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Author Farrington, J., Tsering, D. url 
  Title Human-snow leopard conflict in the Chang Tang region of Tibet, China Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 237 Issue Pages 504-513  
  Keywords  
  Abstract In April 2006, the authors conducted a preliminary human-wildlife conflict survey of 300 livestock herders in Shainza, Nyima, and Tsonyi Counties in northern Tibet's sparsely-populated Chang Tang region. This survey revealed a widespread but previously undocumented problem of snow leopard predation on livestock. In June and July 2007, an exploratory human-snow leopard conflict survey of 234 herders in the above counties found that 65.8% of respondents had experienced conflict with snow leopards in the form of livestock kills, with 77.3% of the most recent incidents occurring in the previous five years. These incidents were concentrated in winter and spring and a surprising 39.6% of incidents occurred during the day, often with herders present. Fifteen exploratory snow leopard sign transects totaling 14.85 km were conducted. Abundant snow leopard scrapes as well as pug marks were found, confirming the presence of these secretive cats. A total of 521 blue sheep were counted on and off sign transects indicating widespread availability of wild snow leopard prey. The recent surge in reported snow leopard conflict is likely due to increasing human and livestock populations, establishment of two multiple-use nature reserves accompanied by improved enforcement of wildlife protection laws, and a regional gun and trap ban launched in 2001. However, retaliatory killing of snow leopards in the survey area continues to be a potential threat. Therefore, measures are needed to reduce livestock kills by snow leopards, including corral improvements, improved guarding, establishment of livestock compensation schemes, and educating herders about snow leopard behavior.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1600  
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Author Farrington, J., Tsering, D. url 
  Title Snow leopard distribution in the Chang Tang region of Tibet, China Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Global Ecology and Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 23 Issue Pages  
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  Abstract In 2006 and 2007, the authors conducted human-wildlife conflict surveys in the Tibet Autonomous Region’s (TAR) Shainza, Nyima, and Tsonyi Counties, located in the TAR’s remote Chang Tang region. At this time, prior knowledge of the snow leopard in this vast 700,000 km2 region was limited to just eight firsthand snow leopard sign and conflict location records and 15 secondhand records. These surveys revealed a previously undocumented and growing problem of human-snow leopard conflict. The 2007 survey also yielded 39 new snow leopard conflict incident locations and 24 new snow leopard sign locations. Next, snow leopard telephone interviews and mapping exercises were conducted with Tibet Forestry Bureau staff that yielded an additional 63 and 144 new snow leopard conflict and sighting location records, respectively. These 270 new snow leopard location records, together with 39 records collected by other observers from 1988 to 2009, were compiled into a snow leopard distribution map for the Chang Tang. This effort greatly expanded knowledge of the snow leopard’s distribution in this region which remains one of the least understood of the snow leopard’s key range areas. New knowledge gained on snow leopard distribution in the Chang Tang through this exercise will help identify human-snow leopard conflict hot spots and inform design of human-snow leopard conflict mitigation and conservation strategies for northwest Tibet. Nevertheless, extensive additional field verification work will be required to definitively delineate snow leopard distribution in the Chang Tang. Importantly, since 2006, a number of major transportation infrastructure projects have made the Chang Tang more accessible, including paving of highways, new railroads, and new airports. This has led to a greatly increased number of tourists visiting western Tibet, particularly Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. At the same time, large areas of the Chang Tang have been fenced for livestock pastures as part of government initiatives to allocate pasturelands to individual families. All three of these developments have a large potential to cause disturbance to snow leopards and their prey species, including by hindering their movements and degrading their habitat. Therefore, future conservation measures in the Chang Tang will need to insure that development activities and the growing number of visitors to the Chang Tang do not adversely affect the distribution of snow leopards and their prey species or directly degrade their habitat.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1601  
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Author Bohnett, E., Faryabi, S. P., Lewison, R., An, L., Bian, X., Rajabi, A. M., Jahed, N., Rooyesh, H., Mills, E., Ramos, S., Mesnildrey, N., Perez, C. M. S., Taylor, J., Terentyev, V., Ostrowski, S. pdf 
  Title Human expertise combined with artificial intelligence improves performance of snow leopard camera trap studies Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Global Ecology & Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 41 Issue e02350 Pages 1-13  
  Keywords Snow leopard, Artificial intelligence, Camera trap misclassification, individual ID, HotSpotter  
