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Author Kachel, S.M.
Title Large Carnivore Ecology and Conservation in the High Mountains of Central Asia Type Manuscript
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-170
Keywords
Abstract Predators shape their ecosystems through myriad interactions with prey, other predators, and humans. However, the effects of these interactions may be contingent on multiple contextual factors, hindering prediction in any given community and impeding a general understanding of the ecological effects of predators. Despite their prominence as conservation flagship in the mountains of Central Asia, even basic aspects of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) ecology remain underexplored and poorly understood. The ecology of wolves (Canis lupus), sympatric with snow leopards throughout that species’ range, has been even more neglected in the region, notwithstanding the significant impact of livestock depredation on pastoralist communities. This dissertation examines the interactions underlying the coexistence of wolves and snow leopards, including those with humans and their joint effects on prey, with the broader goal of improving our understanding of the context-dependence of the non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators. In Chapter 2, I explore the patterns of spatial, temporal, and dietary niche overlap between wolves and snow leopards in the Eastern Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. I show that in

light of dietary and temporal overlap, the two predators’ coexistence may depend on strong spatial partitioning. In Chapter 3, I explore the consequences of this spatial partitioning by investigating how shared prey with distinct escape tactics, ibex (Capra sibirica) and argali (Ovis ammon), navigate the tradeoffs posed by the two predators in the Central Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Each ungulate responded to each predator in a manner that was predictable based on the compatibility of their respective evasion and hunting-mode traits, suggesting that non- consumptive predator effects depend not on predator hunting mode or prey escape tactics, but rather on their interaction. Furthermore, short-term predation risk may upend each ungulates’ long-term risk avoidance strategy, suggesting that emergent effects of multiple predators may have important consequences in this system. In Chapter 4, I develop a novel approach to investigate large-scale patterns of livestock depredation risk and occurrence for wolves and snow leopards, but also lynx (Lynx lynx) and bears (Ursus arctos), in the Western Pamirs of Tajikistan. Livestock depredation was commonplace, with most communities exposed to multiple predators, highlighting that conservation efforts meant to reduce conflict between people and carnivores should aim to reduce depredation as it is experienced by human communities – a threat from the entire carnivore guild. Overall, my results suggest that single-species approaches to conservation in the mountains of Central Asia may be inadequate for ecosystems and people. This dissertation advances the cause of conservation in Central Asia by providing an empirical perspective on how snow leopards and wolves coexist and shape their ecosystems, and by providing practical insight into the challenge of livestock depredation and conflict, a primary threat to wolves and snow leopards in the region. By showing that the non-consumptive effects of predators cannot be predicted based solely on prey escape tactics or predator hunting mode alone, it also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of predators in shaping ecosystems.
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Corporate Author Thesis Ph.D. thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor (up)
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1697
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Author Changxi, X., Bai, D., Lambert, J. P., Li, Y., Cering, L., Gong, Z., Riordan, P., Shi, K.
Title How Snow Leopards Share the Same Landscape with Tibetan Agro-pastoral Communities in the Chinese Himalayas Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of Resources and Ecology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 3 Pages 483-500
Keywords habitat use; landscape ecology; occupancy model; Qomolangma; Panthera uncia
Abstract The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits a human-altered alpine landscape and is often tolerated by residents in regions where the dominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism, including in Qomolangma NNR on the northern side of the Chinese Himalayas. Despite these positive attitudes, many decades of rapid economic development and population growth can cause increasing disturbance to the snow leopards, altering their habitat use patterns and ultimately impacting their conservation. We adopted a dynamic landscape ecology perspective and used multi-scale technique and occupancy model to better understand snow leopard habitat use and coexistence with humans in an 825 km2 communal landscape. We ranked eight hypothetical models containing potential natural and anthropogenic drivers of habitat use and compared them between summer and winter seasons within a year. HABITAT was the optimal model in winter, whereas ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCE was the top ranking in summer (AICcw≤2). Overall, model performance was better in the winter than in the summer, suggesting that perhaps some latent summer covariates were not measured. Among the individual variables, terrain ruggedness strongly affected snow leopard habitat use in the winter, but not in the summer. Univariate modeling suggested snow leopards prefer to use rugged land in winter with a broad scale (4000 m focal radius) but with a lesser scale in summer (30 m); Snow leopards preferred habitat with a slope of 22° at a scale of 1000 m throughout both seasons, which is possibly correlated with prey occurrence. Furthermore, all covariates mentioned above showed inextricable ties with human activities (presence of settlements and grazing intensity). Our findings show that multiple sources of anthropogenic activity have complex connections with snow leopard habitat use, even under low human density when anthropogenic activities are sparsely distributed across a vast landscape. This study is also valuable for habitat use research in the future, especially regarding covariate selection for finite sample sizes in inaccessible terrain.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1698
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Author Ahmad, S., Ali, H., Asif, M., Khan, T, Din, N., Rehman, E. U., Hameed, S., Din, J. U., Nawaz, M. A.
