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Author McCarthy, T.M.; Chapron, G.
Title Snow Leopard Survival Strategy Type Miscellaneous
Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords snow leopard; survival; threats; conservation; action; research; 5350
Abstract I. SNOW LEOPARD: REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND STATUS

This Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS) was undertaken to provide comprehensive conservation and research guidelines to ensure a range-wide coordinated effort in the fi ght to save the endangered snow leopard and had the following specific goals:  Assess and prioritize threats to snow leopard survival on a geographic basis.

 Defi ne and prioritize conservation, education, and policy measures appropriate to alleviate threats.

 Prioritize subjects for snow leopard research and identify viable or preferred research methods.

 Build a network of concerned scientists and conservationists to facilitate open dialogue and cross-border cooperation.

 Gain consensus on a fundamental Snow Leopard Survival Strategy document that will be made available to the range states to aid conservation planning at national and local levels.

The highly participatory process started with a survey of specialists designed to gather information on perceived threats to snow leopards, appropriate actions to address threats, knowledge gaps, protected area status, policy and law issues, impediments to achieving conservation of snow leopards, and cultural relevance of snow leopards. Drafts of a Strategy were circulated and then the Snow Leopard Survival Summit was convened in Seattle, USA from 21-26 May 2002 and was attended by 58 of the specialists to debate issues and refi ne the Strategy. This SLSS document is the end product of that process. Background on the snow leopard The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a member of the Felidae subfamily Pantherinae and on the basis of morphology and behavior it is placed alone in a separate genus. They are found in 12 countries across Central Asia (China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia). China contains as much as 60% of the snow leopard's potential habitat. Inaccessible and difficult terrain, along with the secretive nature of this rare cat helps account for the fact that large parts of its range have yet to be surveyed. Between 4,500 and 7,350 snow leopards are thought to occur within a total potential habitat area of 1,835,000 km2. Snow leopards are generally solitary and mating usually occurs between late January and midMarch, and one to five cubs are born after a gestation period of 93 to 110 days, generally in June or July. Snow leopards are closely associated with the alpine and subalpine ecological zones, preferring broken, rocky terrain with vegetation that is dominated by shrubs or grasses. Home range size and shape is not well known. The home range size of five snow leopards in prime habitat in Nepal ranged from 12 to 39 km2, with substantial overlap between individuals and sexes. In Mongolia, where food resources may be scarcer, home ranges of both males and females exceeded 400 km2. Snow leopards are opportunistic predators capable of killing prey up to three times their own weight. They will also take small prey such as marmot or chukar partridge. In general, their most commonly taken prey consists of wild sheep and goats

(including blue sheep, Asian ibex, markhor, and argali). Adult snow leopards kill a large prey animal every 10-15 days, and remained on the kill for an average of 3-4 days, and sometimes up to a week. Predation on livestock can be significant, which often results in retribution killing by herders. Snow Leopards are listed as Endangered on the

IUCN Red List in that they do not meet the standards of Critically Endangered but are projected to decline by 50% or more over next 3 generations due to potential levels of exploitation (trade in pelts/bones and conflict with

livestock), and due to declining: 1) area of occupancy, 2) extent of occurrence, and 3) quality of habitat (prey depletion). They appear in Appendix I of both CITES and the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of

Wild Animals (CMS). Snow Leopards are protected nationally over most of its range, with the probable exception of Afghanistan. However, in some countries the relevant legislation may not always be very effective, e.g. because penalties are too low to function as deterrent, or they contain some significant loopholes.

II. THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Regional Assessment

This document attempts to list and discuss the threats, conservation actions and information needs pertinent to snow leopard survival. However, these vary substantially across the vast extent of snow leopard range, so no prescription will be universally applicable. We used a regional approach and for purposes of grouping areas where conditions may be similar, we looked at geography, political boundaries, cultural/religious influences, and rural livelihoods. Within that framework we defined four broad regions:

 Himalaya (HIMLY),

 Karakorum/Hindu Kush (KK/HK),

 Commonwealth of Independent States and W. China (CISWC),

 The Northern Range of Russia, Mongolia and N. China (NRANG) SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY

Threats to Snow Leopard Survival

A key component of the SLSS process was to identify threats to long-term snow leopard survival across their range. The following list is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders in Asia and the expert group at the SLSS Summit. Threats are grouped into four broad categories 1) Habitat and Prey related, 2) Direct Killing of Snow Leopards, 3) Policy and Awareness, and 4) Other Issues.