  Abstract Camera trapping is the most widely used data collection method for estimating snow leopard (Panthera uncia) abundance; however, the accuracy of this method is limited by human observer errors from misclassifying individuals in camera trap images. We evaluated the extent Whiskerbook (www.whiskerbook.org), an artificial intelligence (AI) software, could reduce this error rate and enhance the accuracy of capture-recapture abundance estimates. Using 439 images of 34 captive snow leopard individuals, classification was performed by five observers with prior experience in individual snow leopard ID (“experts”) and five observers with no such experience (“novices”). The “expert” observers classified 35 out of 34 snow leopard individuals, on average erroneously splitting one individual into two, thus resulting in a higher number than true individuals. The success rate of experts was 90 %, with less than a 3 % error in estimating the population size in capture-recapture modeling. However, the “novice” observers successfully matched 71 % of encounters, recognizing 25 out of 34 individuals, underestimating the population by 25 %. It was found that expert observers significantly outperformed novice observers, making statistically fewer errors (Mann Whitney U test P = 0.01) and finding the true number of individuals (P = 0.01). These differences were contrasted with a previous study by Johansson et al. 2020, using the same subset of 16 individuals from European zoos. With the help of AI and the Whiskerbook platform, “experts” were able to match 87 % of encounters and identify 15 out of 16 individuals, with modeled estimates of 16 ± 1 individuals. In contrast, “novices” were 63 % accurate in matching encounters and identified 12 out of 16 individuals, modeling 12 ± 1 individuals that underestimated the population size by 12 %. When comparing the performance of observers using AI and the Whiskerbook platform to observers performing the tasks manually, we found that observers using Whiskerbook made significantly fewer errors in splitting one individual into two (P = 0.04). However, there were also a significantly higher number of combination errors, where two individuals were combined into one (P = 0.01). Specifically, combination errors were found to be made by “novices” (P = 0.04). Although AI benefited both expert and novice observers, expert observers outperformed novices. Our results suggest that AI effectively reduced the misclassification of individual snow leopards in camera trap studies, improving abundance estimates. However, even with AI support, expert observers were needed to obtain the most accurate estimates.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1715  
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Author Khanyari, M., Dorjay, R., Lobzang, S., Bijoor, A., Suryawanshi, K. pdf 
  Title Co-designing conservation interventions through participatory action research in the Indian Trans-Himalaya Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Ecological Solutions and Evidence Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue e12232 Pages 1-14  
  Keywords Changthang, co-design, community, conservation, participatory  
  Abstract 1. Community-based conservation, despite being more inclusive than fortress conservation, has been criticized for being a top-down implementation of external ideas brought to local communities for conservation's benefit. This is particularly true for Changpas, the pastoral people of Changthang in trans-Himalayan India who live alongside unique wildlife.

2. Our main aim was to co-design conservation interventions through participatory action research. We worked with two Changpa communities, to understand the issues faced by them. Subsequently, we co-designed context-sensitive interventions to facilitate positive human–nature interactions. We did so by integrating the PARTNERS (Presence, Aptness, Respect, Transparency, Empathy, Responsiveness, Strategic Support) principles with the Trinity of Voice (Access, Standing and Influence).

3. In Rupsho, we facilitated focus group discussions (FGDs) led by the community. We found livestock depredation by wildlife was primarily facilitated by the weather. This led to co-designing of a new corral design, which was piloted with seven households, safeguarding 2385 pashmina goats and sheep. Approximating the value of each sheep/goat to be USD125, this intervention amounts to a significant economic protection of USD c. 42,500 for each household. This is along with intangible gains of trust, ownership and improved self-esteem.

4. In Tegazong, a restricted area adjoining the Indo-China border with no previous research records, we worked with 43 Changpa people to co-create research questions of mutual interest. Wildlife presence and reasons for livestock loss were identified as areas of mutual interest. The herders suggested they would record data in a form of their choice, for 6 months, while they live in their winter pastures. This participatory community monitoring revealed nutrition and hypothermia to be a key cause of livestock death. Subsequently, we delimited two previously untested interventions: lamb cribs and provisioning of locally sourced barley as a feed supplement. The wildlife monitoring recorded the first record of Tibetan Gazelle Procapra picticuadata, outside of their known distribution, in Tegazong.

5. We aim to highlight the benefits of co-designing projects with local communities that link research and conservation, while also discussing the challenges faced. Ultimately, such projects are needed to ensure ethical knowledge generation and conservation, which aims to be decolonial and inclusive.
