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Author Li, J. Schaller, G, B. McCarthy, T. M. Wang, D. Jiagong, Z. Cai, P. Basang, L. Lu, Z
Title A Communal Sign Post of Snow Leopards (Panthera uncial) and Other Species on the Tibetan Plateau China Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication International Journal of Biodiversity Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2013 Issue Pages 1:8
Keywords snow leopard, Tibetan Plateau, sign post, conservation
Abstract The snow leopard is a keystone species in mountain ecosystems of Central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau, However, little is known about the interactions between snow leopards and sympatric carnivores. Using infrared cameras, we found a rocky junction of two valleys in Sanjiangyuan area on the Tibetan Plateau where many mammals in this area passed and frequently marked and sniffed the site at the junction. We suggest that this site serves as a sign post to many species in this area, especially snow leopards and other carnivores. The marked signs may also alert the animals passing by to temporally segregate their activities to avoid potential conflicts. We used the Schoener index to measure the degree of temporal segregation among the species captured by infrared camera traps at this site. Our research reveals the probable ways of both intra- and interspecies competition. This is an important message to help understand the structure of animal communities. Discovery of the sign post clarifies the importance of identifying key habitas ad sites of both snow leopards and other species for more effective conservation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1389
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Author MaMing, R . Feng, Xu. Yun, Cheng et al.
Title Snow Leopards in Xinjiang Type Book Whole
Year 2013 Publication Science Press Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-588
Keywords Snow Leopards, China
Abstract The snow leopard Uncia uncia is a globally endangered species, occurring in China and 11

neighboring countries, with a total population of 3500-7000 individuals. China is very important

for Snow Leopards, as it contains both the more than half of the distribution area and the largest

remaining population. However, like other big cats, the density is very low, perhaps less than 1

individual per 100 square kilometers in the western mountains of China. This book first reviewed

ten years of research by Xinjiang Snow Leopard Team (XSLT), and it contains over 300 figures

including maps, illustrations, pictures and photos, 46 tables as well as more than a thousand

references and 1100 key words in the index.

In the past ten years, XSLT has received much support and funding from the Snow Leopard

Trust (SLT) and the Xinjiang Conservation Fund (XCF). In this regard, the Chinese government

has not yet given one cent to support the Xinjiang Snow Leopard Project. Our situation is very

difficult indeed, and it is hoped that this book will inspire future government support.

There are many topics discussed in this work including a decade of successes or failures with

the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS from 2002 to 2012). The authors also present findings

from every International Snow Leopard Conference (1978-2008), the stories of 14 experts, the big

events of conservation and research (1776-2012), and many questions for future research in the

appendix. This is the first work about snow leopards in China. It is a popular scientific book that

covers snow leopard monitoring, research, conservation and management, and it could also be

very helpful to nature reserve staff and scientists as well as students, teachers, outdoor explorers,

volunteers and cat lovers.

The book contains the following: preface, table of contents (in English), and chapters on the

ancient records of snow leopards; their place in the family of big cats; research methods and field

logs for snow leopards; their population size and distribution in China; biological knowledge,

conservation and management of snow leopards; their presence in zoos; Nature Reserves in

Xinjiang, the experiences of snow leopard conservation in other countries; appendix; index; and

afterword (ISBN 978-7-03-036723-5, the book was published in March 2013 with total of 616

