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Author Berger, J., Buuveibaatar, B., Mishra, C.
Title Globalization of the Cashmere Market and the Decline of Large Mammals in Central Asia Type Journal Article
Year Publication Conservation Biology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue 4 Pages 679-689
Keywords fashion, herders, India, Mongolia, saiga, trade
Abstract As drivers of terrestrial ecosystems, humans have replaced large carnivores in most areas, and

human influence not only exerts striking ecological pressures on biodiversity at local scales but also has

indirect effects in distant corners of the world. We suggest that the multibillion dollar cashmere industry

creates economic motivations that link western fashion preferences for cashmere to land use in Central

Asia. This penchant for stylish clothing, in turn, encourages herders to increase livestock production which

affects persistence of over 6 endangered large mammals in these remote, arid ecosystems. We hypothesized

that global trade in cashmere has strong negative effects on native large mammals of deserts and grassland

where cashmere-producing goats are raised. We used time series data, ecological snapshots of the biomass

of native and domestic ungulates, and ecologically and behaviorally based fieldwork to test our hypothesis.

In Mongolia increases in domestic goat production were associated with a 3-fold increase in local profits for

herders coexisting with endangered saiga (Saiga tatarica). That increasing domestic grazing pressure carries

fitness consequences was inferred on the basis of an approximately 4-fold difference in juvenile recruitment among blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in trans-Himalayan India. Across 7 study areas in Mongolia, India, and China’s Tibetan Plateau, native ungulate biomass is now <5% that of domestic species. Such trends suggest ecosystem degradation and decreased capacity for the persistence of native species, including at least 8 Asian endemic species: saiga, chiru (Pantholops hodgsoni), Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), khulan (Equus hemionus), kiang (E. kiang), takhi (E. przewalski), and wild yak (Bos mutus). Our results suggest striking yet indirect and unintended actions that link trophic-level effects to markets induced by the trade for cashmere.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1398
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Author Sharma, K., Bayrakcismith, R., Tumursukh, L., Johansson, O., Sevger, P., McCarthy, T., Mishra, C.
Title Vigorous Dynamics Underlie a Stable Population of the Endangered Snow Leopard Panthera uncia in Tost Mountains, South Gobi, Mongolia Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Plos One Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 7 Pages
Keywords
Abstract Population monitoring programmes and estimation of vital rates are key to understanding the mechanisms of population growth, decline or stability, and are important for effective conservation action. We report, for the first time, the population trends and vital rates of the endangered snow leopard based on camera trapping over four years in the Tost Mountains, South Gobi, Mongolia. We used robust design multi-season mark-recapture analysis to estimate the trends in abundance, sex ratio, survival probability and the probability of temporary emigration and immigration for adult and young snow leopards. The snow leopard population remained constant over most of the study period, with no apparent growth (l = 1.08+20.25). Comparison of model results with the ‘‘known population’’ of radio-collared snow leopards suggested

high accuracy in our estimates. Although seemingly stable, vigorous underlying dynamics were evident in this population, with the adult sex ratio shifting from being male-biased to female-biased (1.67 to 0.38 males per female) during the study. Adult survival probability was 0.82 (SE+20.08) and that of young was 0.83 (SE+20.15) and 0.77 (SE +20.2) respectively, before and after the age of 2 years. Young snow leopards showed a high probability of temporary emigration and immigration (0.6, SE +20.19 and 0.68, SE +20.32 before and after the age of 2 years) though not the adults (0.02 SE+20.07). While the current female-bias in the population and the number of cubs born each year seemingly render the study population safe, the vigorous dynamics suggests that the situation can change quickly. The reduction in the proportion of

male snow leopards may be indicative of continuing anthropogenic pressures. Our work reiterates the importance of monitoring both the abundance and population dynamics of species for effective conservation.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1416
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Author Johansson, O., McCarthy, T., Samelius, G., Andren, H., Tumursukh, L., Mishra, C.
Title Snow leopard predation in a livestock dominated landscape in Mongolia Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 184 Issue Pages 251-258
Keywords Gobi desert, GPS collar, Kill rate, Panthera uncial, Prey choice, Wildlife conflict
Abstract Livestock predation is an important cause of endangerment of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) across

its range. Yet, detailed information on individual and spatio-temporal variation in predation patterns of

snow leopards and their kill rates of livestock and wild ungulates are lacking.