 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1727  
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Author Singh, R., Kerven, C. pdf 
  Title Pastoralism in South Asia: Contemporary stresses and adaptations of Himalayan pastoralists Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Springer Open – Pastoralism Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 13 Issue 21 Pages 1-10  
  Keywords Traditional knowledge, Labour, State policies, Local institutions, Access, Climate Change, Uncertainty, Adaptations  
  Abstract We discuss the main findings in the Special issue on Pastoralism in South Asia from the eight papers based on research conducted in the Himalayan region of South Asia. An overview is presented of pastoralism in the Himalayan region, including India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. Drawing parallels with the global stresses to pastoralists, papers in this special issue highlighted three sets of contemporary stresses to the pastoralists of the Himalayan region viz. (a) lack of herding labour, associated changing aspirations of youth and decline in traditional knowledge systems; (b) continued stresses from the state and between the formal and informal institutions; and (c) climatic stresses and associated impacts on the rangeland and livestock health. A synthesis of findings from all eight case studies suggests how the issues around pastoral livelihoods and rangeland management in the Himalayan region are entangled across social, political and ecological dimensions. However, instead of only being impacted by the stresses, the pastoral communities are showing adaptations to various kinds of uncertainties and variabilities. Based on these findings from across eight sites in the Himalayan region, we argue that understanding of the problems as well as proposed solutions from the policymakers should be tailored according to the particular social, political and ecological contexts. Other than the issues given prominence in this special issue, the role of markets and social security are some

of the other important concerns to be addressed in the region, which can be best addressed by creating an interface between pastoralists and policymakers, practitioners and the government, while making the best use of pastoral knowledge and their way of life.
 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1726  
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Author Zhang, C., Ma, T., Ma, D. pdf 
  Title Status of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in the Qilian Mountains, Gansu Province, China Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-6  
  Keywords Camera trapping, China, density, Panthera uncia, Qilian Mountains, snow leopard, spatially explicit capture–recapture  
  Abstract Population density estimation is integral to the effective conservation and management of wildlife. The snow leopard Panthera uncia is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and reliable information on its density is a prerequisite for its conservation and management. Little is known about the status of the snow leopard in the central and eastern Qilian Mountains, China. To address this, we estimated the population density of the snow leopard using a spatially explicit capture–recapture model based on camera trapping in Machang in the central and eastern Qilian Mountains during January–March 2019. We set up

40 camera traps and recorded 84 separate snow leopard captures over 3,024 trap-days. We identified 18 individual snow leopards and estimated their density to be 2.26/100 km. Our study provides baseline information on the snow leopard and the first population estimate for the species in the central and eastern Qilian Mountains.
 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1725  
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Author Kichloo, M. A., Sharma, K., Sharma, N. pdf 
  Title Climate casualties or human disturbance? Shrinking distribution of the three large carnivores in the Greater Himalaya Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Springer – Climatic Change Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 176 Issue 118 Pages 1-17  
  Keywords Snow leopard · Common leopard · Asiatic black bear · Climate change · Multi- season occupancy analysis · Local ecological knowledge · Imperfect detection  
  Abstract Mammalian carnivores are key to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, but most of them are threatened with extinction all over the world. Conservating large carnivores is often an arduous task considering the complex relationship between humans and carnivores, and the diverse range and reasons of threats they face. Climate change is exacerbating the situation further by interacting with most existing threats and amplifying their impacts. The Mountains of Central and South Asia are warming twice as rapidly as the rest of the northern hemisphere. There has been limited research on the effect of climate change and other variables on large carnivores. We studied the patterns in spatio-temporal distribution of three sympatric carnivores, common leopard, snow leopard, and Asiatic black bear in Kishtwar high altitude National Park, a protected area in the Great Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. We investigated the effects of key habitat characteristics as well as human disturbance and climatic factors to understand the spatio-temporal change in their distributions between the early 1990s and around the year 2016–2017. We found a marked contraction in the distribution of the three carnivores between the two time periods. While snow leopard shifted upwards and further away from human settlements, common leopard and Asiatic black bear suffered higher rates of local extinctions at higher altitudes and shifted to lower areas with more vegetation, even if that brought them closer to settlements. We also found some evidence that snow leopards were less likely to have faced range contraction in areas with permanent glaciers. Our study underscores the importance of climate adaptive conservation practices for long-term management in the Greater Himalaya, including the monitoring of changes in habitat, and space-use patterns by human communities and wildlife.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1724  
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Author Bohnett, E., Holmberg, J., Faryabi, S. P., An, L., Ahmad, B., Rashid, W., Ostrowski, S. pdf 
  Title Comparison of two individual identification algorithms for snow leopards (Panthera uncia) after automated detection Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Ecological Informatics Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 77 Issue 102214 Pages 1-14  
  Keywords Background subtraction, Deep learning, Hotspotter, Individual identification, PIE v2, Snow leopards  
  Abstract Photo-identification of individual snow leopards (Panthera uncia) is the primary data source for density estimation via capture-recapture statistical methods. To identify individual snow leopards in camera trap imagery, it is necessary to match individuals from a large number of images from multiple cameras and historical catalogues, which is both time-consuming and costly. The camouflaged snow leopards also make it difficult for machine learning to classify photos, as they blend in so well with the surrounding mountain environment, rendering applicable software solutions unavailable for the species. To potentially make snow leopard individual identification available via an artificial intelligence (AI) software interface, we first trained and evaluated image classification techniques for a convolutional neural network, pose invariant embeddings (PIE) (a triplet loss network), and compared the accuracy of PIE to that of the HotSpotter algorithm (a SIFT-based algorithm). Data were acquired from a curated library of free-ranging snow leopards taken in Afghanistan between 2012 and 2019 and from captive animals in zoos in Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the United States. We discovered several flaws in the initial PIE model, such as a small amount of background matching, that was addressed, albeit likely not fixed, using background subtraction (BGS) and left-right mirroring (LR) techniques which demonstrated reasonable accuracy (Rank 1: 74% Rank-5: 92%) comparable to the Hotspotter results (Rank 1: 74% Rank 2: 84%)The PIE BGS LR model, in conjunction with Hotspotter, yielded the following results: Rank-1: 85%, Rank-5: 95%, Rank-20: 99%. In general, our findings indicate that PIE BGS LR, in conjunction with HotSpotter, can classify snow leopards more accurately than using either algorithm alone.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1723  
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Author Golla, T. R., Tensen, L., Vipin, Kumar, K., Kumar, S., Gaur, A. pdf 
  Title Neutral and adaptive genetic variation in Indian snow leopards, Panthera uncia Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Current Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 125 Issue 2 Pages 204-209  
  Keywords Adaptive evolution, balancing selection, cap- tive breeding, genetic diversity, major histocompatibility complex.  