pages and approximately 0.77 million Chinese words, price: RMB 145.00 Yuan).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1390
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Author Kachel, S. M., Karimov, K., Wirsing, A. J.
Title Predator niche overlap and partitioning and potential interactions in the mountains of Central Asia Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of Mammalogy Abbreviated Journal
Volume XX(X) Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords intraguild interactions, niche partitioning, snow leopard, spatial capture–recapture, wolf
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1680
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Author Rode, J., Lambert, C., Marescot, L., Chaix, B., Beesau, J., Bastian, S., Kyrbashev, J., Cabanat, A.L.
Title Population monitoring of snow leopards using camera trapping in Naryn State Nature Reserve, Kyrgyzstan, between 2016 and 2019 Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Global Ecology and Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 31 Issue e01850 Pages 1-6
Keywords Snow leopard, camera trapping, Citizen science, Kyrgyzstan
Abstract Four field seasons of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) camera trapping inside Naryn State Nature Reserve, Kyrgyzstan, performed thanks to citizen science expeditions, allowed detecting a minimal population of five adults, caught every year with an equilibrated sex ratio (1.5:1) and reproduction: five cubs or subadults have been identified from three litters of two different females. Crossings were observed one to three times a year, in front of most camera traps, and several times a month in front of one of them. Overlap of adults’ minimal territories was observed in front of several camera traps, regardless of their sex. Significant snow leopard presence was detected in the buffer area and at Ulan area which is situated at the reserve border. To avoid poaching on this apex predator and its preys, extending the more stringent protection measures of the core zone to both the Southern buffer area and land adjacent to Ulan is recommended.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1660
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Author Thapa, K., Schmitt, N., Pradhan, N. M. B., Acharya, H. R., Rayamajhi, S.
Title No silver bullet? Snow leopard prey selection in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Ecology and Evolution Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords blue sheep, common leopard, fecal, genetic analysis, snow leopard, wolf, yak
Abstract In this study, we investigated the impact of domestic and wild prey availability on snow leopard prey preference in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area of eastern Nepal-a region where small domestic livestock are absent and small wild ungulate prey are present. We took a comprehensive approach that combined fecal genetic sampling, macro- and microscopic analyses of snow leopard diets, and direct observation of blue sheep and livestock in the KCA. Out of the collected 88 putative snow leopard scat samples from 140 transects (290km) in 27 (4x4km2) sampling grid cells, 73 (83%) were confirmed to be from snow leopard. The genetic analysis accounted for 19 individual snow leopards (10 males and 9 females), with a mean population size estimate of 24 (95% CI: 19-29) and an average density of 3.9 snow leopards/100km2 within 609km2. The total available prey biomass of blue sheep and yak was estimated at 355,236 kg (505 kg yak/km2 and 78kg blue sheep/km2). From the available prey biomass, we estimated snow leopards consumed 7% annually, which comprised wild prey (49%), domestic livestock (45%). and 6% unidentified items. the estimated 47,736 kg blue sheep biomass gives a snow leopard-to-blue sheep ratio of 1:59 on a weight basis. The high preference of snow leopard to domestic livestock appears to be influenced by a much smaller available biomass of wild prey then in other regions of Nepal (e.g., 78kg/km2 in the KCA compared with a range of 200-300 kg/km2 in other regions of Nepal?. Along with livestock insurance scheme improvement, there needs to be a focus on improved livestock guarding, predator-proof corrals as well as engaging and educating local people to be citizen scientists on the importance of snow leopard conservation, involving them in long-term monitoring programs and promotion of ecotourism.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1665
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Author Thapa, K., Jackson, R., Gurung, L, Acharya, H. B., Gurung, R. K.,
Title Applying the double observer methodology for assessing blue sheep population size in Nar Phu valley, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Wildlife Biology Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords blue sheep, density estimation, double observer counts, Nepal, Panthera uncia, prey abundance, Pseudois nayaur, snow leopard, viewshed mapping
Abstract This study was undertaken in spring, 2019 to assess the applicability of the double-observer survey method for estimating blue sheep Pseudois nayaur abundance in Nar-Phu valley of Manang District located in Annapurna Conservation Area of northern Nepal. Since counting large mammals in rugged mountain habitat poses a special challenge, we tested the efficacy of the double observer method for generating robust population estimates for this important protected area. The overall detection probability for observers (O1 and O2) was 0.94 and 0.91 for a total of 106 groups comprised of 2059 individual blue sheep. We estimated the area’s blue sheep population at 2070 (SE ± 168.77; 95% CI 2059–2405) for the 246.2 km2 of sampled habitat. We determined blue sheep to be widely distributed within the study area with a mean density of 8.4 individuals per km2 based on a total study area of 246.2 km2. We discuss demographic population structure and identify limitations when applying the double observer approach, along with recommending viewshed mapping for ensuring more robust density estimates of mountain-dwelling ungulates like blue sheep or ibex that inhabit extremely heterogeneous terrain which strongly influences sighting distances and overall animal detection rates.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1666