We collared 19 snow leopards in the Tost Mountains, Mongolia, and searched clusters of GPS positions

to identify prey remains and estimate kill rate and prey choice.

Snow leopards killed, on average, one ungulate every 8 days, which included more wild prey (73%) than

livestock (27%), despite livestock abundance being at least one order of magnitude higher. Predation on

herded livestock occurred mainly on stragglers and in rugged areas where animals are out of sight of herders.

The two wild ungulates, ibex (Capra ibex) and argali (Ovis ammon), were killed in proportion to their

relative abundance. Predation patterns changed with spatial (wild ungulates) and seasonal (livestock)

changes in prey abundance. Adult male snow leopards killed larger prey and 2–6 times more livestock

compared to females and young males. Kill rates were considerably higher than previous scat-based estimates, and kill rates of females were higher than kill rates of males. We suggest that (i) snow leopards

prey largely on wild ungulates and kill livestock opportunistically, (ii) retaliatory killing by livestock herders

is likely to cause greater mortality of adult male snow leopards compared to females and young

males, and (iii) total off-take of prey by a snow leopard population is likely to be much higher than previous

estimates suggest.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1420
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Author Mishra, C., Suryawanshi, K.
Title Managing conflicts over livestock depradation by Large Carnivores Type Book Chapter
Year 2014 Publication SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION – Human-Wildlife Conflict in the Mountains of SAARC Region – Compilation of Successful Management Strategies and Practices Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 27-47
Keywords Snow leopard Panthera uncia, wolf Canis lupus, Himalayas, Central Asia
Abstract Managing wildlife-caused damage to human interests has become an important aspect of contemporary conservation management. Conflicts between pastoralism and carnivore conservation over livestock depredation pose a serious challenge to endangered carnivores worldwide, and have become an important livelihood concern locally. Here, we first review the primary causes of these conflicts, their socio-ecological correlates, and commonly employed mitigation measures. We then describe a community-based program to manage conflicts over livestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus. A threats-based conceptual model of conflict management is presented. Conflicts over livestock depredation are characterized by complex, multi-scale interactions between carnivore and livestock behavioral ecology, animal husbandry, human psyche, culture, world-views, and socio-economic and education levels of affected peoples. A diversity of commonly employed conflict-mitigation measures is available. They aim at (i) reducing livestock depredation through better livestock herding, use of physical, chemical or psychological barriers, removal of carnivores, and use of livestock guard animals, (ii) offsetting economic losses through damage compensation and insurance programmes, and (iii) increasing peoples’ tolerance of carnivores through indirect approaches such as conservation education and economic incentives. For effective management, conflicts need to be understood along two important dimensions, viz., the reality of damage caused to humans, and the psyche and perceptions of humans who suffer wildlife caused damage. The efficacy of commonly used mitigation measures is variable. A combination of measures that reduce the level of livestock depredation, share or offset economic losses, and improve the social carrying capacity for carnivores will be more effective in managing conflicts than standalone measures
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1424
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Author Tumursukh, L., Suryawanshi, K. R., Mishra, C., McCarthy, T. M., Boldgiv, B.
Title Status of the mountain ungulate prey of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in the Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi, Mongolia Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-6
Keywords Argali, Central Asia, double-observer survey, ibex, Panthera uncia, snow leopard, ungulate prey