  Abstract In this study, we reveal patterns of genetic variation in snow leopards (Panthera uncia) by combining neutral (mtDNA, microsatellites) and adaptive (MHC II-DRB) genes. We collected 56 faecal samples from three locations in India. We observed moderate levels of microsatellite diversity (N = 30; A = 5.6; HO = 0.559). Nine unique MHC II-DRB sequences were identified in four snow leopard samples, of which 8 were novel. We found low levels of polymorphism in MHC class II-DRB exon, which was higher in captive (VA = 9.4%) compared to wild individuals (VA = 7.8%), likely as a result of a population bottleneck.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1722  
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Author Allen, M. L., Rovero, F., Oberosler, V., Augugliaro, C., Krofel, M. pdf 
  Title Effects of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) on olfactory communication of Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul) in the Altai Mountains, Mongolia Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Behaviour Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-9  
  Keywords behaviour, camera trap, Mongolia, Otocolobus manul, Panthera uncia, scent marking.  
  Abstract Olfactory communication is important for many solitary carnivores to delineate territories and communicate with potential mates and competitors. Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul) are small felids with little published research on their ecology and behaviour, including if they avoid or change behaviours due to dominant carnivores. We studied their olfactory communication and visitation at scent-marking sites using camera traps in two study areas in Mongolia. We documented four types of olfactory communication behaviours, and olfaction (sniffing) was the most frequent. Pallas’s cats used olfactory communication most frequently at sites that were not visited by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and when they used communal scent-marking sites, they were more likely to use olfactory communication when a longer time had elapsed since the last visit by a snow leopard. This suggests that Pallas’s cats may reduce advertising their presence in response to occurrence of snow leopards, possibly to limit predation risk.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1721  
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Author Atzeni, L., Wang, J., Riordan, P., Shi, K., Cushman, S. A. pdf 
  Title Landscape resistance to gene flow in a snow leopard population from Qilianshan National Park, Gansu, China Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Landscape Ecology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Landscape genetics · MLPE · Gene flow · Genetic distance · Isolation by distance · Isolation by resistance · Landscape resistance · Snow leopard · Principal component analysis  
  Abstract Context: The accurate estimation of landscape resistance to movement is important for ecological understanding and conservation applications. Rigorous estimation of resistance requires validation and optimization. One approach uses genetic data for the optimization or validation of resistance models. Objectives We used a genetic dataset of snow leopards from China to evaluate how landscape genetics resistance models varied across genetic distances and spatial scales of analysis. We evaluated whether landscape genetics models were superior to models of resistance derived from habitat suitability or isolation-by-distance.

Methods: We regressed genetically optimized, habitat-based, and isolation-by-distance hypotheses against genetic distances using mixed effect models. We explored all subset combinations of genetically optimized variables to find the most supported resistance scenario for each genetic distance.

Results: Genetically optimized models always out-performed habitat-based and isolation-by-distance hypotheses. The choice of genetic distances influenced the apparent influence of variables, their spatial scales and their functional response shapes, producing divergent resistance scenarios. Gene flow in snow leopards was largely facilitated by areas of intermediate ruggedness at intermediate elevations corresponding to small-to-large valleys within and between the mountain ranges.

