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Author | Forrest, J. L.,Wikramanayake, E., Shrestha, R., Areendran, G., Gyeltshen, K., Maheshwari, A., Mazumdar, S., Naidoo, R., Thapa, G. J., Thapa, K. | ||||
Title | Conservation and climate change: Assessing the vulnerability of snow leopard habitat to treeline shift in the Himalaya | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2012 | Publication | Biological Conservation | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 150 | Issue | Pages | 129-135 | |
Keywords | Snow leopard Climate adaptation Conservation planning Endangered species Climate change Himalaya | ||||
Abstract | Climate change is likely to affect the persistence of large, space-requiring species through habitat shifts, loss, and fragmentation. Anthropogenic land and resource use changes related to climate change can also impact the survival of wildlife. Thus, climate change has to be integrated into biodiversity conservation plans. We developed a hybrid approach to climate-adaptive conservation landscape planning for snow leopards in the Himalayan Mountains. We first mapped current snow leopard habitat using a mechanistic approach that incorporated field-based data, and then combined it with a climate impact model using a correlative approach. For the latter, we used statistical methods to test hypotheses about climatic drivers of treeline in the Himalaya and its potential response to climate change under three IPCC greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. We then assessed how change in treeline might affect the distribution of snow leopard habitat. Results indicate that about 30% of snow leopard habitat in the Himalaya may be lost due to a shifting treeline and consequent shrinking of the alpine zone, mostly along the southern edge of the range and in river valleys. But, a considerable amount of snow leopard habitat and linkages are likely to remain resilient to climate change, and these should be secured. This is because, as the area of snow leopard habitat fragments and shrinks, threats such as livestock grazing, retaliatory killing, and medicinal plant collection can intensify. We propose this approach for landscape conservation planning for other species with extensive spatial requirements that can also be umbrella species for overall biodiversity. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1385 | ||
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Author | Chalise, M.K. | ||||
Title | Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), Prey Species and Outreach in Langtang National, Park, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2011 | Publication | Our Nature | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 9 | Pages | 138-145 | |
Keywords | Snow leopard, Langtang, prey species, threats, outreach. | ||||
Abstract | Presence of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in Langtang National Park was obscure till 2003. It was confirmed by a research team trained for the wildlife biology in the field. Along with the study of ecology and behavior of snow leopard sufficient effort were made to generate data on pre species. The study also dealt with threat perceived for the leopard survival while basic unit of conservation- local outreach programs were also initiated. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1388 | ||
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Author | Lovari, S., Ventimiglia, M., Minder, I. | ||||
Title | Food habits of two leopard species, competition, climate change and upper treeline: a way to the decrease of an endangered species? | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2013 | Publication | Ethology Ecology & Evolution | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 25 | Issue | 4 | Pages | 305-318 |
Keywords | carnivore evolution, coexistence, sympatric species, diet, Panthera uncia, Panthera pardus. | ||||
Abstract | For carnivore species, spatial avoidance is one of the evolutionary solutions to coexist in an area, especially if food habits overlap and body sizes tend to coincide. We reviewed the diets of two large cats of similar sizes, the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia, 16 studies) and the near-threatened common leopard (Panthera par- dus, 11 studies), in Asia. These cats share ca 10,000 km2 of their mountainous range, although snow leopards tend to occur at a significantly higher altitude than common leopards, the former being a cold-adapted species of open habitats, whereas the latter is an ecologically flexible one, with a preference for woodland. The spectrum of prey of common leopards was 2.5 times greater than that of snow leopards, with wild prey being the staple for both species. Livestock rarely contributed much to the diet. When the breadth of trophic niches was compared, overlap ranged from 0.83 (weight categories) to one (main food categories). As these leopard species have approximately the same size and comparable food habits, one can predict that competition will arise when they live in sympatry. On mountains, climate change has been elevating the upper forest limit, where both leopard species occur. This means a habitat increase for common leopards and a substantial habitat reduction for snow leopards, whose range is going to be squeezed between the forest and the barren rocky altitudes, with medium- to long-term undesirable effects on the conservation of this endangered cat |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1403 | ||
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Author | Lyngdoh, S.,Shrotriya, S.,Goyal, S. P.,Clements, H.,Hayward, M. W.,Habib, B. | ||||
Title | Prey Preferences of the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): Regional Diet Specificity Holds Global Significance for Conservation | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2014 | Publication | Plos One | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 9 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 1-11 |
Keywords | snow leopard, prey species, prey consumption | ||||