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Author Xiao, L., Hua, F., Knops, J. M. H., Zhao, X., Mishra, C., Lovari, S., Alexander, J. S., Weckworth, B., Lu, Z.
Title Spatial separation of prey from livestock facilitates coexistence of a specialized large carnivore with human land use. Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1 - 10
Keywords large carnivore; coexistence; prey; niche separation; land use; livestock; human– wildlife conflict; snow leopard.
Abstract There is an increasing emphasis in conservation strategies for large carnivores on facilitating their coexistence with humans. Justification for coexistence strategies should be based on a quantitative assessment of currently remaining large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. An essential part of a carnivore’s coexistence strategy has to rely on its prey. In this research, we studied snow leopards Panthera uncia whose habitat mainly comprises human-dominated, unprotected areas, to understand how a large carnivore and its primary prey, the bharal Pseudois nayaur, could coexist with human land use activities in a large proportion of its range. Using a combination of livestock census, camera trapping and wildlife surveys, across a broad gradient of livestock grazing intensity in a 363 000 km2 landscape on the Tibetan Plateau, we found no evidence of livestock grazing impacts on snow leopard habitat use, bharal density and spatial distribution, even though livestock density was 13 times higher than bharal density. Bharal were found to prefer utilizing more rugged habitats at higher elevations with lower grass forage conditions, whereas livestock dominated in flat valleys at lower elevations with higher productivity, especially during the resource-scarce season. These findings suggest that the spatial niche separation between bharal and livestock, together with snow leopards’ specialized bharal diet, minimized conflicts and allowed snow leopards and bharal to coexist in landscapes dominated by livestock grazing. In recent years, reduced hunting and nomadic herder’s lifestyle changes towards permanent residence may have further reinforced this spatial separation. Our results indicated that, for developing conservation strategies for large carnivores, the niche of their prey in relation to human land-use is a key variable that needs to be evaluated.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1678
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Author Bohnett, E., Holmberg, J., Faryabi, S. P., An, L., Ahmad, B., Rashid, W., Ostrowski, S.
Title Comparison of two individual identification algorithms for snow leopards (Panthera uncia) after automated detection Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Ecological Informatics Abbreviated Journal
Volume 77 Issue 102214 Pages 1-14
Keywords Background subtraction, Deep learning, Hotspotter, Individual identification, PIE v2, Snow leopards
Abstract Photo-identification of individual snow leopards (Panthera uncia) is the primary data source for density estimation via capture-recapture statistical methods. To identify individual snow leopards in camera trap imagery, it is necessary to match individuals from a large number of images from multiple cameras and historical catalogues, which is both time-consuming and costly. The camouflaged snow leopards also make it difficult for machine learning to classify photos, as they blend in so well with the surrounding mountain environment, rendering applicable software solutions unavailable for the species. To potentially make snow leopard individual identification available via an artificial intelligence (AI) software interface, we first trained and evaluated image classification techniques for a convolutional neural network, pose invariant embeddings (PIE) (a triplet loss network), and compared the accuracy of PIE to that of the HotSpotter algorithm (a SIFT-based algorithm). Data were acquired from a curated library of free-ranging snow leopards taken in Afghanistan between 2012 and 2019 and from captive animals in zoos in Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the United States. We discovered several flaws in the initial PIE model, such as a small amount of background matching, that was addressed, albeit likely not fixed, using background subtraction (BGS) and left-right mirroring (LR) techniques which demonstrated reasonable accuracy (Rank 1: 74% Rank-5: 92%) comparable to the Hotspotter results (Rank 1: 74% Rank 2: 84%)The PIE BGS LR model, in conjunction with Hotspotter, yielded the following results: Rank-1: 85%, Rank-5: 95%, Rank-20: 99%. In general, our findings indicate that PIE BGS LR, in conjunction with HotSpotter, can classify snow leopards more accurately than using either algorithm alone.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1723
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ming, M. Feng, Xu. Yun, Cheng et al.
Title Snow Leopards in Xinjiang Type Book Whole
Year 2013 Publication Science Press Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-588
Keywords Snow Leopards, China
Abstract The snow leopard Uncia uncia is a globally endangered species, occurring in China and 11

