molecular markers that can effectively identify noninvasively collected samples and provide genetic

information are critical for understanding the distribution, status, and ecology of snow leopards (Panthera uncia). However, the low DNA quantity and quality in many

noninvasive samples such as scats makes PCR amplification and genotyping challenging. We therefore designed primers for 9 microsatellites loci previously isolated in the

domestic cat (Felis catus) specifically for snow leopard studies using noninvasive samples. The loci showed moderate levels of variation in two Mongolian snow leopard

populations. Combined with seven other loci that we previously described, they have sufficient variation (He = 0.504, An = 3.6) for individual identification and

population structure analysis. We designed a species species specific PCR assay using cytochrome b for identification of unknown snow leopard samples. These molecular markers

facilitate in depth studies to assess distribution, abundance, population structure, and landscape connectivity of this endangered species.

endangered species
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1427
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Author (up) Janecka, J. E., Jackson, R., Munkhtsog, B., Murphy, W. J.
Title Characterization of 9 microsatellites and primers in snow leopards and a species-specific PCR assay for identifying noninvasive samples Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Conservation Genetic Resource Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 369:373
Keywords Microsatellites,Cytochrome b, Snow Leopard, Noninvasive genetics, Individual identification
Abstract Molecular markers that can effectively identify noninvasively collected samples and provide genetic

information are critical for understanding the distribution, status, and ecology of snow leopards (Panthera uncia). However, the low DNA quantity and quality in many

noninvasive samples such as scats makes PCR amplification and genotyping challenging. We therefore designed primers for 9 microsatellites loci previously isolated in the

domestic cat (Felis catus) specifically for snow leopard studies using noninvasive samples. The loci showed moderate levels of variation in two Mongolian snow leopard

populations. Combined with seven other loci that we previously described, they have sufficient variation (He = 0.504, An = 3.6) for individual identification and

population structure analysis. We designed a species species specific PCR assay using cytochrome b for identification of unknown snow leopard samples. These molecular markers

facilitate in depth studies to assess distribution, abundance, population structure, and landscape connectivity of this endangered species.
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1428
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Author (up) Janecka; J.E.; Jackson, R.; Yuquang, Z.; Diqiang, L.; Munkhtsog, B.; Buckley-Beason, V.; Murphy, W.J.
Title Population monitoring of snow leopards using noninvasive collection of scat samples: a pilot study Type Miscellaneous
Year 2008 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue Pages 401-411
Keywords snow leopard; genetics; scat; noninvasive; survey.
Abstract The endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia occurs in rugged, high-altitude regions of Central Asia. However, information on the status of this felid is limited in many areas. We conducted a pilot study to optimize molecular markers for the analysis of snow leopard scat samples and to examine the feasibility of using noninvasive genetic methods for monitoring this felid. We designed snow leopard-specific primers for seven microsatellite loci that amplified shorter segments and avoided flanking sequences shared with repetitive elements. By redesigning primers we maximized genotyping success and minimized genotyping errors. In addition, we tested a Y chromosome-marker for sex identification and designed a panel of mitochondrial DNA primers for examining genetic diversity of snow leopards using scat samples. We collected scats believed to be from snow leopards in three separate geographic regions including north-western India, central China and southern Mongolia. We observed snow leopard scats in all three sites despite only brief 2-day surveys in each area. There was a high rate of species misidentification in the field with up to 54% of snow leopard scats misidentified as red fox. The high rate of field misidentification suggests sign surveys incorporating scat likely overestimate snow leopard abundance. The highest ratio of snow leopard scats was observed in Ladakh (India) and South Gobi (Mongolia), where four and five snow leopards were detected, respectively. Our findings describe a species-specific molecular panel for analysis of snow leopard scats, and highlight the efficacy of noninvasive genetic surveys for monitoring snow leopards. These methods enable large-scale noninvasive studies that will provide information critical for conservation of snow leopards.
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Notes Supplemental information may be found at http:snowleopardnetwork.org/bibliography/JaneckaSupplemental2008.pdf Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 883 Serial 488
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Author (up) Korablev, M. P., Poyarkov, A. D., Karnaukhov, A. S., Zvychaynaya, E. Y., Kuksin, A. N., Malykh, S. V., Istomov, S. V., Spitsyn, S. V., Aleksandrov, D. Y., Hernandez-Blanco, J. A., Munkhtsog, B., Munkhtogtokh, O., Putintsev, N. I., Vereshchagin, A. S., Becmurody, A., Afzunov, S., Rozhnov, V. V.
Title Large-scale and fine-grain population structure and genetic diversity of snow leopards (Panthera uncia Schreber, 1776) from the northern and western parts of the range with an emphasis on the Russian population. Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Conservation Genetics Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Snow leopard, Panthera uncia, Microsatellites, Heterozygosity, Population structure, Noninvasive survey, Scat, Subspecies
Abstract The snow leopard (Panthera uncia Schreber, 1776) population in Russia and Mongolia is situated at the northern edge of the range, where instability of ecological conditions and of prey availability may serve as prerequisites for demographic instability and, consequently, for reducing the genetic diversity. Moreover, this northern area of the species distribution is connected with the western and central parts by only a few small fragments of potential habitats in the Tian-Shan spurs in China and Kazakhstan. Given this structure of the range, the restriction of gene flow between the northern and other regions of snow leopard distribution can be expected. Under these conditions, data on population genetics would be extremely important for assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow both at regional and large-scale level. To investigate large-scale and fine-grain population structure and levels of genetic diversity we analyzed 108 snow leopards identified from noninvasively collected scat samples from Russia and Mongolia (the northern part of the range) as well as from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (the western part of the range) using panel of eight polymorphic microsatellites. We found low to moderate levels of genetic diversity in the studied populations. Among local habitats, the highest heterozygosity and allelic richness were recorded in Kyrgyzstan (He = 0.66 ± 0.03, Ho = 0.70 ± 0.04, Ar = 3.17) whereas the lowest diversity was found in a periphery subpopulation in Buryatia Republic of Russia (He = 0.41 ± 0.12, Ho = 0.29 ± 0.05, Ar = 2.33). In general, snow leopards from the western range exhibit greater genetic diversity (He = 0.68 ± 0.04, Ho = 0.66 ± 0.03, Ar = 4.95) compared to those from the northern range (He = 0.60 ± 0.06, Ho = 0.49 ± 0.02, Ar = 4.45). In addition, we have identified signs of fragmentation in the northern habitat, which have led to significant genetic divergence between subpopulations in Russia. Multiple analyses of genetic structure support considerable genetic differentiation between the northern and western range parts, which may testify to subspecies subdivision of snow leopards from these regions. The observed patterns of genetic structure are evidence for delineation of several management units within the studied populations, requiring individual approaches for conservation initiatives, particularly related to translocation events. The causes for the revealed patterns of genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity are discussed.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 1633
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Author (up) Rode, J., Pelletier, A., Fumey, J., Rode, S., Cabanat, A. L., Ouvrard, A., Chaix, B., White, B., Harnden, M., Xuan, N. T., Vereshagin, A., Casane, D.
Title Diachronic monitoring of snow leopards at Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve (Kyrgyzstan) through scat genotyping: a pilot study Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication bioRxiv Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-21
Keywords snow leopard, noninvasive genotyping, population dynamics, microsatellite, relatedness, diachronic monitoring, citizen science, Central Asia
Abstract Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are a keystone species of Central Asia’s high mountain ecosystem. The species is listed as vulnerable and is elusive, preventing accurate population assessments that could inform conservation actions. Non-invasive genetic monitoring conducted by citizen scientists offers avenues to provide key data on this species that would otherwise be inaccessible. From 2011 to 2015, OSI-Panthera citizen science expeditions tracked signs of presence of snow leopards along transects in the main valleys and crests of the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve (Kyrgyzstan). Scat samples were genotyped at seven autosomal microsatellite loci and at a X/Y locus for sex identification, which allowed estimating a minimum of 11 individuals present in the reserve from 2011 to 2015. The genetic recapture of 7 of these individuals enabled diachronic monitoring, providing indications of individuals’ movements throughout the reserve. We found putative family relationships between several individuals. Our results demonstrate the potential of this citizen science program to get a precise description of a snow leopard population through time.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 1602
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Author (up) Rodgers, T. W.,Janecka, J. E.
Title Applications and techniques for non-invasive faecal genetics research in felid conservation Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Conservation . Elusive species . Faecal DNA . Felidae . Non-invasive genetics
Abstract Non-invasive genetic techniques utilising DNA extracted from faeces hold great promise for felid conservation research. These methods can be used to establish species