Conclusions: This study highlights that landscape genetics models provide superior estimation of functional dispersal than habitat surrogates and suggests that optimization of genetic distance should be included as an optimization routine in landscape genetics, along with variables, scales, effect size and functional response shape. Furthermore, our study provides new insights on the ecological conditions that promote gene flow in snow leopards, which expands ecological knowledge, and we hope will improve conservation planning.
 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1720  
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Author Islam, M., Sahana, M., Areendran, G., Jamir, C., Raj, K., Sajjad, H. pdf 
  Title Prediction of potential habitat suitability of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) and niche overlap in the parts of western Himalayan region Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Geo: Geography and Environment Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 10 Issue e00121 Pages 1-15  
  Keywords bioclimatic variables, habitat suitability, MaxEnt model, niche overlap, western Himalayan region  
  Abstract The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) are the inhabitants of remote areas at higher altitudes with extreme geographic and climatic conditions. The habitats of these least-studied species are crucial for sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem. We employed the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) species distribution model to predict the potential habitat suitability of snow leopards and blue sheep and extracted common overlapped niches. For this, we utilised presence location, bio-climatic and environmental variables, and correlation analysis was applied to reduce the negative impact of multicollinearity. A total of 134 presence locations of snow leopards and 64 for blue sheep were selected from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The annual mean temperature (Bio1) was found to be the most useful and highly influential factor to predict the potential habitat suitability of snow leopards. Annual mean temperature, annual precipitation and isothermality were the major influencing factors for blue sheep habitat suitability. Highly influential bio-climatic, topographic and environmental variables were integrated to construct the model for predicting habitat suitability. The area under the curve (AUC) values for snow leopard (0.87) and blue sheep (0.82) showed that the models are under good representation. Of the total area investigated, 47% was suitable for the blue sheep and 38% for the snow leopards. Spatial habitat assessment revealed that nearly 11% area from the predicted suitable habitat class of both species was spatially matched (overlapped), 48.6% area was unsuitable under niche overlap and 40.5% area was spatially mismatched niche. The presence of snow leopards and blue sheep in some highly suitable areas was not observed, yet such areas have the potential to sustain these elusive species. The other geographical regions interested in exploring habitat suitability may find the methodological framework adopted in this study useful for formulating an effective conservation policy and management strategy.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1719  
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Author Chimed, O., Lkhagvasuren, D., Alexander, J. S., Barclay, D., Bayasgalan, N., Lkhagvajav, P., Nygren, E., Robinson, S. L., Samelius, G. pdf 
  Title Delivery of educational material increased awareness of the elusive Pallas’s cat in Southern Mongolia Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Applied Environmental Education & Comunication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-13  
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  Abstract Public engagement and awareness programs are important components of many conservation programs today as such engagements are often critical for successful conservation. In this study, we examined if delivery of educational material increased awareness of the Pallas’s cat and its environment in a southern Mongolia herder community. We found that knowledge was greater and attitudes toward the Pallas’s cat and wildlife in general were more positive one year after the delivery of the educational material. This study thus suggests that educational material can be effective at increasing awareness of small and elusive species such as the Pallas’s cat.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1718  
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Author 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. pdf 
  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 Rashid, W., Shi, J., Rahim, I. U., Dong, S., Ahmad, L. pdf 
  Title Research trends and management options in human-snow leopard conflict Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 242 Issue 108413 Pages 1-10  
  Keywords Snow leopards, Systematic review, Compensation, Co-existence, Livestock, Human-wildlife conflict, Mitigation  
  Abstract Conservation of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is challenging because of its threatened status and increase in human-snow leopard conflict (HSC). The area of occupancy of the snow leopard comprises mountainous regions of Asia that are confronted with various environmental pressures including climate change. HSCs have increased with a burgeoning human population and economic activities that enhance competition between human and snow leopard or its preys. Here we systematically review the peer-reviewed literature from 1994 to 2018 in Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed (30 articles), to evaluate the current state of scholarship about HSCs and their management. We determine: 1) the spatio-temporal distribution of relevant researches; 2) the methodologies to assess HSCs; 3) and evaluate existing interventions for conflict management; and 4) the potential options for HSC management. The aim of the current study is thus to identify key research gaps and future research requirements. Of the articles in this review, 60% evaluated the mitigation of HSCs, while only 37% provided actionable and decisive results. Compensation programs and livestock management strategies had high success rates for mitigating HSCs through direct or community-managed interventions. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of existing HSC mitigation strategies, many of which, while recommended, lack proper support. In spite of the progress made in HSC studies, research is needed to examine ecological and sociocultural context of HSCs. We suggest future work focus on rangeland management for HSC mitigation, thus ultimately fostering a co-existence between human and snow leopard.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1716  
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Author Alexander, J. S., Johansson, O., Xiao, L., Chetri, M., Lkhagvajav, P., Karumbaya, R., Wright, B., Modaqiq, W., Lovari, S. pdf 
  Title Snow Leopard Network: 20 years of collaboration among practitioners Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 57 Issue 5 Pages 559-560  
  Keywords  
  Abstract The Snow Leopard Network (snowleopardnetwork.org), a global group dedicated to snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation, is commemorating 2 decades of accomplishments since its inception in 2002. Initiated at the Snow Leopard Survival Summit in Seattle, USA, with 58 experts from 17 countries, the Network continues to grow and to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the snow leopard in High Asia. Current membership stands at 621 individuals and 31 organizations. As new challenges and opportunities arise, collaborative and innovative solutions are more crucial than ever.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1729  
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Author Parker, B. G., Khanyari, M., Ambarli, H., Buuveibaatar, B., Kabir, M., Khanal, G., Mirzadeh, H. R., Onon, Y., Farhadinia, M. S. pdf 
  Title A review of the ecological and socioeconomic characteristics of trophy hunting across Asia Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-16  
  Keywords Asia; conservation spending; communities; other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM); revenue sharing; trophy hunting; socioeconomics.  
