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Author (up) Thapa, K., Rayamajhi, S.
Title Anti-predator strategies of blue sheep (naur) under varied predator compositions: a comparison of snow leopard-inhabited valleys with and without wolves in Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Wildlife Research Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords Annapurna conservation area, antipredator behavior, blue sheep (Naur), predation, prey predator traits, snow leopard, trade-off, wolf.
Abstract In Nepal, naur are usually the staple wild prey for the snow leopard, a solitary stalker hunter, and in some cases, for the wolf who hunts in a pack. We assumed that naur would adapt their anti-predatory responses to the presence of chasing and ambushing predators in the Manang Valley, where there are snow leopards and wolves, and in the Nar Phu valley, an area where there is only the snow leopard.

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine if there were differences in anti-predator strategies (vigilance, habitat selection and escape terrain) of naur in two valleys over two seasons, spring and autumn.

Methods. In spring 2019, we conducted a reconnaissance survey on the status of the naur and its habitat in the Manang and Nar Phu valleys of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. In spring and autumn 2020 and 2021, we observed 360 focal naur individuals (180 individuals in each valley), using the vigilance behaviour methodology to examine the behaviour of the naur.

Key results. There was little difference in the size of the naur groups between the Manang and Nar Phu valleys. The naur were twice as vigilant in Manang (15%), where there are snow leopards and wolves, as they were in Nar Phu (9%), with only snow leopards. The distance from the naur to escape cover was significantly shorter in Manang than in Nar Phu valley. Naur used significantly more rolling terrain in Nar Phu than in Manang. Conclusions. The return of wolves to the Manang valley may have resulted in an increase in the level of naur vigilance. Most likely, the wolves in Manang have already had an effect on the female-to-young-ratio, and this effect will possibly have important consequences for the naur population, as well as at the ecosystem level in the future. Other key determining factors, such as the climate crisis and changes in local resources, could have a significant impact on the naur population, indicating the need for more research. Implications. The findings of this study would provide valuable baseline information for the design of a science-based conservation strategy for conservation managers and scientists on naur, snow leopards and wolves.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1732
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Author (up) Thapa, K., Schmitt, N., Pradhan, N. M. B., Acharya, H. R., Rayamajhi, S.
Title No silver bullet? Snow leopard prey selection in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Ecology and Evolution Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords blue sheep, common leopard, fecal, genetic analysis, snow leopard, wolf, yak
Abstract In this study, we investigated the impact of domestic and wild prey availability on snow leopard prey preference in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area of eastern Nepal-a region where small domestic livestock are absent and small wild ungulate prey are present. We took a comprehensive approach that combined fecal genetic sampling, macro- and microscopic analyses of snow leopard diets, and direct observation of blue sheep and livestock in the KCA. Out of the collected 88 putative snow leopard scat samples from 140 transects (290km) in 27 (4x4km2) sampling grid cells, 73 (83%) were confirmed to be from snow leopard. The genetic analysis accounted for 19 individual snow leopards (10 males and 9 females), with a mean population size estimate of 24 (95% CI: 19-29) and an average density of 3.9 snow leopards/100km2 within 609km2. The total available prey biomass of blue sheep and yak was estimated at 355,236 kg (505 kg yak/km2 and 78kg blue sheep/km2). From the available prey biomass, we estimated snow leopards consumed 7% annually, which comprised wild prey (49%), domestic