distributions, model habitat requirements, analyse diet, estimate abundance and population density, and form the basis for population, landscape and conservation genetic analyses. Due to the elusive nature of most felid species, non-invasive genetic methods have the potential to provide

valuable data that cannot be obtained with traditional observational or capture techniques. Thus, these methods are particularly valuable for research and conservation of endangered

felid species. Here, we review recent studies that use non-invasive faecal genetic techniques to survey or study wild felids; provide an overview of field, laboratory and analysis techniques; and offer suggestions on how future non-invasive genetic studies can be expanded or improved to more effectively support conservation.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1430
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Author (up) Waits, L.P.; Buckley-Beason, V.A.; Johnson, W.E.; Onorato, D.; McCarthy, T.
Title A select panel of polymorphic microsatellite loci for individual identification of snow leopards (Panthera uncia)  Type Miscellaneous
Year 2006 Publication Molecular Ecology Notes Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue Pages 311-314
Keywords identification; leopard; leopards; microsatellites,noninvasive genetic sampling,Panthera uncia,snow leopard; panthera; Panthera-uncia; panthera uncia; snow; snow-leopard; snow-leopards; snow leopard; snow leopards; uncia; endangered; carnivores; carnivore; mountain; region; central; Central Asia; asia; methods; conservation; management; Molecular; individual identification; Hair; domestic; cat; felis; captive; number; probability; using; wild
Abstract Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive endangered carnivores found in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. New methods for identifying and counting snow leopards are needed for conservation and management efforts. To develop molecular genetic tools for individual identification of hair and faecal samples, we screened 50 microsatellite loci developed for the domestic cat (Felis catus) in 19 captive snow leopards. Forty-eight loci were polymorphic with numbers of alleles per locus ranging from two to 11. The probability of observing matching genotypes for unrelated individuals (2.1 x10-11) and siblings (7.5x10-5) using the 10 most polymorphic loci was low, suggesting that this panel would easily discriminate among individuals in the wild.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 865 Serial 1001
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