  Abstract The continuing debates about trophy hunting should be underpinned by an understanding of at least the basic characteristics of the practice (e.g. species, quotas, areas, prices). Whilst many countries in Asia have established trophy hunting programmes of considerable importance to conservation and local livelihoods, there remains some ambiguity over the extent of trophy hunting in Asia as its basic characteristics in each country have not been compiled. In this study, we compile information on various ecological and socioeconomic characteristics of trophy hunting of mammals for countries across Asia by reviewing published and unpublished literature, analysing trade data, and obtaining contributions from in-country contacts. Across Asia, established trophy hunting programmes exist in at least 11 countries and target at least 30 species and one hybrid (incl., five Vulnerable and one Endangered species). Trophy hunting in these countries varies markedly in areas (e.g. >1 million km2 in Kazakhstan, 37% of country, vs. 1325 km2 in Nepal, <1% of country) and annual offtakes (e.g. Kazakhstan: 4500 individuals from 4 of 5 trophy species; Pakistan: 229 from 4 of 7; Mongolia: 155 from 6 of 9; Tajikistan: 126 from 3 of 6; Nepal: 22 from 3 of the 4 that are trophy hunted in practice). Permit prices also vary across species and countries, with domestic and international hunters sometimes charged different rates. Hunters from the USA appear overwhelmingly prominent among international clients. National legislations typically mandate a proportion of trophy hunting revenue to accrue locally (range: 40–100%). We provide five key recommendations for research to inform trophy hunting policy in Asia: (1) Ecological impact assessments; (2) Socioeconomic impact assessments; (3) Evaluations of the contributions of trophy hunting to conservation spending; (4) Evaluations of the contributions of trophy hunting to the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework; (5) Further examinations of perceptions of trophy hunting.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1714  
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Author Piaopiao, T., Suryawanshi, K. R., Lingyun, X., Mishra, C., Zhi, L., Alexander, J. S. pdf 
  Title Factors shaping the tolerance of local Tibetan herders toward snow leopards Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Journal for Nature Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 71 (2023) Issue 126305 Pages 1-8  
  Keywords Attitude, Gender, Social-norms, Religion, Livestock, Community-based  
  Abstract Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) have long co-existed with livestock herding people across Asia’s high mountains. Multiple use landscapes however imply potential competition for shared resources, livestock predation, and the risk of retaliatory killing of predators. Community-based conservation is a central pillar for supporting people’s livelihoods and safeguarding predators and their habitat. Based on the theory of planned behavior, we examined the factors that shape herders’ tolerance of snow leopards. Our questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Sanjiangyuan Region, China, encompassing four communities with varying livelihoods, experiences with live- stock depredation and levels of exposure to community conservation interventions. Our results showed that respondents generally held positive views towards snow leopards, although women tended to have relatively more negative views towards snow leopards compared with men. Current household income was largely dependent on caterpillar fungus rather than livestock. Social norms around religion and the role of community leaders in our study area seemed to be the main determinants of the generally benign association of people with wildlife, overshadowing potential influences of community-based conservation interventions. Our work suggests that conservations programs will be aided through collaborations with communities and religious institutions, and that conservationists must proactively engage with women as significant actors in conservation.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1713  
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Author Johansson, O., Kachel, S., Weckworth, B. pdf 
  Title Guidelines for Telemetry Studies on Snow Leopards Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Animals Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 12 Issue 1663 Pages 1-12  
  Keywords animal welfare; capture; collar; felid; GPS; immobilization; Panthera uncia; trapping  
  Abstract Animal-borne tracking devices have generated a wealth of new knowledge, allowing us to better understand, manage and conserve species. Fitting such tracking devices requires that animals are captured and often chemically immobilized. Such procedures cause stress and involve the risk of injuries and loss of life even in healthy individuals. For telemetry studies to be justifiable, it is vital that capture operations are planned and executed in an efficient and ethical way. Project objectives must be clearly articulated to address well-defined knowledge gaps, and studies designed to maximize the probability of achieving those goals. We provide guidelines for how to plan, design, and implement telemetry studies with a special emphasis on snow leopards that are typically captured using foot snares. We also describe the necessary steps to ensure that captures are conducted safely, and with minimal stress to animals.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1712  
