Ulziibadrakh, T., Uudus, B., Lkhagvajav, P., Alexander, J. S., Johansson, O., Sharma, K., Samelius, G. (2023). Variation in plant composition along a gradient of increasing distance from wells in a mountain steppe in southern Mongolia. Snow Leopard Reports, , 10–16.
Abstract: Habitat degradation and heavy grazing by livestock are common conservation challenges across the steppes of Mongolia and Central Asia. Livestock grazing patterns are generally not uniform and are typically greater near campsites and watering holes. In this study, we examined how plant composition in a mountain steppe in southern Mongolia varied along a gradient of increasing distance from wells. We found that the cover and average height of Ephedra prezewalskii increased with increasing distance from the wells whereas soil chemistry and the other variables of plant composition that we examined were similar along the gradient of increasing distance from the wells. These results suggest relatively limited impact of livestock grazing on plant composition in our study. However, our study was limited in space and time and further studies are needed to understand the impact of livestock grazing in this mountain steppe in southern Mongolia.
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Johansson, O., Agvaantseren, B., Jackson, R., Kachel, S., Kubanychbekov, Z., McCarthy, T., Mishra, C., Ostrowski, S., Kulenbekov, R., Rajabi, A. M., Subba, S. (2022). Body measurements of free-ranging snow leopards across their range. Snow Leopard Reports, 1, 1–6.
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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Johansson, O., Nyam, E., Lkhagvajav, P., Alexander, J. A., Samelius, G. (2023). Predation Patterns and Hunting Behaviour of Snow Leopards: Insights from an Ibex Hunt. Snow Leopard Reports, , 6–9.
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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National Zoological Park. (1974). Significant birth and hatchings at the National Zoological Park: Studbook for snow leopards (Uncia uncia).
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International Snow Leopard Trust. (2004). Snow Leopard Tracks. Author.
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Ale, S. B. (1998). Religion and Snow Leopards in Nepal (Vol. xvi). Seattle: Islt.
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Anonymous. (1996). Trade continues in snow leopard skins. Snow Line, Xiv.
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Bhatnagar, Y. V., Stakrey, R. W., & Jackson, R. (2000). A Survey of Depredation and Related Wildlife-Human Conflicts in Hemis National Park, Ladakh (India) (Vol. xvi). Seattle: Islt.
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Blomqvist, L. (1983). The 1982 international captive snow leopard report. Snow Line, 2, 1.
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Braden, K. (1988). Snow leopard conservation in the USSR. Snow Line, Fall, 2.
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