neighboring countries, with a total population of 3500-7000 individuals. China is very important

for Snow Leopards, as it contains both the more than half of the distribution area and the largest

remaining population. However, like other big cats, the density is very low, perhaps less than 1

individual per 100 square kilometers in the western mountains of China. This book first reviewed

ten years of research by Xinjiang Snow Leopard Team (XSLT), and it contains over 300 figures

including maps, illustrations, pictures and photos, 46 tables as well as more than a thousand

references and 1100 key words in the index.

In the past ten years, XSLT has received much support and funding from the Snow Leopard

Trust (SLT) and the Xinjiang Conservation Fund (XCF). In this regard, the Chinese government

has not yet given one cent to support the Xinjiang Snow Leopard Project. Our situation is very

difficult indeed, and it is hoped that this book will inspire future government support.

There are many topics discussed in this work including a decade of successes or failures with

the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS from 2002 to 2012). The authors also present findings

from every International Snow Leopard Conference (1978-2008), the stories of 14 experts, the big

events of conservation and research (1776-2012), and many questions for future research in the

appendix. This is the first work about snow leopards in China. It is a popular scientific book that

covers snow leopard monitoring, research, conservation and management, and it could also be

very helpful to nature reserve staff and scientists as well as students, teachers, outdoor explorers,

volunteers and cat lovers.

The book contains the following: preface, table of contents (in English), and chapters on the

ancient records of snow leopards; their place in the family of big cats; research methods and field

logs for snow leopards; their population size and distribution in China; biological knowledge,

conservation and management of snow leopards; their presence in zoos; Nature Reserves in

Xinjiang, the experiences of snow leopard conservation in other countries; appendix; index; and

afterword (ISBN 978-7-03-036723-5, the book was published in March 2013 with total of 616

pages and approximately 0.77 million Chinese words, price: RMB 145.00 Yuan).
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1391
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sanyal, O., Bashir, T., Rana, M., Chandan, P.
Title First photographic record of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Jammu and Kashmir, India Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-5
Keywords Camera trapping, India, Kashmir Himalaya, Kishtwar, Panthera uncia, photographic record, snow leopard
Abstract The snow leopard Panthera uncia is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is the least well-known of the large felids because of its shy and elusive nature and the inaccessible terrain it inhabits across the mountains of Central and South Asia. We report the first photographic record of the snow leopard in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India. During our camera-trapping surveys, conducted using a grid-based design, we obtained eight photographs of snow leopards, the first at 3,280 m altitude on 19 September 2022 and subsequent photographs over 3,004-3,878 m altitude. We identified at least four different individuals, establishing the species’ occurrence in Kiyar, Nanth and Renai catchments, with a capture rate of 0.123 ± SE 0.072 captures/100 trap-nights. ghts. We also recorded the presence of snow leopard prey species, including the Siberian ibex Capra sibirica, Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster, long-tailed marmot Marmota caudata and pika Ochotona sp., identifying the area as potential snow leopard habitat. Given the location of Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, this record is significant for the overall snow leopard conservation landscape in India. We recommend a comprehensive study across the Kishtwar landscape to assess the occupancy, abundance, demography and movement patterns of the snow leopard and its prey. In addition, interactions between the snow leopard and pastoral communities should be assessed to understand the challenges facing the conservation and management of this important high-altitude region.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher (up) Place of Publication 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 @ rakhee @ Serial 1750
Permanent link to this record