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Author Johansson, O., Agvaantseren, B., Jackson, R., Kachel, S., Kubanychbekov, Z., McCarthy, T., Mishra, C., Ostrowski, S., Kulenbekov, R., Rajabi, A. M., Subba, S. pdf 
  Title Body measurements of free-ranging snow leopards across their range Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Snow Leopard Reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 1 Issue Pages 1-6  
  Keywords Body mass, body size, carnivore, morphology, Panthera uncia  
  Abstract We provide body measurements of snow leopards collected from 55 individuals sampled in five of the major mountain ranges within the species distribution range; the Altai, Hindu Kush, Himalayas, Pamirs and Tien Shan mountains. Snow leopards appear to be similarly sized across their distribution range with mean body masses of 36 kg and 42 kg for adult females and adult males, respectively. In contrast to other large felids, we found little variation in body size and body mass between the sexes; adult males were on average 5% longer and 15% heavier than adult females.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1711  
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Author Johansson, O., Mishra, C., Chapron, G., Samelius, G., Lkhagvajav, P., McCarthy, T., Low, M. pdf 
  Title Seasonal variation in daily activity patterns of snow leopards and their prey Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Nature Portfolio Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 12 Issue 21681 Pages 1-11  
  Keywords  
  Abstract The daily and seasonal activity patterns of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are poorly understood, limiting our ecological understanding and hampering our ability to mitigate threats such as climate change and retaliatory killing in response to livestock predation. We fitted GPS-collars with activity loggers to snow leopards, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica: their main prey), and domestic goats (Capra hircus: common livestock prey) in Mongolia between 2009 and 2020. Snow leopards were facultatively nocturnal with season-specific crepuscular activity peaks: seasonal activity shifted towards night- sunrise during summer, and day-sunset in winter. Snow leopard activity was in contrast to their prey, which were consistently diurnal. We interpret these results in relation to: (1) darkness as concealment for snow leopards when stalking in an open landscape (nocturnal activity), (2) low-intermediate light preferred for predatory ambush in steep rocky terrain (dawn and dusk activity), and (3) seasonal activity adjustments to facilitate thermoregulation in an extreme environment. These patterns suggest that to minimise human-wildlife conflict, livestock should be corralled at night and dawn in summer, and dusk in winter. It is likely that climate change will intensify seasonal effects on the snow leopard’s daily temporal niche for thermoregulation in the future.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1710  
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Author Moqanaki, E., Samelius, G. pdf 
  Title Monitoring the Manul – guidelines for practitioners Type Journal Article
  Year Publication The Pallas’s cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-188  
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  Abstract Foreword: Field monitoring of wild animal species is rarely accomplished without challenges. Logistical, environmental, and ecological factors dictate the need for appropriate sampling regardless of location, taxa, or objectives. With regards to felids there is no questioning their popularity when it comes to field research. Their role and impact on the ecosystems combined with their “hypercarnivore” lifestyle and cultural significance have resulted in an extensive and historical resume of field studies across the globe. Despite the vast number of studies on felids, there is a significant skew toward the big cats with the scientific knowledge base for small-bodied cat species, including the Pallas’s cat or manul (Otocolobus manul), much smaller. Given the solitary and elusive nature of most small cats, like the manul, that inhabit remote environments, it is not difficult to understand this gap in field research.

Recognising this gap and following years of field research and conservation, the Pallas’s cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) and their conservation partners identified the need for targeted and easy to follow guidance on best practices for monitoring the manul in the wild. This guide details an extensive compilation of data collection methods and monitoring techniques for the manul that will help practitioners deliver more effective conservation and research efforts.

This guide was edited by Ehsan Moqanaki and Gustaf Samelius that, in close collaboration with a number of co-authors, have brought together a wealth of knowledge on surveying and monitoring manul populations. Each chapter compiles tried and tested techniques from a range of carnivore research projects over the last few decades, with a focus on the manul. In doing so this guide provides a detailed insight into the most effective data collection methods to enhance future conservation and research efforts for the species. We are grateful to all involved in the development of this book and hope that it serves as a valuable practical guide to current and future conservation and researcher efforts, while contributing to long-term conservation actions for this amazing small cat.

