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Shrestha, R., & Wegge, P. (2008). Wild sheep and livestock in Nepal Trans-Himalaya: coexistence or competition? Environmental Conservation, 32(2), 125–136.
Abstract: Excessive grazing by livestock is claimed to displace wild ungulates in the Trans-Himalaya. This study compares the seasonal diets and habitat use of sympatric wild naur Pseudois nayaur and domestic goat Capra hircus, sheep Ovis aries and free-ranging yak Bos grunniens in north Nepal and analyses their overlap both within and across seasons. Alpinemeadow and the legumes Oxytropis and Chesneya were critical resources for all animal groups. High overlap occurred cross-seasonally when smallstock (sheep and goats) in summer used the spring and autumn ranges of naur. Relatively high total ungulate biomass (3028 kg km-2) and low recruitment of naur (56 young per 100 adult females in autumn) suggested interspecific competition. The spatio-temporal heterogeneity in composition and phenology of food plants across the steep gradient of altitude, together with rotational grazing, appears to indirectly facilitate coexistence of naur and smallstock. However, owing to high crossseasonal (inter-seasonal) overlaps, competition is likely to occur between these two groups at high stocking densities. Within seasons, naur overlapped more with free-ranging yak than with smallstock. As their habitat use and diets were most similar in winter, when both fed extensively on the same species of shrubs, naur was most likely to compete with yak during that season.
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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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Shrestha, R., Wegge, P., & Koirala, R. A. (2005). Summer diets of wild and domestic ungulates in Nepal Himalaya. Journal of Zoology, 266, 111–119.
Abstract: The selection of summer forage by three sympatric ungulates in the Damodar Kunda region of upper Mustang in
north Nepal was studied to assess the extent of food overlap between them. To compare their diets, a microhistological technique of faecal analysis was used, adjusted for inherent biases by comparing it with bite-count data obtained in domestic goats. Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni, naur (blue sheep or bharal) Pseudois nayaur and domestic goat Capra hircus consumed mostly forbs, graminoids and browse, respectively. The proportions of food items in their diets were significantly different both at the plant species (P<0.02) and at the forage category level (P<0.001). Except for sharing three common plants (Agrostis sp., Stipa sp. and Potentilla fruticosa), dietary overlap at the species level was quite low. At the forage category level, naur and domestic goat overlapped more than the other ungulate pairs. Although all three species were opportunistic, mixed feeders, argali was a more selective forb specialist grazer than the other two ungulates. Owing to some spatial separation and little dietary overlap, interspecific competition for summer forage was low. If animal densities increase, however, goats are expected to compete more with naur than with argali because of their more similar diets. Owing to differences in forage selection by argali and naur throughout their large geographical ranges, reflecting adaptations to local ecological conditions, inferences regarding forage competition between domestic livestock and these two wild caprins need to be made from local, site-specific studies, rather than from general diet comparisons. |
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Zhiryakov V.A. (2002). Ecology and behavior of the Snow leopard in Kazakhstan (Vol. N 1-4.).
Abstract: The data on spreading, numbers and population density of snow leopard in Kazakhstan are given in this article. The total number of the snow leopard in Kazakhstan is evaluated in 100-110 individuals. The everywhere occurred numbers' reduction under the influence of the anthropogenic factors is observed. The snow leopard' inhabitation area varies from 20 to 120 square kilometers depending on its regions. Sex and composition of the population and its aggregative behavior are given. The dynamics of numbers and mortality are estimated.
Keywords: Kazakhstan; distribution; number; density; population size; habitats; marking; Migration; diet; prey species; hunting; faeces; Sex; Age; population dynamics; reproductive activity; competitors; mortality; snow leopard.; 8810; Russian
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Yachontov A.A. (1970). The cats – Felidae.
Abstract: It describes Felidae family species (lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, lynx, cheetah): identification features, life-history characteristics, type of habitat, diet and distribution.
Keywords: Ussr; Felidae; snow leopard; identification features; life-history; habitats; diet; distribution.; 8580; Russian
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Volozheninov N.N. (1986). Ecology of some mammals in western part of the Hissar ridge.
Abstract: Additional data on Lepus tolai, Ochotona rutila, Citellus relictus, Marmota caudata, Sus scrofa, Capra sibirica in western part of the Hissar ridge, Uzbekistan, is given here based on materials of the years 1978-1983. Information about distribution of these species, their numbers, food, enemies, and other ecologic issues is provided. Capra sibirica is a principle species snow leopard preys on. In 1899 1983, the authors recorded more than 20 cases of snow leopards' killing ibex of different ages.
Keywords: Uzbekistan; Hissar ridge; number; diet; enemies; preys; Siberian ibex; snow leopard.; 8510; Russian
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Taryannikov V.I. (1986). Distribution, biology, and current population status of rare predatory mammals in the Western Hissar.
Abstract: Described are distribution, biotopical distribution, food, and some biological features of Uncia uncia, Felis lynx, Lutra lutra. New finds of Lutra lutra were observed at the Kashkadarya river. All the species' populations were counted and the reasons for their decrease given. In the author's opinion, number of snow leopard is decreasing as number of Siberian ibex is decreasing too and snow leopard is being poached for. There are 10-12 snow leopards on the slopes of the Hissar ridge.
Keywords: Uzbekistan; Western Hissar ridge; distribution; number; diet; rare species; decline; poaching; Lynx; otter; ibex; snow leopard.; 8380; Russian
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Sokolov V.E. (1979). Snow leopard genus.
Abstract: Genus Uncia has only one species snow leopard. Described is the length of body, length of tail, body weight, colour, skull, number of teeth, habitat, reproduction, and life expectancy. This species has no essential practical value and is included in the Red Data Book as an endangered species.
Keywords: snow leopard; taxonomy; species range; habitats; reproduction; diet; Pregnancy; birth; cubs; lifetime; endangered species.; 8240; Russian
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Sapozhnikov G.N. (1976). Wild sheep in Tajikistan.
Abstract: The monograph provides data concerning taxonomy, morphology, and age variability of wild sheep. There described distribution, number, population composition, behavioral patterns, reproduction, predators and parasites. Besides, a matter of conservation and sustainable use of the species is discussed. Together with wolf, snow leopard is called an enemy of O. o. vignei and argali (O. o. polii).
Keywords: Tajikistan; urial; argali; taxonomy; morphology; variability; life history characteristics; distribution; number; diet; behavior; parasites; predators; snow leopard.; 8060; Russian
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Plyaskin V.E. (1982). Rare Felidae species in the Chatkal valley of the West Tien Shan.
Abstract: In 1981, rare Felidae species such as snow leopard, Turkistan lynx, and manul (one encounter recorded) were found in the Besh-Aral nature reserve (the Chatkal valley). Illegal hunting and high concentration of people in some places is emphasized to impact the animal populations.
Keywords: Kyrgyzstan; Besh-Aral nature reserve; Cats; snow leopard; Lynx; manul; species range; diet; decline; illegal hunting.; 7910; Russian
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