Title Spatial density pattern of Himalayan Ibex (Capra sibirica) in Pakistan Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Global Ecology & Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 39 Issue e02288 Pages 1-12
Keywords Himalayan ibex, Population, Hindu Kush, Himalaya, Karakoram, Pakistan
Abstract Mountain ungulates perform a key role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems as they are the primary consumers of vegetation and prey for large predators. The mountain ranges of northern Pakistan are home to six species of mountain ungulates, and the Himalayan ibex (Capra sibirica), hereafter ibex, is the most abundant among them. This study was conducted in three administrative regions of northern Pakistan, viz. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), to generate a range-wide density pattern map of ibex. A double-observer survey was conducted in 25 study sites during 2018–2021 across the ibex distribution range, covering an area of about 35,307 km2, by walking transects totaling 1647 km. Within the ibex range where the survey was not conducted due to financial and logistical constraints, we obtained species population information from local wildlife departments’ most recent annual survey data. The aim was to generate a density map for the entire ibex range. Using the BBRe-capture package in program R, we estimated an ibex population of 7639 (95 % CI) with a mean density of 0.21/km2 in the surveyed area. Combining with the secondary data from un-surveyed areas, the total population estimate for the country came to 10,242 ibex. The largest population densities were observed in four valleys (Shimshal, Gulkin-Hussaini, Khyber, and Khunjerab) of the Karakoram-Pamir range, followed by the Hindu Kush range (Chitral Wildlife Division [WD]). The central and eastern parts of the Karakoram range had moderate to low densities, while the Himalayan range (e.g., Astore Valley) supported a small population. The mean herd size was 15 individuals (range: 5–41), and the average detection probability of observers A and B was 0.69 and 0.48, respectively. The average male and young ratios per 100 females were estimated to be 75 and 81, respectively. The range-wide density map developed during the study provided an evidence for the impact of trophy hunting programs and an objective tool for range-wide conservation planning of the species.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1699
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Author Luxom, N. M., Singh, R., Theengh, L., Shrestha, P., Sharma, R. K.
Title Pastoral practices, pressures, Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice Open Access and human-wildlife relations in high altitude rangelands of eastern Himalaya: A case study of the Dokpa pastoralists of North Sikkim Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Springer Open Abbreviated Journal
Volume 12 Issue 37 Pages 1-19
Keywords Pastoralism, Socio-political stresses, Institutions, Climatic change, Free-ranging dogs, Participatory rangeland conservation
Abstract The pastoral practices of the Dokpa herders of North Sikkim have been transforming in response to the geo-political and socio-economic changes in the region. Against the backdrop of these changes, this study aims to understand the current state of pastoralism in North Sikkim with three specific objectives: (i) to understand the current rangeland management practices of the Dokpa community; (ii) to examine the social, political and ecological stresses to continuity of traditional pastoral livelihoods; and (iii) to document the baseline on human-wildlife relations. We focused on one of the two subset populations of Dokpa herders of North Sikkim and, using a mixed-methods approach, conducted 12 semi-structured interviews, four key respondent interviews and two focused group discussions. The resource use by the Dokpas is unique, and unlike the rest of the Himalayan range, they access the high-altitude pastures in winters and the lower ones in summer. Pastures in the higher altitudes experience heavier winds, which leads to lower levels of snow deposition — thus ensuring access to dried pasture forage for livestock during the lean season. The decisions pertaining to resource management are taken by the head of the local institution Dzumsa, the Pipon. Primary stresses to the continuation of traditional pastoral practices are fragmentation of pastureland post- Sino-Indian war of 1962 and the consequent establishment of armed forces, livestock depredation by free-ranging dogs followed by wild predators and continued socio-economic marginalisation of the pastoralists under a supposedly egalitarian institutional regime. Extreme climatic events in the recent past have also contributed to significant livestock loss. Dokpa transhumant practices are on an overall decline, with most members of the younger generation shifting to non-herding livelihoods. The availability of alternate livelihood options with the improved connectivity, access to education and development of the tourism industry has led to changing aspirations of the younger generations. In only two of the twelve households we surveyed, the younger generation continues herding, while the rest have moved to the cities and towns. In terms of human-wildlife relations, the respondents mostly hold a positive attitude towards wildlife and conservation actions despite livestock predation by wild predators, since the free-ranging dogs cause the highest livestock loss. With the inputs from the Dokpas, we provide recommendations towards a facilitative environment for the continuation of the traditional herding in the region, which is critical for the survival of pastoralism in North Sikkim, presently hinged on less than two dozen of elderly Dokpas.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor (up)
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1700
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Author Pal, R., Panwar, A., Goyal, S. P., Sathyakumar, S.