List of Threats

Category 1: Habitat and Prey Related

1.1 Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation

1.2 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Illegal Hunting

1.3 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Legal Hunting

1.4 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Competition with Livestock

1.5 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Disease

1.6 Fencing that Disrupts Natural Migration

Category 2: Direct Killing or Removal of Snow Leopards

2.1 Killing of Snow Leopards in Retribution for Livestock depredation

2.2 Poaching Snow Leopards for Trade in Hides or Bones

2.3 Museum Collection of Live Animals

2.4 Traditional Hunting of Snow Leopards

2.5 Secondary Poisoning and Trapping of Snow Leopards

2.6 Diseases of Snow Leopards

Category 3: Policy and Awareness

3.1 Lack of Appropriate Policy

3.2 Lack of Effective Enforcement

3.3 Lack of Trans-boundary Cooperation

3.4 Lack of Institutional Capacity

3.5 Lack of Awareness among Local People

3.6 Lack of Awareness among Policy Makers

Category 4: Other Issues

4.1 War and Related Military Activities

4.2 Climate Change

4.3 Human Population Growth and Poverty (indirect threat)

Potential Actions to Address Threats

Several methods are identified and elaborated in this document and they include:

 Grazing Management: Promote livestock grazing practices that reduce impacts on native wildlife, in particular snow leopard prey species.

 Wildlife-based Ecotourism: Establishing wildlife based tourism that provides jobs and financial benefits to local people will add economic value to wildlife and create incentives to protect the resource.

 Cottage Industry: Provide income generation opportunities for communities in snow leopard habitat through handicraft manufacture and marketing opportunities with direct and transparent linkages to wildlife conservation via contracts that provides positive incentives for compliance.

 Ungulate Trophy Hunting Programs: Establish or restructure trophy hunting programs that are sustainable, well monitored and provide return to local people as an incentive to protect ungulates. Community co-management of hunting program should be encouraged where ever appropriate.

 Reducing Poaching and Trade in Snow Leopard Parts:

Determine location, nature and extent of snow leopard poaching for trade and bring pressure, both legal and educational, to limit same.

 Reducing Livestock Depredation by Snow Leopards:

Encourage livestock husbandry practices that reduce depredation by snow leopards and other predators.

 Animal Husbandry: Provide training in animal husbandry and veterinary care to improve monetary return at lower stock levels, limit exposure to predation, and reduce impacts on pasture and rangelands.

 Conservation Education and Awareness: Raise awareness of snow leopard conservation issues, concerns, need for action, legal matters, etc, through variety of media among different audiences.

III. RESEARCH AND INFORMATION NEEDS

During the process of listing the threats to snow leopards and the required conservation actions, a set of information needs was also identified. Hence, the list below encompasses the knowledge required to carry-out urgent conservation actions.

Master List of Information Needs

R.1 Snow leopard distribution and “hot spots”

R.2 Snow leopard migration and dispersal routes

R.3 Snow leopard population size

R.4 Snow leopard population trends and factor responsible for changes

R.5 Protected Area coverage extent and representation of habitats (gap analysis)

R.6 Agents of habitat degradation and relative impacts

R.7 Snow leopard prey relationships

R.8 Prey species distribution and “hot spots”

R.9 Prey population baseline and trends

R.10 Dynamics of illegal ungulate hunting (sources, local need, uses, trade, etc.)

R.11 Dynamics of legal ungulate harvest and baseline statistics (sex/age, effort, trophy size, etc.)

R.12 Wild ungulate livestock interactions (competition)

R.13 Ungulate disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment

R.14 Snow leopard poaching levels

R.15 Illegal trade in wildlife parts market demand, sources and routes, value, etc.

R.16 Livestock depredation rates

SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY | xi

R.17 Livestock depredation causes

R.18 Grazing pressure and range conditions

R.19 Snow leopard disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment

R.20 Snow leopard home-range size and habitat use

R.21 Snow leopard social structure and behavior

R.22 Snow leopard population genetics

R.23 Snow leopard food habits

R.24 Snow leopard relationship to other predators

R.25 Economic valuation of snow leopards

R.26 Snow leopard monitoring techniques development/improvement

R.27 Socio-economic profiling of herder communities in snow leopard habitat

R.28 Methods to alleviate impacts of war

R.29 Livestock and human population status and trends

R.30 Analysis of existing policies and laws

R.31 Human attitudes to snow leopards

IV. COUNTRY ACTION PLANNING

The SLSS should be seen as a tool to aid in the development of country-specifi c Action Plans. In general Action

Planning leaders should review the SLSS and then:

 Analyze the problems and choose the proper scale,

 Identify the key stakeholders and integrate them into the planning process at the beginning, (i.e. ensure a broadly participatory process),

 Choose a multi-level approach if the problems and stakeholders are particularly diverse,

 Seek to identify achievable and appropriate actions,

 Build monitoring of results into the Plan.