The Pallas’s cat International Conservation Alliance
 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1709  
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Author Moheb, Z., Fuller, T. K., Zahler, P. I. pdf 
  Title Snow Leopard – human conflict as a conservation challenge – a review Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Snow Leopard Reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 1 Issue Pages 11-24  
  Keywords Human wildlife conflict, conflict domains, mitigation schemes, Panthera uncia  
  Abstract Human conflict with large carnivores continues to be a great conservation challenge, and conflict with snow leopards (Panthera uncia) has been studied to understand causes and propose mitigation schemes. While the nature of snow leopard-human conflict is similar in most cases, reported studies have been case- and area-specific with mitigation strategies not necessarily based on a synthesis of relevant literature. We reviewed snow leopard literature published from 1970-2020 to identify the main drivers of human-snow leopard conflict (HSLC) and describe conservation and conflict mitigation strategies commonly employed. Based on 47 relevant peer-reviewed articles, review papers, book chapters, project reports, and other grey literature, we identified four major conflict domains: livestock management-related, socio-economic/human-related, ecological, and policy-related. Most articles suggested more than one conflict mitigation scheme. Three conflict mitigation domains – preventive, supportive, and compensatory – were widely reflected in the snow leopard-human conflict literature. The most commonly reported mitigation schemes included: 1) building or predator-proofing corrals; 2) training shepherds and improving livestock guarding; 3) livestock insurance schemes; 4) compensation for livestock predation; 5) capacity building, education, and awareness programs; and 6) improved breeding and use of guard dogs. Future management efforts need to tailor their approach depending on cultural, economic, and ecological circumstances.

 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1708  
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Author Moheb, Z., Rajabi, A. M., Jahed, N., Ostrowski, S., Zahler, P. I., Fuller, T. K. pdf 
  Title Using double-observer surveys to monitor urial and ibex populations in the Hindu Kush of Wakhan National Park, Afghanistan Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-7  
  Keywords Capra sibirica, density, double-observer survey, herd composition, herd size, Ovis vignei, ungulates, viewshed  
  Abstract We surveyed the urial Ovis vignei and Siberian ibex Capra sibirica in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Wakhan National Park in north-eastern Afghanistan to determine their population status and identify potential drivers of population change. We conducted two double- observer ground surveys, in April–May 2015 and 2018, in 10 areas (total = 288 km2). Urial herds were mostly com- posed of both sexes (78% of observed herds), the mean adult sex ratio (females:males) was 100:70, and the mean female:juvenile ratio was 100:53. In 2018 we calculated a urial density of 35/100 km2, compared to 72/100 km2 in 2015. Ibex herds were mostly (79%) composed of both sexes, the mean adult sex ratio (females:males) was 100:103, and the mean female:juvenile ratio was 100:58. Ibex density estimates were similar in 2015 and 2018 (c. 250/100 km2). We discuss the usefulness of the double-observer methods for ungulate surveys, highlight the value of viewshed calculations and discuss the possible causes of urial population decline. To ensure the conservation of these ungulate populations, we recommend continued regular monitoring, measures to address poaching and research to clarify the taxonomical status of urials in Wakhan.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1707  
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Author Franchini, M., Atzeni, L., Lovari, S., Nasanbat, B., Ravchig, S., Herrador, F. C., Bombieri, G., Augugliaro, C. pdf 
  Title Spatio-temporal behaviour of predators and prey in an arid environment of Central Asia Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Current Zoology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue zoac093 Pages  
  Keywords avoidance, facilitation, Mongolia, Panthera uncia, ungulates, Vulpes vulpes.  
  Abstract The mechanisms of interactions between apex and smaller carnivores may range from competition to facilitation. Conversely, interactions between predators and prey are mainly driven by the prey reducing the likelihood of encounters with predators. In this study, we investigated (i) the spatio-temporal interactions between an apex (the snow leopard) and a meso-predator (the red fox), and (ii) the temporal interactions between the snow leopard and its potential prey (Siberian ibex, argali, Asian wild ass, Tolai hare) through camera-trapping in the Mongolian Great Gobi-A. The probability of occurrence for the red fox was higher in presence of the snow leopard than in its absence. Moreover, the red fox activity pattern matched that of the snow leopard, with both species mostly active at sunset. This positive spatio-temporal interaction suggests that the presence of the snow leopard may be beneficial for the red fox in terms of scavenging opportunities. However, other explanations may also be possible. Amongst prey, the Siberian ibex and the argali were mainly active during the day, whereas the Asian wild ass and the Tolai hare were more nocturnal. These findings suggest that potential prey (especially the Siberian ibex and the argali) may shape their behaviour to decrease the opportunity of encounters with the snow leopard. Our results have revealed complex interactions between apex and smaller predators and between apex predator and its potential prey.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1706  
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