Title Changes in ecological conditions may influence intraguild competition: inferring interaction patterns of snow leopard with co-predators Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication PeerJ Abbreviated Journal
Volume 10 Issue e14277 Pages 1-26
Keywords Common leopard, Woolly wolf, Occupancy, Interspecific interactions, Temporal overlap, Scat analysis
Abstract Background: Large-scale changes in habitat conditions due to human modifications and climate change require management practices to consider how species communities can alter amidst these changes. Understanding species interactions across the gradient of space, anthropogenic pressure, and season provide the opportunity to anticipate possible dynamics in the changing scenarios. We studied the interspecific interactions of carnivore species in a high-altitude ecosystem over seasonal (summer and winter) and resource gradients (livestock grazing) to assess the impact of changing abiotic and biotic settings on coexistence.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Upper Bhagirathi basin, Western Himalaya, India. We analyzed around 4 years of camera trap monitoring data to understand seasonal spatial and temporal interactions of the snow leopard with common leopard and woolly wolf were assessed in the greater and trans-Himalayan habitats, respectively. We used two species occupancy models to assess spatial interactions, and circadian activity patterns were used to assess seasonal temporal overlap amongst carnivores. In addition, we examined scats to understand the commonalities in prey selection.

Results: The result showed that although snow leopard and wolves depend on the same limited prey species and show high temporal overlap, habitat heterogeneity and differential habitat use facilitate co-occurrence between these two predators. Snow leopard and common leopard were spatially independent in the summer. Conversely, the common leopard negatively influences the space use of snow leopard in the winter. Limited prey resources (lack of livestock), restricted space (due to snow cover), and similar activity patterns in winter might result in strong competition, causing these species to avoid each other on a spatial scale. The study showed that in addition to species traits and size, ecological settings also play a significant role in deciding the intensity of competition between large carnivores. Climate change and habitat shifts are predicted to increase the spatial overlap between snow leopard and co-predators in the future. In such scenarios, wolves and snow leopards may coexist in a topographically diverse environment, provided sufficient prey are available. However, shifts in tree line might lead to severe competition between common leopards and snow leopards, which could be detrimental to the latter. Further monitoring of resource use across abiotic and biotic environments may improve our understanding of how changing ecological conditions can affect resource partitioning between snow leopards and predators.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1701
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Author Vipin, Golla, T. R., Sharma, V., Kumar, B. K., Gaur, A.
Title Kleptoparasitic interaction between Snow Leopard Panthera uncia and Red Fox Vulpes vulpes suggested by circumstantial evidence in Pin Valley National Park, India Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of Threatened Taxa Abbreviated Journal
Volume 14 Issue 10 Pages 21928-21935
Keywords Animal interaction, carnivore, mammals, prey, Trans-Himalaya.
