Kachel, S. M., Karimov, K., Wirsing, A. J. (2022). Predator niche overlap and partitioning and potential interactions in the mountains of Central Asia. Journal of Mammalogy, XX(X), 1–11.
Abstract: Direct and indirect interactions among predators affect predator fitness, distribution, and overall community structure. Yet, outside of experimental settings, such interactions are difficult to observe and thus poorly understood. Patterns of niche overlap among predators reflect and shape community interactions and may therefore help elucidate the nature and intensity of intraguild interactions. To better understand the coexistence of two apex predators, snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and wolves (Canis lupus), we investigated their spatial, temporal, and dietary niche overlap in summer in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. We estimated population- level space use via spatial capture–recapture models based on noninvasive genetics and camera traps, diel activity patterns based on camera trap detections, and diet composition from prey remains in carnivore scats, from which we estimated coefficients between 0 and 1 for overlap in space, time, and diet, respectively. Snow leopards and wolves displayed moderate spatial partitioning (0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–37), but overlapping temporal (0.77, 95% CI: 0.64–0.90) and dietary (0.97, 95% CI: 0.80–0.99) niches. Both predators relied on seasonally abundant marmots (Marmota caudata) rather than wild ungulates, their typical primary prey, suggesting that despite patterns of overlap that were superficially conducive to exploitation competition and predator facilitation, prey were likely not a limiting factor. Therefore, prey-mediated interactions, if present, were unlikely to be a major structuring force in the ecosystem. By implication, carnivore conservation planning and monitoring in the mountains of Central Asia should more fully account for the seasonal importance of marmots in the ecosystem.
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Anonymous. (1992). The 7th International Snow Leopard Symposium Presentation Abstracts. In International Snow Leopard Trust, & Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology (Eds.), The 7th International Snow Leopard Symposium Presentation Abstracts (pp. 1–15). 7th International Snow Leopard Symposium.
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Blomqvist, L. (1978). First international snow leopard conference in Helsinki, 7th – 8th March 1978. International Zoo News, 25(5), 5–6.
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Blomqvist, L. (2008). International Pedigree Book for Snow Leopards, Uncia uncia. Helsinki: Helsinki Zoo.
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Weilenmann, P. (1978). First experiences in keeping snow leopards in the Zurich Zoo. In L. Blomqvist (Ed.), International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, Vol. 1 (Vol. 1, pp. 35–43). Helsinki: Helsinki Zoo.
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Blomqvist, L., & Rieger, I. (1978). Snow leopard references. International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, , 153–160.
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Blomqvist, L. (1978). Resolution from the first international snow leopard conference in Helsinki on March 7-8, 1978. In L. Blomqvist (Ed.), International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, Vol. 1 (Vol. 1, pp. 3–5). Helsinki: Helsinki Zoo.
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Nath, A. (1982). Some observations on wildlife in the Upper Suru/Northern Zanskar/Markha Valley of Ladakh. In L. Blomqvist (Ed.), International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, Vol. 3 (Vol. 3, pp. 11–24). Helsinki: Helsinki Zoo.
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Dhungel, S. K. (1982). A glimpse of Sagarmatha: world's highest national park. Tigerpaper, IX(2), 11–14.
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Anonymous. (1986). Toward a free-ranging recovery plan.
Abstract: This draft is a first attempt to develop a Snow Leopard Recovery Plan, for consideration at the Fifth International Snow Leopard Symposium. It is intended as a working base for agencies responsible for snow leopard conservation, research and management. The plan, when thoroughly reviewed and revised, will provide more accurate estimates of snow leopard status and threats, and recommendations concerning actions necessary for the maintenance, enhancement and recovery of the snow leopard in its original habitat.
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