The Action Planning process need not be done in a vacuum. The Snow Leopard Network (see below), can provide much needed assistance in terms of expertise and advice during the planning process. Collectively, the SLN membership has experience in nearly every area of snow leopard related conservation, research, education, and policy. They can be approached for assistance through the International Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside

Ave. N., Suite 325, Seattle, Washington, 98103, USA, on their website http://www.snowleopard.org/sln/ or via email at <info@snowleopard.org>.

V. TAKING THE SLSS FORWARD

A key outcome of the SLSS Workshop was the creation of the Snow Leopard Network (SLN). The SLN is a partnership of organizations and individuals from government and private sector who work together for the effective conservation of the snow leopard, its prey, and their natural habitat to the benefi t of people and biodiversity.

The initial members of the SLN are the specialist who worked together on the SLSS. Carrying the SLSS forward was the impetus for developing the Network.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher International Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Network Place of Publication (down) Seattle, USA Editor
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 @ rana @ 520 Serial 668
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Author Allen, P.; Macray, D.
Title Snow Leopard Enterprises Description and Summarized Business Plan Type Conference Article
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords snow; leopard; enterprises; buisness; plan; habitat; humans; conflict; irbis; products; wool; conservation; marketing; Mongolia; social; economic; conflicts; country; countries; socks; hats; gloves; 4890; Human; snow leopards; snow leopard; snow-leopards; snow-leopard; leopards; central; Central Asia; asia; ecosystem; region; populations; population; herders; herder; threat; potential; impact; environment; Elements; landscape; International; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; trust; snow-leopard-enterprises
Abstract The habitat for both humans and snow leopards in Central Asia is marginal, the ecosystem fragile. The struggle for humans to survive has often, unfortunately, brought them into conflict with the region's dwindling snow leopard populations. Herders commonly see leopards as a threat to their way of life and well-being. Efforts to improve the living conditions of humans must consider potential impacts on the environment. Likewise, conservation initiatives cannot ignore humans as elements of the landscape with a right to live with dignity and pride. Based on these principles, the International Snow Leopard Trust has developed a new conservation model that addresses the needs of all concerned.

We call it Snow Leopard Enterprises..
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Islt Place of Publication (down) Seattle Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Title, Monographic: Proceedings of the Snow Leopard Survival SummitPlace of Meeting: Seattle,WA Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 475 Serial 68
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Author Chapron, G.; Legendre, S.
Title Some Insights Into Snow Leopard (Uncia Uncia) Demography By Using Stage Structured Population Models Type Conference Article
Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords snow; leopard; uncia; viability; analysis; carnivore; carnivores; domestic; game; demographic; population; mortality; biology; mating; 4910
Abstract Based on the limited data available on snow leopard demography, we developed deterministic and stochastic stage-structured demographic models to study the population dynamics of this large cat. Our results reveal that even small leopard populations can persist provided their demographic parameters remain high, but less favorable scenarios would require larger population sizes. Population growth rate is more sensitive to breeder survivals than to any other parameters. A snow leopard population would start declining if yearly mortality claims more than 1/5 of the population. This study identifies poaching as a major threat to snow leopard survival and stresses the importance of long-term studies to better understand snow leopard population dynamics.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Islt Place of Publication (down) Seattle Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Title, Monographic: Proceedings of the Snow Leopard Survival SummitPlace of Meeting: Seattle,WA Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 477 Serial 213
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Author Jackson, R.
Title Third Slims Workshop held in Mongolia Type Miscellaneous
Year 1995 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume xiii Issue Pages
Keywords Slims; Mongolia; fieldwork; surveys; Project-snow-leopard; Islt; Macne; McCarthy; hunting; conflict; herders; prey; poaching; predation; gobi; browse; 4570
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Islt Place of Publication (down) Seattle Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Full text at URLJournal Title: Snow Line Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 445 Serial 455
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Author Zahler, P.; Graham, P.
Title War and wildlife: the Afghanistan conflict and its effects on the environment Type Report
Year 2001 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords war; wildlife; Afghanistan; conflict; effects; environment; International; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; trust; Islt; environmental; Organization; conservation; endangered; mountain; mountain ecosystem; mountain-ecosystem; ecosystem; approach; local; local people; people; Media; government; public; Report
Abstract The International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT) is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of the endangered snow leopard and its mountain ecosystem through a balanced approach that considers the needs of the local people and the environment. As such, we wish to stress that the ISLT does not have a position regarding the present conflict in Afghanistan. However, this organization believes that there are important repercussions regarding this conflict that have yet to be addressed in the media, within government circles, or among the public. This report documents some of these repercussions so that they may be included in the present dialog.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher International Snow Leopard Trust Place of Publication (down) Seattle Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes ISLT special report. Peter Zahler from Wildlife Conservation Society & Peter Graham from ISLT. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 975 Serial 1067
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Author WWF Russia & Mongolia
Title WWF Altai-Sayan Newsletter Type Report
Year 2010 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 12 Pages 6
Keywords WWF Russia, WWF Mongolia, argali, snow leopard
Abstract WWF Russia and WWF Mongolia share the main achievements of both offices in Altai – Sayan Ecoregion regarding species conservation, protected areas, ecotourism, public awareness, education, eco clubs, fresh water. Several articles reference snow leopards:

WWF Mongolia

Argali population observation in transboundary area

WWF Russia

Ecotourism camps in the habitats of a snow leopard and argali WWF and UNDP

WWF Russia

WWF assessed the level of conflict between herders and a snow leopard in Republic of Tyva

WWF Russia

The first ecological festival in the history of Mountain Altai for snow leopard conservation!
Address Email: tivanitskaya@wwf.ru
Corporate Author Communication Staff of Altai - Sayan Programme in Russia and Mongolia Thesis
Publisher WWF Place of Publication (down) Russia Editor
Language English Summary Language English 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 @ rana @ Serial 1110
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Author WWF Russia & Mongolia
Title WWF Altai-Sayan Newsletter Type Report
Year 2010 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 13 Pages 8
Keywords WWF Russia, WWF Mongolia, argali, snow leopard
Abstract WWF Russia and WWF Mongolia share the main achievements of both offices in Altai – Sayan Ecoregion regarding species conservation, protected areas, ecotourism, public awareness,education, eco clubs, fresh water. Several articles reference snow leopards and argali:

WWF Russia

Camera Trapping in Argut River Valley

Community inspection is established in Republic of Altai to take part in anti – poaching activities in the key territory for argali and snow leopard conservation

“Land of Snow Leopard” Ecotourism Project as a tool to protect Irbis and Argali by local communities

Snow Leopard and Argali inspired the Masters of Felt Making of Republic of Altai

Snow Leopard – a Treasure of Tuva. WWF introduces Tuva journalists to the snow leopard (Tsagaan Shibetu Ridge)

WWF and Oxfam –GB joint project works on capacity building of local people in Tuva

WWF Mongolia

Nature conservation through involving local residents and supporting their initiatives

Community groups trans-boundary cooperation

Altai-Sayan PA administration staff start to undertake quality research activities at experts level
Address Email: khulan@wwf.mn
Corporate Author Communication Staff of Altai - Sayan Programme in Russia and Mongolia Thesis
Publisher WWF Place of Publication (down) Russia Editor
Language English Summary Language English 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 @ rana @ Serial 1138
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Author Jackson, R.; Fox, J.L.
Title Snow Leopard Conservation: Accomplishments and Research Priorities Type Conference Article
Year 1997 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 128-144
Keywords Slims; Islt; zoos; zoo; captivity; genetics; home-range; predator; prey; parks; park; reserve; reserves; refuge; Mongolia; China; India; Nepal; Khunjerab; surveys; survey; transect; habitat; scrap; marking; spray; Myanmar; Burma; blue-sheep; ibex; conservation; ecology; management; livestock; herders; Dna; Icimod; Himalaya; protected-area; scrape; blue; sheep; browse; international snow leopard trust; home range; home; range; protected area; protected areas; protected; area; areas; 2900
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Islt Place of Publication (down) Pakistan Editor R.Jackson; A.Ahmad
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Full Text at URLTitle, Monographic: Eighth International Snow Leopard SymposiumPlace of Meeting: PakistanDate of Copyright: 1997 Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 399 Serial 458
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Author Khan, A.A.
Title Strategic plan for the conservation of the snow leopard in Pakistan Type Report
Year 2001 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-17
Keywords plan; conservation; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; Pakistan; government; Wwf; International; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; trust
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher WWF Pakistan & International Snow Leopard Trust Place of Publication (down) Pakistan Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Draft – approved by stakeholders & submitted to government. WWF Pakistan & International Snow Leopard Trust. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1003 Serial 531
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Usgs; International Snow Leopard Trust
Title Snow Leopard Habitat Map Type Map
Year 1995 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords map; habitat; 4860; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; range; Pakistan; resource; Division; trust; International; symposium; Jackson
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher ISLT and World Wide Fund for Nature - Pakistan Place of Publication (down) Pakistan Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Snow leopard range map published in: Proceedings of the Eighth International Snow Leopard Symposium. Held in Islamabad, Pakistan 12-16 November 1995. Editors of proceedings: Rodney Jackson and Ashiq Ahmad. Map authors U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division and Snow Leopard Trust. Page 9. Approved no
Call Number SLN @ rana @ 471 Serial 979
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