Abstract In the present study, we describe an interspecific kleptoparasitic interaction between two sympatric mammalian carnivores in the high altitudinal Trans-Himalaya region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study was based on the inferences drawn from the circumstantial evidence (direct and indirect) noticed in the study area in Pin Valley National Park. The inferences from the analysis of the evidence suggested the interaction between a Snow Leopard Panthera uncia, a Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, and a donkey. The arrangement of evidence in a sequential manner suggested that a donkey was killed by a Snow Leopard and a Red Fox stole the food from the carrion of the Snow Leopard’s prey. The Red Fox was killed by the Snow Leopard, which was caught while stealing. The present study represents an example of kleptoparasitic interaction between the Snow Leopard and the Red Fox. This study also proves that such interactions may cost the life of a kleptoparasite and supports the retaliation behaviour of Snow Leopards.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1702
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Author Nature Conservation Division; Department of Forests and Park Services; Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources; Royal Government of Bhutan
Title Snow Leopard Status in Bhutan – National Snow Leopard Survey Report 2022-2023 Type Report
Year 2023 Publication NSLS Report Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-82
Keywords
Abstract The National Snow Leopard Survey (NSLS) report 2022-2023 provides an updated status of the snow leopard in Bhutan. The report is an outcome of the camera trapping survey spanning five protected areas namely Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, Jigme Dorji National Park, Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and two Divisional Forest Offices of Paro and Thimphu. A total of 310 camera stations were setup across the field sites that accumulated a survey effort of 22,636 trap nights, with over 10,000 images of snow leopards captured. A careful review of 476 images identified 96 adult individuals and 10 cubs across the landscape. Bayesian-based Spatially Explicit Capture Recapture (SECR) modelling estimated 134 snow leopards, as compared to the 2016 baseline of 96 individuals. Snow leopard density was estimated at 1.34 snow leopards per 100 km2 with the possibility of higher density in western Bhutan than in central and eastern Bhutan. Habitat distribution modeling also suggests more suitable habitats in western Bhutan as compared to other regions.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1740
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Author Moheb, Z., Sahel, K., Fazli, M., Hakimi, M., Ismaily, S.
Title Snow Leopard Intrusions into Livestock Corrals in Badakhshan, Afghanistan: Challenges and Solutions Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Snow Leopard Reports Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-5
Keywords Panthera uncia, corral intrusion, livestock predation, occurrence record, problematic animal
Abstract Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) frequently prey on livestock throughout their range, posing a potential threat to human livelihoods and endangering the predator’s own survival. In this study, we document seven incidents of snow leopards intruding into livestock corrals and engaging in surplus killing in three districts of Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Six of the predation incidents were attributed to a single individual, occurring in five locations of Wakhan District and eventually in Yumgan District, where the captured animal was relocated. The remaining predation incident occurred in Keran-wa Munjan District, marking the first recorded evidence of snow leopards in this area. In all but one of the incidents, the predator was trapped in the corral it intruded and safely released back to the wild with the support of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) team in Afghanistan. Local communities have been supportive in releasing the snow leopard despite losses of over 50 livestock. To mitigate negative interactions between snow leopards and livestock, conservation efforts should focus on conserving prey species, implementing predator- proof measures for livestock corrals, and utilizing collar tracking when a trapped snow leopard is found in a corral. Unfortunately, when an individual repeatedly enters livestock corrals and continues killing livestock, capture and relocation to captivity often become the only viable option to address the problem and ensure the animal’s safety from retaliatory action by affected herders.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1728
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Author Alexander, J. S., Johansson, O., Xiao, L., Chetri, M., Lkhagvajav, P., Karumbaya, R., Wright, B., Modaqiq, W., Lovari, S.
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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Language Summary Language Original Title
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1729
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Author Johansson, O., Nyam, E., Lkhagvajav, P., Alexander, J. A., Samelius, G.
Title Predation Patterns and Hunting Behaviour of Snow Leopards: Insights from an Ibex Hunt Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Snow Leopard Reports Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 6-9
Keywords ambush, Capra sibirica, kill site, mountain, Panthera uncia
Abstract The hunting behaviours of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) are poorly understood. In this note, we describe the successful hunt of an adult male ibex (Capra sibirica) by a known male snow leopard in Tost Mountains, Mongolia. The hunt started in a mountain slope close to three large boulders and progressed downhill for 115 m until it concluded at the bottom of a drainage. By comparing the habitat where the ibex was killed to the kill sites of 158 ibex and 17 argali (Ovis ammon) that were killed by GPS-collared snow leopards, we demonstrate that the majority (62%) of these kills occurred in drainages. We propose that in successful hunts, snow leopards commonly ambush from above, causing prey individuals to typically flee downhill. Thereby the prey maintain their momentum and it is not until they are slowed down upon reaching the bottom of the drainage that the snow leopards are able to subdue them.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1730
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