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Shrestha, R., & Wegge, P. (2006). Determining the composition of herbivore diets in the Trans-Himalayan rangelands: A comparison of field methods. Journal of Rangeland Ecology and Management, 59(5), 512–518.
Abstract: In late summer, in a semi-arid mountain range in Nepal, we compared 3 field methods for determining the botanical composition of herbivore diets. Data were collected from the same animals belonging to 1 herd of domestic yak (Bos grunniens) and 2 herds of mixed smallstock, consisting of domestic goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries). Bite count, feeding site examination, and microhistological analysis of feces gave different estimates of forage categories and plant species in both animal groups. Because yaks grazed in other vegetation communities when not observed for bite-counts and feeding signs, the results from the latter methods could not be compared directly with that from fecal analysis. In smallstock, feeding site examination gave higher estimates of graminoids and lower estimates of shrubs than the other 2 methods, probably because all feeding signs on shrubs were not detected. Bite-counts and fecal analysis gave comparable results, except that forbs were underestimated by fecal analysis, presumably due to their more complete digestion. Owing to the difficulty in collecting samples that are representative of the entire grazing period and the problem of recording feeding signs correctly, both feeding site examination and bite-counts are unsuitable methods for studying the food habits of free ranging domestic and wild herbivores. Microhistological analysis of feces appears to be the most appropriate method, but correction factors are needed to adjust for differential digestion. The systematic use of photomicrographs improves the speed and accuracy of the fecal analysis.
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Tiwari, D. (2006). Status, habitat utilization and conservation of Himalayan Tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus (H. SMITH, 1826) in Lantang National Park, Central Nepal. Master's thesis, , Kathmandu, Nepal.
Abstract: This study was carried out in the Langtang National park which is situated in the Northern Part of Central Nepal. The research work on "Status, Habitat utilization and conservation of Himalayan Tahr in Langtang National Park was conducted during February to October of 2005. Altogether 468.55 hours and of 80 days with aimed to estimate the population status and Habitat utilization of Himalayan Tahr and to
recommend for appropriate management.
The study was carried out from Ghodatabela to Langsisa Kharka. The study area was divided into 5 survey blocks occupying a total of 25 sq. km. The fixed point count from ridge line vantage points were conducted for the Hamalayan Tahr count. Observed herds and individual were repeatedly counted and recorded. Local herders and key residents were interviewed. A total of 218 individuals of different age and sex Himalayan Tahr were recorded during the study in 8 different herds. Three types of herds were recognized: Adult male – adult female – young (37.5%), Adult female – young (37.5%)and adult male (25%). Survey revealed that 50 percent of Tahr herds were observed in 4200m – 4900m and least (12%) were in 3700-4000m. Animals were not located in 3850m – 4200m. Stratified random sampling was done to analyze the vegetation in their habitat and identified 47 potential plant species.
The encroachment of their habitat is severe by the excessive livestock grazing and utilization for cowshed. Noticeable disturbance felt due to frequent poaching and tourist flow. The conservation of this species seems to be vital as it is prime prey species of snow Leopard in Langtang National Park.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2006). Expedition report: Surveying snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 20 June to 13 August 2004. The aim was to conduct a continuing 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, as well as relative abundance studies (SLIMS form 2), were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 sq km). Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
No evidence was found implying a resident animal and/or more than one snow leopard in the research area. The only finding of one rather old scat sample (very likely belonging to the species), shows that snow leopards recorded in the year before may have left the area, been poached or visit it only sporadically. However, surveys show that the habitat is varied and capable of sustaining a healthy prey base for snow leopard, This, together with evidence from local people, confirmed the importance of the study area as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection but involving the local community is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
Abstract also available in Russian.
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Waits, L. P., Buckley-Beason, V. A., Johnson, W. E., Onorato, D., & McCarthy, T. (2006). A select panel of polymorphic microsatellite loci for individual identification of snow leopards (Panthera uncia)
(Vol. 7).
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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Warren E.Johnson, E. E. (2006). The Late Miocene Radiation of Modern Felidae: A Genetic Assessment (Stephen J.O'Brien Emma Teeling Agostinho Antunes W. J. M. Jill Pecon-Slattery, Ed.) (Vol. 311). Washington D.C.
Abstract: Modern felid species descend from relatively recent (<11 million years ago) divergence and
speciation events that produced successful predatory carnivores worldwide but that have
confounded taxonomic classifications. A highly resolved molecular phylogeny with divergence dates
for all living cat species, derived from autosomal, X-linked, Y-linked, and mitochondrial gene
segments (22,789 base pairs) and 16 fossil calibrations define eight principal lineages produced
through at least 10 intercontinental migrations facilitated by sea-level fluctuations. A ghost lineage
analysis indicates that available felid fossils underestimate (i.e., unrepresented basal branch
length) first occurrence by an average of 76%, revealing a low representation of felid lineages
in paleontological remains. The phylogenetic performance of distinct gene classes showed that
Y-chromosome segments are appreciably more informative than mitochondrial DNA, X-linked,
or autosomal genes in resolving the rapid Felidae species radiation.
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Wikramanayake, E., Moktan, V., Aziz, T., Khaling, S., Khan, A., & Tshering, D. (2006). The WWF Snow Leopard Action Strategy for the Himalayan Region.