Abstract The availability of wild prey is a critical predictor of carnivore density. However, few conservation pro- grammes have focused on the estimation and monitoring of wild ungulate populations and their trends, especially in the remote mountains of Central Asia. We conducted double-observer surveys to estimate the populations of ibex Capra sibirica and argali Ovis ammon in the mountain- ous regions of Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi prov- ince, Mongolia, which is being considered for designation as a Nature Reserve. We also conducted demographic surveys of the more abundant ibex to examine their sex-ratio and the survival of young during &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63282;–&#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63283;. The estimated ibex population remained stable in &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63282; and &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63283; and the es- timated argali population increased from &#63281;&#63280;&#63288; in &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63282; to &#63282;&#63283;&#63280; in &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63283;. The biomass of wild ungulates was c. &#63286;% that of live- stock. Mortality in young ibex appeared to increase after weaning, at the age of &#63281;&#63282; months. We estimated the popula- tion of wild ungulates was sufficient to support &#63281;&#63284;–&#63281;&#63288; adult snow leopards Panthera uncia. The adult snow leopard population in our study area during &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63282;–&#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63283;, estimated independently using camera-trap-based mark–recapture methods, was &#63281;&#63282;–&#63281;&#63284;. Based on our results we identify the Tost Local Protected Area as an important habitat for the conservation of these ungulates and their predator, the Endangered snow leopard, and recommend elevation of its status to a Nature Reserve.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1425
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Author Sharma, R. K., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Mishra, C.
Title Does livestock benefit or harm snow leopards? Type Journal Article
Year 201 Publication Biological Conservatio Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 190 Pages 8-13
Keywords Panthera uncia, Trans-Himalaya, Pastoralism, Large carnivores, Livestock grazing, Co-existence
Abstract Large carnivores commonly prey on livestock when their ranges overlap. Pastoralism is the dominant land use type across the distributional range of the endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia. Snow leop- ards are often killed in retaliation against livestock depredation. Whether livestock, by forming an alter- native prey, could potentially benefit snow leopards, or, whether livestock use of an area is detrimental to snow leopards is poorly understood. We examined snow leopard habitat use in a multiple use landscape that was comprised of sites varying in livestock abundance, wild prey abundance and human population size. We photographically sampled ten sites (average size 70 sq. km) using ten camera traps in each site, deployed for a period of 60 days. Snow leopard habitat use was computed as a Relative Use Index based on the total independent photographic captures and the number of snow leopard individuals captured at each site. We quantified livestock abundance, wild prey abundance, human population size and terrain ruggedness in each of the sites. Key variables influencing snow leopard habitat use were identified using Information Theory based model selection approach. Snow leopard habitat use was best explained by wild prey density, and showed a positive linear relationship with the abundance of wild ungulates. We found a hump-shaped relationship between snow leopard habitat use and livestock stocking density, with an initial increase in habitat use followed by a decline beyond a threshold of livestock density. Our results suggest that in the absence of direct persecution of snow leopards, livestock grazing and snow leopard habitat use are potentially compatible up to a certain threshold of livestock density, beyond which habitat use declines, presumably due to depressed wild ungulate abundance and associated anthropogenic disturbance.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1426
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Author Taubmann, J., Sharma, K., Uulu, K Z., Hines, J. E., Mishra, C.
Title Status assessment of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia and other large mammals in the Kyrgyz Alay, using community knowledge corrected for imperfect detection Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Fauna & Flora International Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords Capra sibirica, local knowledge, Lynx lynx, occupancy modelling, Ovis ammon polii, Panthera uncia, Ursus arctos
Abstract The Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia occurs

in the Central Asian Mountains, which cover c. &#63282; million

km&#63282;. Little is known about its status in the Kyrgyz Alay

Mountains, a relatively narrow stretch of habitat connecting

the southern and northern global ranges of the species. In

&#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63280; we gathered information on current and past (&#63281;&#63289;&#63289;&#63280;,

the last year of the Soviet Union) distributions of snow leopards

and five sympatric large mammals across &#63281;&#63284;,&#63280;&#63280;&#63280; km&#63282;

of the Kyrgyz Alay.We interviewed &#63289;&#63285; key informants from

local communities. Across &#63284;&#63289; &#63284;&#63280;&#63280;-km&#63282; grid cells we obtained

