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Salles, L. O. (1992). Felid phylogenetics: Extant taxa and skull morphology (Felidae, Aeluroidae). American Museum Novitates, (3047), 1–67.
Abstract: relationships among extant felid taxa are controversial. A historical appraisal addresses component congruence among statements on felid phylogenetic relationships, and monophyly of generic ranks proposed for felids is discussed. Felid cranial morphology (especially the masticatory apparatus, basicranium, and rostral regions) is examined, and 44 characters are postulated for 39 taxa. Internal congruence for these characters is evaluated and 27 components are suggested. Parsimony analysis, using the successive weighting option of Hennig86, of the 44 cranial characters plus 13 other morphological features yields 29 components in a “modified Nelson” consensus cladogram. Two basal, well resolved clades are hypothesized in the total morphology analysis; under parenthetical notation the first is: (Hepailurus yagouaroundi (Puma concolor (Acinonyx jubatus (Uncia uncia (Neofelis nebulosa (Panthera tigris (P. onca, P. leo, and P. pardus)))))). The second clade is: Profelis temmincki (P. badia (Pardofelis marmorata ((Caracal caracal (Lynx rufus (L. lynx (L. pardina (L. canadensis)))) (Felis chaus (F. lybica (L. cafra (L. silvestris (F. bieti (F. nigripes (F. margarita (Octocolobus manul)))))))). Prionailurus planiceps and P. viverrina formed another group which is suggested as the basal branch of the felid phylogeny. The results in this study do not support monophyly of Leopardus Gray, 1841; Profelis Severtzon, 1858; and Prionailurus Severtzon, 1858. A better supported, more highly resolved, felid phylogenetic tree is needed.
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Samant S.S., Dhar U., & Rawal R.S. (1998). Biodiversity status of a protected area in West Himalaya: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. International Journal Of Sustainable Development And World Ecology, 5(3), 194–203.
Abstract: Biodiversity of a protected area of West Himalaya (Askot Wildlife Sanctuary) was studied and analysed for landscape, faunal and floral diversity. The forest and pasture land, ideal habitats for the flora and fauna, covered nearly 52% and 12%, respectively, of total reported area. Among the fauna Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), thar (Himitragus jemlahicus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), koklas (Pucrassia macrolophas), monal (Lophophorus impejanus) and snow cock (Tetragalus tibetanus) are threatened species. Plant diversity is represented by 1262 species of vascular plants (Angiosperm 1112, Gymnosperm 7, Pteridophytes 143 taxa). Diversity of the species within families, genera, habitats, communities and along vertical gradient zone was analysed. Maximum diversity existed in the family Orchidaceae (120 taxa), genera Polystichum (13 taxa), altitude zone (1001-2000 m; 860 taxa), habitat (forest; 623 taxa) and community (Banj oak: 92 taxa). Seventy-one families were found to be monotypic. Species were further analysed for ethnobotanical use (medicine: 70, edible: 55, fodder: 115, fuel: 31, house building: 13 etc.), domesticated diversity (crops: 19, vegetables: 26, fruits: 16),agroforestry or marginal, threatened and endemic diversity. Similarity in species composition within the habitats indicated maximum similarity in areas of shrubberies and alpine meadows/slopes (71.65%) and exposed open/grassy slopes and shady moist places (47.32%). 432 (34.2%) taxa are native to Indian Himalaya of which 24 are endemic and 235 are near endemics. 65.8% of taxa are represented in the neighbouring areas and other regions of the globe. Ten taxa occurring in the Sanctuary have been already recorded in the Red Data Book of Indian Plants. Conservation and management of species is focused.
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Sangay, T., & Vernes, K. (2008). Human-wildlife conflict in the Kingdom of Bhutan: Patterns of livestock predation by large mammalian carnivores (Vol. 141).
Abstract: We examined predation activity throughout Bhutan by tiger (Panthera tigris), common leopard (Panthera pardus), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) on a variety of livestock types using data gathered over the first two years (2003-2005) of a compensation scheme for livestock losses. One thousand three hundred and seventy five kills were documented, with leopards killing significantly more livestock (70% of all kills),
than tigers (19%), bears (8%) and snow leopards (2%). About 50% of livestock killing were of cattle, and about 33% were of horses, with tigers, leopards and snow leopards killing a significantly greater proportion of horses than predicted from availability. Examination of cattle kills showed that leopards killed a significantly greater proportion of smaller prey (e.g., calves), whereas tigers killed a significantly greater proportion of larger prey (e.g., bulls). Overall, livestock predation was greatest in summer and autumn which corresponded with a peak in cropping agriculture; livestock are turned out to pasture and forest during the cropping season, and subsequently, are less well guarded than at other times. Across Bhutan, high horse density and low cattle and yak density were associated with high rates of livestock attack, but no relationship was found with forest cover or human population density. Several northern districts were identified as 'predation hotspots', where proportions of livestock lost to predation were considerable, and the ratio of reported kills to relative abundance of livestock was high. Implications of our findings for mitigating livestock losses and for conserving large carnivores in Bhutan are discussed.
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Sayer, J. A. (1980). The conservation of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in Afghanistan. International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, 2, 55–61.
Abstract: Outlines status and distribution as well as recent sightings of snow leopard in Afganastan
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Schaffer, E., Wiesner, H., & Von Hegel, G. (1988). Multiple ocular coloboma (MOC) with persistent pupillary membrane in the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Tierarztl Prax, 16(1), 87–91.
Abstract: In a litter of three snow leopards, bilateral colobomata of the upper temporal eyelids, bilateral persistent pupillary membranes and a unilateral coloboma of the optic nerve entrance are described as “Multiple Ocular Colobomata” (MOC). The causal pathogenesis of each of the colobomata is discussed comparatively. The colobomata of the eyelids, essential feature of the MOC syndrome in snow leopards, are most probably not of hereditary, but rather of intrauterine infectious viral origin.
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Schaller, G. (1990). Saving China's Wildlife. International Wildlife, 1(2), 30–41.
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Schaller, G. (1993). Tibet's remote Chang Tang: in a high and sacred realm. National Geog., 184(2), 62–87.
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Schaller, G. B. (1971). Imperiled phantom of Asian peaks. National Geographic, 140, 702–707.
Abstract: Brief description of succssful baiting, with a domestic goat and photographing a wild snow leopard in Northern Pakistan.
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Schaller, G. B., & Mirza, Z. B. (1971). On the behaviour of Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis). Mammalia, 35, 548–566.
Abstract: Notes snow leopard as main predator in Pakistan study area. Describes content of some snow leopard droppings
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Schaller, G. B. (1972). On meeting a Snow Leopard. Animal Kingdom, 75(1), 7–13.
Abstract: Discusses snow leopard distribution, ecology and conservation. Describes baiting (with a domestic goat) of a snow leopard and cub in a game reserve in Northern Pakistan. Incudes a description of the Leopard killing a goat, and observations over a week when the leopards were feeding on the goat baits.
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