livestock (45%). and 6% unidentified items. the estimated 47,736 kg blue sheep biomass gives a snow leopard-to-blue sheep ratio of 1:59 on a weight basis. The high preference of snow leopard to domestic livestock appears to be influenced by a much smaller available biomass of wild prey then in other regions of Nepal (e.g., 78kg/km2 in the KCA compared with a range of 200-300 kg/km2 in other regions of Nepal?. Along with livestock insurance scheme improvement, there needs to be a focus on improved livestock guarding, predator-proof corrals as well as engaging and educating local people to be citizen scientists on the importance of snow leopard conservation, involving them in long-term monitoring programs and promotion of ecotourism.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1665
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Author (up) The Snow Leopard Conservancy
Title A Survey of Kathmandu-based Trekking Agencies: Market Opportunities for Linking Community-Based Ecotourism with the Conservation of Snow Leopard in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Report prepared for WWF-Nepal Programme Type Report
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume SLC Field Series Document No. 4 Issue Pages 1-22
Keywords survey; trekking; linking; community-based; ecotourism; conservation; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; annapurna; annapurna conservation area; Annapurna-Conservation-Area; area; Report; trust; nature; nature conservation; Acap; Snow Leopard Conservancy; project; Manang; local; community; environment; Culture; population; number; blue; blue sheep; blue-sheep; sheep; endangered; cat; prey; Himalaya; snow leopards; snow-leopards; leopards; kill; livestock; killing; herders; herder; conflict; local people; people; wildlife; tourism; incentive; protect; predator; conserve; alpine; habitat
Abstract In 2001 the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC), Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) and WWF-Nepal initiated a collaborative project aimed at enhancing ecotourism in the Manang area, in ways that strengthen benefits to local communities while also protecting the environment and the local culture. Manang is known for its relatively dense snow leopard population, along with supporting good numbers of blue sheep, the endangered cat's principal prey through much of the Himalaya. However, snow leopards periodically kill many livestock, leading to retributive killing by herders along with other associated people-wildlife conflict. In order to encourage the local people to better co-exist with snow leopards and other wildlife, SLC, WWF-Nepal and ACAP agreed to explore ways of providing tourism benefits to local communities as an incentive to protect this rare predator and conserve its alpine habitat. Key in this regard is the possibility of developing locally guided nature treks, and accordingly, this survey was conducted in order to assess existing market opportunities and constraints to such ecotourism enterprise.
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Publisher Place of Publication Los Gatos, California Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1022 Serial 962
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Author (up) The Snow Leopard Conservancy
Title Visitor Satisfaction and Opportunity Survey, Manang, Nepal: Market Opportunities for Linking Community-Based Ecotourism with the Conservation of Snow Leopards in the Annpurna Conservation Area. Report prepared for WWF-Nepal Programme Type Report
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume SLC Field Document Series No 3 Issue Pages 1-18
Keywords survey; Manang; Nepal; linking; community-based; ecotourism; conservation; snow; snow leopards; snow leopard; snow-leopards; snow-leopard; leopards; leopard; area; Report; valley; trekking; Southern; annapurna; Tibet; landscape; mountain; Culture; region; habitat; endangered; High; density; densities; abundance; blue; blue sheep; blue-sheep; sheep; primary; large; prey; prey species; prey-species; species; Himalayan; mountains; tibetan; tibetan plateau; tibetan-plateau; plateau
Abstract For the past two decades, the Manang or Nyeshang Valley has become one of the most popular