&#63281;,&#63286;&#63280;&#63286; and &#63289;&#63286;&#63282; records of species occurrence (site

use) in &#63281;&#63289;&#63289;&#63280; and &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63280;, respectively. The data were analysed

using themulti-season site occupancy framework to incorporate

uncertainty in detection across interviewees and time

periods. High probability of use by snow leopards in the past

was recorded in .&#63287;&#63280;% of the Kyrgyz Alay. Between the two

sampling periods &#63283;&#63289;% of sites showed a high probability of

local extinction of snow leopard. We also recorded high

probability of local extinction of brown bear Ursus arctos

(&#63288;&#63284;% of sites) and Marco Polo sheep Ovis ammon polii

(&#63284;&#63287;% of sites), mainly in regions used intensively by people.

Data indicated a high probability of local colonization by

lynx Lynx lynx in &#63284;&#63281;% of the sites. Although wildlife has

declined in areas of central and eastern Alay, regions in

the north-west, and the northern and southern fringes

appear to retain high conservation value.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1432
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Author Johansson, O., Rauset, G. R., Samelius, G., McCarthy, T., Andren, H., Tumursukh, L., Mishra, C.
Title Land sharing is essential for snow leopard conservation Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 203 Pages 1-7
Keywords Home range, LoCoH, Mongolia, Panthera uncial, Protected areas, Land sparing
Abstract Conserving large carnivores in an increasingly crowded planet raises difficult challenges. A recurring debate is whether large carnivores can be conserved in human used landscapes (land sharing) or whether they require specially designated areas (land sparing). Here we show that 40% of the 170 protected areas in the global range of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) are smaller than the home range of a single adult male and only 4– 13% are large enough for a 90% probability of containing 15 or more adult females. We used data from 16 snow leopards equipped with GPS collars in the Tost Mountains of South Gobi, Mongolia, to calculate home range size and overlap using three different estimators: minimum convex polygons (MCP), kernel utility distributions (Kernel), and local convex hulls (LoCoH). Local convex hull home ranges were smaller and included lower proportions of unused habitats compared to home ranges based on minimum convex polygons and Kernels. Intra-sexual home range overlapwas low, especially for adult males, suggesting that snowleopards are territorial. Mean home range size based on the LoCoH estimates was 207 km2 ± 63 SD for adult males and 124 km2 ± 41 SD for adult females. Our estimates were 6–44 times larger than earlier estimates based on VHF technology when comparing similar estimators, i.e. MCP. Our study illustrates that protected areas alone will not be able to conserve predatorswith large home ranges and conservationists and managers should not restrict their efforts to land sparing.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1446
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Author Li, J., McCarthy, T. M., Wang, H., Weckworth, B. V., Shaller, G. B., Mishra, C., Lu, Z., Beissinger, S. R
Title Climate refugia of snow leopards in High Asia Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 203 Pages 188-196
Keywords Snow leopard, Habitat, Climate change, Refugia, High Asia, Conservation
Abstract Rapidwarming in High Asia is threatening its unique ecosystemand endemic species, especially the endangered

snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Snow leopards inhabit the alpine zone between snow line and tree line, which

contracts and expands greatly during glacier-interglacial cycles. Here we assess impacts of climate change on

global snow leopard habitat from the last glacial maximum (LGM; 21 kyr ago) to the late 21st century. Based

on occurrence records of snow leopards collected across all snow leopard range countries from 1983 to 2015,

we built a snow leopard habitat model using the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt 3.3.3k). Then we

projected this model into LGM, mid-Holocene and 2070. Analysis of snow leopard habitat map from LGM to