Abstract | The endangered snow leopard is a large felid that is distributed over 1.83 million km2 globally. Throughout its range it relies on a limited number of prey species in some of the most inhospitable landscapes on the planet where high rates of human persecution exist for both predator and prey. We reviewed 14 published and 11 unpublished studies pertaining to snow leopard diet throughout its range. We calculated prey consumption in terms of frequency of occurrence and biomass consumed based on 1696 analysed scats from throughout the snow leopard’s range. Prey biomass consumed was calculated based on the Ackerman’s linear correction factor. We identified four distinct physiographic and snow leopard prey type zones, using cluster analysis that had unique prey assemblages and had key prey characteristics which supported snow leopard occurrence there. Levin’s index showed the snow leopard had a specialized dietary niche breadth. The main prey of the snow leopard were Siberian ibex (Capra sibrica), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), argali (Ovis ammon) and marmots (Marmota spp). The significantly preferred prey species of snow leopard weighed 5565 kg, while the preferred prey weight range of snow leopard was 36–76 kg with a significant preference for Siberian ibex and blue sheep. Our meta-analysis identified critical dietary resources for snow leopards throughout their distribution and illustrates the importance of understanding regional variation in species ecology; particularly prey species that have global implications for conservation. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1406 | ||
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Author | 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 | ||
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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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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1430 | ||
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Author | Sivolobov, R. | ||||
Title | ENDANGERED SPECIES OF KORYAKIA AND CHUKOTKA: IRBIS, TIGER AND THE IRKUYEM-BEAR | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Abbreviated Journal | ||
Volume | Issue | Pages | 225-233 | ||
Keywords | endangered species, Beringian snow cat, Snow leopard, Irbis, Amur tiger, Irkuyem-bear, camera-trap, Koryakia, Chukotka | ||||
Abstract | After 30 years of searching for the mysterious Beringian snow cat in vast space of Koryakia and Chukotka one of the five cameras recorded finally this beast at night in September 2014. This is not so much a sensation as a real scientific discovery, saying that the hearts of the snow leopard population resettlement are not in 5000 km from the main range boundaries, but much closer. Where? � will show further studies. In addition to the snow leopard in the North-Eastern Asia, it found two more endangered large mammal species: the Amur tiger and the relict of the Ice Age � the Irkuyem-bear. Author has given these animals his life and his article devoted to this topic. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1456 | ||
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Author | Mallon, D. P., Jackson, R. M. | ||||
Title | A downlist is not a demotion: Red List status and reality | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-5 | ||
Keywords | Cryptic, IUCN Red List, Panthera uncia, population estimate, snow leopard, species assessment | ||||
Abstract | Assessments of biodiversity status are needed to track trends, and the IUCN Red List has become the accepted global standard for documenting the extinction risk of species. Obtaining robust data on population size is an essential component of any assessment of a species� status, including assessments for the IUCN Red List. Obtaining such estimates is complicated by methodological and logistical issues, which are more pronounced in the case of cryptic species, such as the snow leopard Panthera uncia. Estimates of the total population size of this species have, to date, been based on little more than guesstimates, but a comprehensive summary of recent field research indicates that the conservation status of the snow leopard may be less dire than previously thought. A revised categorization, from Endangered to Vulnerable, on the IUCN Red List was proposed but met some opposition, as did a recent, similar recategorization of the giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Possible factors motivating such attitudes are discussed. Downlisting on the IUCN Red List indicates that the species concerned is further from extinction, and is always to be welcomed, whether resulting from successful conservation intervention or improved knowledge of status and trends. Celebrating success is important to reinforce the message that conservation works, and to incentivize donors. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1460 | ||
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Author | Schutgens, M. G., Hanson, J. H., Baral, N., Ale, S. B. | ||||
Title | Visitors’ willingness to pay for snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1 - 10 | ||
Keywords | Carnivore conservation, contingent valuation, economic valuation, existence value, Panthera uncia, snow leopard, threatened species, wildlife policy | ||||
Abstract | The Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia experiences persecution across its habitat in Central Asia, particularly from herders because of livestock losses. Given the popularity of snow leopards worldwide, transferring some of the value attributed by the international community to these predators may secure funds and support for their conservation. We administered contingent valuation surveys to  international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, between May and June , to determine their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the %of visitors who stated they would pay a snow leopard conservation fee in addition to the existing entry fee, the mean amount that they were willing to pay was USD  per trip. The logit regression model showed that the bid amount, the level of support for implementing the Action Plan, and the number of days spent in the Conservation Area were significant predictors of visitors’ willingness to pay. The main reasons stated by visitors for their willingness to pay were a desire to protect the environment and an affordable fee. A major reason for visitors’ unwillingness to pay was that the proposed conservation fee was too expensive for them. This study represents the first application of economic valuation to snow leopards, and is relevant to the conservation of threatened species in the Annapurna Conservation Area and elsewhere. |