Abstract: As a 'flagship' and 'umbrella' species the snow leopard can be a unifying biological feature to
raise awareness of its plight and the need for conservation, which will benefit other facets of Himalayan
biodiversity as well. Some studies of snow leopards have been conducted in the Himalayan region. But,
because of its elusive nature and preference for remote and inaccessible habitat, knowledge of the
ecology and behaviour of this mystical montane predator is scant. The available information, however,
suggests that snow leopards occur at low densities and large areas of habitat are required to conserve
a viable population. Thus, many researchers and conservationists have advocated landscape-scale
approaches to conservation within a regional context, rather than focusing on individual protected areas.
While the issues are regional, the WWF's in the region have developed 5-year strategic actions and
activities, using the regional strategies as a touchstone, which will be implemented at national levels.
The WWF's will develop proposals based on these strategic actions, with estimated budgets, for use by
the network for funding and fund-raising. WWF also recognizes the need to collaborate and coordinate
within the network and with other organizations in the region to achieve conservation goals in an
efficient manner, and will form a working group to coordinate activities and monitor progress.
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Williams, P. A. (2006). A GIS ASSESSMENT OF SNOW LEOPARD POTENTIAL RANGE AND PROTECTED AREAS THROUGHOUT INNER ASIA; AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERNET MAPPING SERVICE FOR SNOW LEOPARD PROTECTION. Master's thesis, , .
Abstract: Snow leopard distribution knowledge is a critical conservation need. During the 2003 Snow Leopard Symposium, a pressing demand for a comprehensive collection of observation data became apparent. Expanding the knowledge of population distribution will help identify areas for conservation and add validity to the potential range map developed by Hunter and Jackson (1997). An equally strong need is an analysis of the extent of protected-area coverage of snow leopard habitat. Another crucial requirement is accurate representation and immediate availability of data to researchers throughout the range.
This project was developed in cooperation with the International Snow Leopard Trust, the Snow Leopard Conservancy, and International Center of Applied Ecology. It is also supported by the Snow Leopard Network, an affiliation of individuals working together to establish effective conservation of the snow leopard throughout Inner Asia. The specific goals of this project are to collect and graphically depict existent knowledge of snow leopard distribution and identify areas lacking data; evaluate the potential range map; assess protected areas to see if snow leopards occur indiscriminately; and produce an internet geographical database and interactive mapping service for research.
This thesis validates the potential range map created by Jackson and Hunter (1997). The majority of sightings (88%) fall within the modeled potential range. This suggests that the map is accurate in representing habitat that supports snow leopards. The thesis also highlights varying degrees of support for protected areas. Most of the potential range lies outside of protected areas. Consequently, most countries contain less than 47 percent of their sightings within protected area boundaries.
This thesis organized and analyzed existing snow leopard data in a geodatabase to evaluate the potential range map and effectiveness of protected areas throughout the range. The geodatabase and internet mapping service provides a standardized method of data exchange and communication among researchers. This is a small step forward in the conservation of the snow leopard, but creates a necessary foundation for future collaborative data exchange projects to follow. The technologies and methodologies used here should be expanded to meet the individual needs of projects.
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Wingard, J. R., & Zahler, P. (2006). Silent Steppe: The Illegal Wildlife Trade Crisis in Mongolia (East Asia and Pacific Environment and Social Development Department, Ed.). Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
Abstract: The current study in Mongolia is truly groundbreaking, in that it shows that the problem of commercial wildlife trade is also vast, unsustainable, and a major threat to wildlife populations in other areas. This paper's Executive Summary briefs the topics of wildlife trade in Mongolia, fur trade, medicinal trade, game meat trade, trophy and sport hunting, trade chains and markets, trade sustainability, impacts of wildlife trade on biodiversity conservation, impacts of trade on rural livelihoods, enabling wildlife management, and management recommendations. The main content of the paper includes: wildlife trade survey methods, a history of wildlife trade in Mongolia, wildlife take and trade today, enabling wildlife management, and recommendations and priority actions. The recommendations have been divided into six separate sections, including (1) cross-cutting recommendations, (2) international trade enforcement, (3) domestic trade enforcement, (4) hunting management, (5) trophy and sport hunting management, and (6) community-based approaches. Each section identifies short-term, long-term, and regulatory goals in order of priority within each subsection.
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Wingard, J. R., & Zahler, P. (2006). Silent Steppe: The Illegal Wildlife Trade Crisis in Mongolia (East Asia and Pacific Environment and Social Development Department, Ed.). Washington D.C.: World Bank.
Abstract: The current study in Mongolia is truly groundbreaking, in that it shows that the problem of commercial wildlife trade is also vast, unsustainable, and a major threat to wildlife populations in other areas. This paper's Executive Summary briefs the topics of wildlife trade in Mongolia, fur trade, medicinal trade, game meat trade, trophy and sport hunting, trade chains and markets, trade sustainability, impacts of wildlife trade on biodiversity conservation, impacts of trade on rural livelihoods, enabling wildlife management, and management recommendations. The main content of the paper includes: wildlife trade survey methods, a history of wildlife trade in Mongolia, wildlife take and trade today, enabling wildlife management, and recommendations and priority actions. The recommendations have been divided into six separate sections, including (1) cross-cutting recommendations, (2) international trade enforcement, (3) domestic trade enforcement, (4) hunting management, (5) trophy and sport hunting management, and (6) community-based approaches. Each section identifies short-term, long-term, and regulatory goals in order of priority within each subsection.
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Xu, F., Ma, M., & Wu, Y. - Q. (2006). Winter Daily Activity Rhythm and Time Budget of Ibex(Capra ibex).
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