2070 indicates that three large patches of stable habitat have persisted from the LGM to present in the Altai,

Qilian, and Tian Shan-Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram mountain ranges, and are projected to persist through the

late 21st century. These climatically suitable areas account for about 35% of the snow leopard's current extent,

are large enough to support viable populations, and should function as refugia for snow leopards to survive

through both cold and warm periods. Existence of these refugia is largely due to the unique mountain environment

in High Asia, which maintains a relatively constant arid or semi-arid climate. However, habitat loss leading

to fragmentation in the Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains, as well as increasing human activities, will present

conservation challenges for snow leopards and other sympatric species.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1449
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Author Mishra, C., Young, J. C., Fiechter, M., Rutherford, B., Redpath, S. M.
Title Building partnerships with communities for biodiversity conservation: lessons from Asian mountains Type Journal Article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of Applied Ecology Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords community engagement, conservation, conservation programmes, Panthera uncia, partnership, snow leopard, stakeholder engagement
Abstract Applied ecology lies at the intersection of human societies and natural systems. Consequently, applied ecologists are constantly challenged as to how best to use ecological knowledge to influence the management of ecosystems (Habel et al. 2013). As Hulme (2011) has pointed out, to do so effectively we must leave our ivory towers and engage with stakeholders. This engagement is especially important and challenging in areas of the world where poverty, weak institutions and poor governance structures conspire to limit the ability of local communities to contribute to biodiversity conservation. These communities often bear disproportionate costs in the form of curtailed access to natural resources, ecosystem services, and developmental

programmes, and also suffer wildlife-caused damage, including injuries or loss of human life, and economic

and psychological impacts (Madhusudan & Mishra 2003). It is well-recognized that conservation efforts in large parts of the world historically have been perceived to be discriminatory by local people (Mishra 2016). The need for engagement with local communities is therefore embedded in the 2020 Aichi biodiversity targets and is widely thought to be critical to the success of conservation efforts. However, although the need for engagement is clear, as ecologists and practitioners we often have little formal training in how we should engage with local communities and how we can recognize the pitfalls and opportunities provided by developing genuine partnerships. The practical challenges of achieving effective engagement are considerable (Agrawal & Gibson 1999; Waylen et al. 2010, 2013), and such forays are fraught with difficulties and ethical considerations (Chan et al. 2007). When they are done badly, conservation interventions

can damage relationships and trust, and lead to serious injustice to local people and setbacks for ecological

outcomes (Duffy 2010). Much has been written on knowledge exchange and participatory research approaches (e.g. Reed et al. 2014 and references therein). This Practitioner’s Perspective

seeks to focus on the next logical step: the elements that practitioners and researchers need to consider when

engaging with communities to effect conservation. Engagement around the management of protected areas

has been discussed and formalized (e.g. Dudley 2008). Considerable literature has also emerged, particularly

from Africa, on the use and co-management of natural resources, commonly referred to as community-based natural resource management or CBNRM (e.g. Fabricius 2004; Roe, Nelson & Sandbrook 2009; Child & Barnes

2010). There have been attempts to draw general principles for CBNRM (e.g. Thakadu 2005; Gruber 2010). In

the related field of community-based conservation, however, while there have been efforts to draw lessons (e.g. Berkes 2004), little exists in terms of frameworks or guidelines for effectively working with local communities to effect biodiversity conservation in multi-use landscapes

(Mishra 2016). The eight principles for community-based conservation outlined here (Fig. 1) build on ideas developed in fields as diverse as applied ecology, conservation and natural

resource management, community health, social psychology, rural development, negotiation theory, and ethics

(see Mishra 2016). They have been developed, challenged and tested through 20 years of community experience andour own research on the endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia and its mountain ecosystems, in South and Central Asia. We suspect that with contextual adaptations, their relevance for applied ecologists and practitioners may be universal.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1451
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