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Address | http://snowleopardnetwork.org/bibliography/Schutgensetal_2018.pdf | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1467 | ||
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Author | Hanson, J. H., Schutgens, M., Baral, N. | ||||
Title | What explains tourists support for snow leopard conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal? | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | Publication | Human Dimensions of Wildlife | Abbreviated Journal | ||
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-15 | ||
Keywords | Flagship species; Himalayas; knowledge-attitude-practice model; Panthera uncia; protected area management; tourism | ||||
Abstract | Wildlife tourism is increasingly important for the conservation of threatened species such as snow leopards. However, what tourists know or value about snow leopards, and to what extent they support the conservation of this species, has received limited empirical attention. This paper investigates tourist knowledge about snow leopards, beliefs and values toward the species, and support for its conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. Survey data were collected from 406 foreign tourists between March and May 2014. Although knowledge about snow leopards varied among respondents, there was widespread support for their conservation. Knowledge about snow leopards was best explained by education level and environmental organization membership. Improved knowledge about the species, and a variety of intrinsic conservation values, were found to increase tourist support for snow leopard conservation. These results provide important insights to help tailor tourism initiatives to support the conservation of snow leopards. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1474 | ||
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Author | Augugliaro, C., Paniccia, C., Janchivlamdan, C., Monti, I. E., Boldbaatar, T., Munkhtsog, B. | ||||
Title | Mammal inventory in the Mongolian Gobi, with the southeasternmost documented record of the Snow Leopard, Panthera uncia (Schreber, 1775), in the country | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2019 | Publication | Check List | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 15 | Issue | 4 | Pages | 575-578 |
Keywords | Camera trapping, desert, live trapping, mammal checklist, species richness, threatened species. | ||||
Abstract | Studies on mammal diversity and distribution are an important source to develop conservation and management strategies. The area located in southern Mongolia, encompassing the Alashan Plateau Semi-Desert and the Eastern Gobi Desert-Steppe ecoregions, is considered strategic for the conservation of threatened species. We surveyed the non-volant mammals in the Small Gobi-A Strictly Protected Area (SPA) and its surroundings, by using camera trapping, live trapping, and occasional sightings. We recorded 18 mammal species belonging to 9 families and 6 orders. Among them, 4 are globally threatened or near-threatened, 2 are included in the CITES Appendix I, and 2 are listed in the Appendix II. Moreover, we provide the southeasternmost record for the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in Mongolia, supported by photographic evidence. Our study highlights the importance of this protected area to preserve rare, threatened, and elusive species. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1486 | ||
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Author | 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 | |
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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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Author | Atzeni, L., Cushman, S. A., Bai, D., Wang, J., Chen, P., Shi, K., Riordan, P. | ||||
Title | Meta-replication, sampling bias, and multi-scale model selection: A case study on snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in western China. | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2020 | Publication | Ecology and Evolution | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-27 | ||
Keywords | MaxEnt, meta-replication, multi-scale, Panthera uncia, sampling bias, scale selection, snow leopard, species distribution model | ||||
Abstract | Replicated multiple scale species distribution models (SDMs) have become increasingly important to identify the correct variables determining species distribution and their influences on ecological responses. This study explores multi-scale habitat relationships of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in two study areas on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau of western China. Our primary objectives were to evaluate the degree to which snow leopard habitat relationships, expressed by predictors, scales of response, and magnitude of effects, were consistent across study areas or locally landcape-specific. We coupled univariate scale optimization and the maximum entropy algorithm to produce multivariate SDMs, inferring the relative suitability for the species by ensembling top performing models. We optimized the SDMs based on average omission rate across the top models and ensembles’ overlap with a simulated reference model. Comparison of SDMs in the two study areas highlighted landscape-specific responses to limiting factors. These were dependent on the effects of the hydrological network, anthropogenic features, topographic complexity, and the heterogeneity of the landcover patch mosaic. Overall, even accounting for specific local differences, we found general landscape attributes associated with snow leopard ecological requirements, consisting of a positive association with uplands and ridges, aggregated low-contrast landscapes, and large extents of grassy and herbaceous vegetation. As a means to evaluate the performance of two bias correction methods, we explored their effects on three datasets showing a range of bias intensities. The performance of corrections depends on the bias intensity; however, density kernels offered a reliable correction strategy under all circumstances. This study reveals the multi-scale response of snow leopards to environmental attributes and confirms the role of meta-replicated study designs for the identification of spatially varying limiting factors. Furthermore, this study makes important contributions to the ongoing discussion about the best approaches for sampling bias correction. |