trekking routes in Nepal, attracting over 15,000 trekkers annually (Ale, 2001). The 21-day

circular trek takes the visitor from the lush southern slopes of the Annapurna massif around to

its dry northern slopes more reminiscent of Tibet, through a landscape of spectacular mountain

scenes, interesting villages and diverse cultures. The Manang region also offers prime habitat

for the endangered snow leopard, supporting an estimated 4.8 – 6.7 snow leopards per 100 sq.

km (Oli 1992). This high density has been attributed to the abundance of blue sheep, the snow

leopard's primary large prey species across the Himalayan Mountains and Tibetan Plateau.
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1021 Serial 961
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Author (up) The Snow Leopard Conservancy
Title Visitor Attitude and Market Survey for Planning Community-based Tourism Initiatives in Rural Ladakh Type Report
Year 2001 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume SLC Field Series Document No. 2. Issue Pages
Keywords attitude; survey; planning; community-based; tourism; rural; Ladakh; mountain; range; Himalaya; Karakoram; land; landscapes; landscape; gorge; home; wildlife; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; blue; blue sheep; blue-sheep; sheep; tibetan; Tibetan wild ass; wild; wild ass; wild-ass; High; desert; ecosystem; International; domestic; environment; people; conserve; resource; income; Snow Leopard Conservancy; local; community; Organization; co-existence; predators; predator; endangered; reducing; livestock; livestock depredation; livestock-depredation; depredation; loss
Abstract Bounded by two of the world's highest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, Ladakh is a land of exhilarating mountain landscapes, rocky gorges and a unique cultural heritage. It is also home to distinctive wildlife such as the snow leopard, blue sheep and Tibetan wild ass, all living in a unique high altitude desert ecosystem. Not surprisingly, Ladakh is becoming a sought after tourist destination for international and domestic visitors alike. Over the past two decades tourism has grown substantially, although erratically, with both positive and less positive results for Ladakh's environment and people. People are recognizing that it is important to act now and engage in an informed dialogue in order to conserve the natural and cultural resources on which the future of tourism and related incomes depend. The Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) is working in collaboration with local communities and nongovernmental organizations to foster co-existence between people and predators like the endangered snow leopard by reducing livestock depredation losses and improving household incomes in environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically viable ways. Well-balanced tourism is one income generating option.
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Publisher Place of Publication Los Gatos, California Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1023 Serial 960
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Author (up) Wang, X.; Peng, J.; Zhou, H.
Title Preliminary observations on the distribution and status of dwarf blue sheep Pseudois schaeferi Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 21-26
Keywords Batang County of China; conservation; status; distribution; dwarf blue sheep; Pseudois schaeferi.; 5190
Abstract Describes the drastic decline of the dwarf blue sheep since the 1950's primarily due to over-hunting. There are an estimated 200 individuals remaining in a 295 square km range in Batang county, China. The authors recommend urgent protection for this species.
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Notes Full text available at URL Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 504 Serial 1004
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Author (up) Ward, A.E.
Title Game animals of Kashmir and adjacent hill provinces Type Journal Article
Year 1921 Publication J.of Bombay Natural Historical Society. Abbreviated Journal
Volume 29 Issue Pages 23-35
Keywords Kashmir; predator; prey; diet; blue-sheep; blue; sheep; browse; 3150
Abstract comments that snow leopard may take blue sheep as prey
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 10 Serial 1007
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Author (up) Wegge, P., Shrestha, R., Flagstad, O.
Title Snow leopard Panthera uncia predation on livestock and wild prey in a mountain valley in northern Nepal: implications for conservation management Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication Wildlife Biology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 18 Issue 10.2981/11-049 Pages 131-141
Keywords bharal, blue sheep, diet, genetic sampling, naur, Panthera uncia, predation, Pseudois nayaur, scat analysis, snow leopard, wildlife conflict
Abstract The globally endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia is sparsely distributed throughout the rugged mountains in Asia.

Its habit of preying on livestock poses a main challenge to management. In the remote Phu valley in northern Nepal, we

obtained reliable information on livestock losses and estimated predator abundance and diet composition from DNA

analysis and prey remains in scats. The annual diet consisted of 42%livestock. Among the wild prey, bharal (blue sheep/

naur) Pseudois nayaur was by far the most common species (92%). Two independent abundance estimates suggested that

there were six snow leopards in the valley during the course of our study. On average, each snow leopard killed about one

livestock individual and two bharal permonth. Predation loss of livestock estimated fromprey remains in scats was 3.9%,

which was in concordance with village records (4.0%). From a total count of bharal, the only large natural prey in the area

and occurring at a density of 8.4 animals/km2 or about half the density of livestock, snow leopards were estimated to

harvest 15.1% of the population annually. This predation rate approaches the natural, inherent recruitment rate of this

species; in Phu the proportion of kids was estimated at 18.4%. High livestock losses have created a hostile attitude against

the snow leopard and mitigation measures are needed. Among innovative management schemes now being implemented

throughout the species’ range, compensation and insurance programmes coupled with other incentive measures are

encouraged, rather than measures to reduce the snow leopard’s access to livestock. In areas like the Phu valley, where the

natural prey base consists mainly of one ungulate species that is already heavily preyed upon, the latter approach, if

implemented, will lead to increased predation on this prey, which over time may suppress numbers of both prey and

predator.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1386
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Author (up) Wikramanayake, E.
Title Tracking snow leopard and blue sheep, WWF conservationist Eric Wikramanayake goes on a wildlife survey in Bhutan Type Miscellaneous
Year Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Bhutan; blue-sheep; surveys; Jigme-Dorji; parks; park; reserve; protected-area; refuge; habitat; blue; sheep; browse; Jigme; Dorji; protected; area; 3980
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Call Number SLN @ rana @ 8 Serial 1021
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Author (up) Xinchun, M.
Title Distribution in the wild and the captive raising of snow leopards in Xinjiang, China Type Conference Article
Year 1994 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 157-162
Keywords distribution; habitat; ibex; blue-sheep; argali; hides; skins; pelts; furs; coats; zoos; zoo; China; captivity; care; husbandry; feeding; diet; housing; Disease; blue; sheep; browse; 3770
Abstract
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Publisher Islt Place of Publication Usa Editor J.L.Fox; D.Jizeng
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Notes Full text at URLTitle, Monographic: Seventh International Snow Leopard SymposiumPlace of Meeting: ChinaDate of Copyright: 1994 Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 267 Serial 1031
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