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Author | Koju, N. P., Gosai, K. R., Bashyal, B., Byanju, R., Shrestha, A., Buzzard, P., Beisch, W. B., Khanal, L. | ||||
Title | Seasonal Prey Abundance and Food Plasticity of the Vulnerable Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Lapchi Valley, Nepal Himalayas | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2023 | Publication | Animals | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 13 | Issue | 3182 | Pages | 1-16 |
Keywords | apex predator; flagship species; micro-histology; niche overlap; prey preference | ||||
Abstract | Conservation strategies for apex predators, like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), depend on a robust understanding of their dietary preferences, prey abundance, and adaptability to changing ecological conditions. To address these critical conservation concerns, this study presents a comprehensive evidence on prey availability and preferences for snow leopards in the Lapchi Valley in the Nepal Himalayas from November 2021 to March 2023. Field data were collected through the installation of twenty-six camera traps at 16 strategically chosen locations, resulting in the recording of 1228 events of 19 mammalian species, including domesticated livestock. Simultaneously, the collection of twenty snow leopard scat samples over 3800 m above sea level allowed for a detailed dietary analysis. Photo capture rate index and biomass composition analysis were carried out and seasonal prey availability and consumption were statistically analyzed. A total of 16 potential prey species for the snow leopard were documented during the study period. Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) was the most abundant prey species, but infrequent in the diet suggesting that are not the best bet prey for the snow leopards. Snow leopards were found to exhibit a diverse diet, consuming eleven prey species, with blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) being their most consumed wild prey and horses as their preferred livestock. The Pianka’s index of dietary niche overlap between the summer and winter seasons were 0.576, suggesting a pronounced seasonal variation in food preference corroborating with the prey availability. The scarcity of larger preys in winter is compensated by small and meso-mammals in the diet, highlighting the snow leopard’s capacity for dietary plasticity in response to the variation in resource availability. This research suggests for the utilization of genetic tools to further explore snow leopard diet composition. Additionally, understanding transboundary movements and conducting population assessments will be imperative for the formulation of effective conservation strategies. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1733 | ||
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Author | Ismaili, R. R. R., Peng, X., Li., Y, Ali, A., Ahmad, T., Rahman, A. U., Ahmad, S., Shi, K. | ||||
Title | Modeling Habitat Suitability of Snow Leopards in Yanchiwan National Reserve, China | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2024 | Publication | Animals | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 14 | Issue | 1938 | Pages | 1-21 |
Keywords | snow leopard; maximum entropy modeling; Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve; species conservation; environmental impact | ||||
Abstract | Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive predators inhabiting high-altitude and mountainous rugged habitats. The current study was conducted in the Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province, China, to assess the habitat suitability of snow leopards and identify key environmental factors inducing their distribution. Field data collected between 2019 and 2022 through scat sampling and camera trapping techniques provided insights into snow leopard habitat preferences. Spatial distribution and cluster analyses show distinct hotspots of high habitat suitability, mostly concentrated near mountainous landscapes. While altitude remains a critical determinant, with places above 3300 m showing increased habitat suitability, other factors such as soil type, human footprint, forest cover, prey availability, and human disturbance also play important roles. These variables influence ecological dynamics and are required to assess and manage snow leopard habitats. The MaxEnt model has helped us to better grasp these issues, particularly the enormous impact of human activities on habitat suitability. The current study highlights the importance of altitude in determining snow leopard habitat preferences and distribution patterns in the reserve. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of considering elevation in conservation planning and management strategies for snow leopards, particularly in mountainous regions. By combining complete environmental data with innovative modeling tools, this study not only improves local conservation efforts but also serves as a model for similar wildlife conservation initiatives around the world. By understanding the environmental factors driving snow leopard distribution, conservation efforts can be more efficiently directed to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species. This study provides valuable insights for evidence-based conservation efforts to safeguard the habitats of snow leopards amidst emerging anthropogenic pressure and environmental fluctuations. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1751 | ||
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