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Author Thapa, K., Schmitt, N., Pradhan, N. M. B., Acharya, H. R., Rayamajhi, S. pdf 
  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.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1665  
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Author Thapa, K., Jackson, R., Gurung, L, Acharya, H. B., Gurung, R. K., pdf 
  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.  
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  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. pdf 
  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.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1678  
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Author Kichloo, M. A., Sharma, K., Sharma, N. pdf 
  Title Climate casualties or human disturbance? Shrinking distribution of the three large carnivores in the Greater Himalaya Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Springer – Climatic Change Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 176 Issue 118 Pages 1-17  
  Keywords Snow leopard · Common leopard · Asiatic black bear · Climate change · Multi- season occupancy analysis · Local ecological knowledge · Imperfect detection  
  Abstract Mammalian carnivores are key to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, but most of them are threatened with extinction all over the world. Conservating large carnivores is often an arduous task considering the complex relationship between humans and carnivores, and the diverse range and reasons of threats they face. Climate change is exacerbating the situation further by interacting with most existing threats and amplifying their impacts. The Mountains of Central and South Asia are warming twice as rapidly as the rest of the northern hemisphere. There has been limited research on the effect of climate change and other variables on large carnivores. We studied the patterns in spatio-temporal distribution of three sympatric carnivores, common leopard, snow leopard, and Asiatic black bear in Kishtwar high altitude National Park, a protected area in the Great Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. We investigated the effects of key habitat characteristics as well as human disturbance and climatic factors to understand the spatio-temporal change in their distributions between the early 1990s and around the year 2016–2017. We found a marked contraction in the distribution of the three carnivores between the two time periods. While snow leopard shifted upwards and further away from human settlements, common leopard and Asiatic black bear suffered higher rates of local extinctions at higher altitudes and shifted to lower areas with more vegetation, even if that brought them closer to settlements. We also found some evidence that snow leopards were less likely to have faced range contraction in areas with permanent glaciers. Our study underscores the importance of climate adaptive conservation practices for long-term management in the Greater Himalaya, including the monitoring of changes in habitat, and space-use patterns by human communities and wildlife.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1724  
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Author Mishra, C., Suryawanshi, K. url 
  Title Managing conflicts over livestock depradation by Large Carnivores Type Book Chapter
  Year 2014 Publication SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION – Human-Wildlife Conflict in the Mountains of SAARC Region – Compilation of Successful Management Strategies and Practices Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 27-47  
  Keywords Snow leopard Panthera uncia, wolf Canis lupus, Himalayas, Central Asia  
  Abstract Managing wildlife-caused damage to human interests has become an important aspect of contemporary conservation management. Conflicts between pastoralism and carnivore conservation over livestock depredation pose a serious challenge to endangered carnivores worldwide, and have become an important livelihood concern locally. Here, we first review the primary causes of these conflicts, their socio-ecological correlates, and commonly employed mitigation measures. We then describe a community-based program to manage conflicts over livestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus. A threats-based conceptual model of conflict management is presented. Conflicts over livestock depredation are characterized by complex, multi-scale interactions between carnivore and livestock behavioral ecology, animal husbandry, human psyche, culture, world-views, and socio-economic and education levels of affected peoples. A diversity of commonly employed conflict-mitigation measures is available. They aim at (i) reducing livestock depredation through better livestock herding, use of physical, chemical or psychological barriers, removal of carnivores, and use of livestock guard animals, (ii) offsetting economic losses through damage compensation and insurance programmes, and (iii) increasing peoples’ tolerance of carnivores through indirect approaches such as conservation education and economic incentives. For effective management, conflicts need to be understood along two important dimensions, viz., the reality of damage caused to humans, and the psyche and perceptions of humans who suffer wildlife caused damage. The efficacy of commonly used mitigation measures is variable. A combination of measures that reduce the level of livestock depredation, share or offset economic losses, and improve the social carrying capacity for carnivores will be more effective in managing conflicts than standalone measures  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1424  
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Author Sanyal, O., Bashir, T., Rana, M., Chandan, P. pdf 
  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.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1750  
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Author Arias, M., Coals, P., Ardiantiono, Elves-Powell, J., Rizzolo, J. B., Ghoddousi, A., Boron, V., da Silva, M., Naude, V., Williams, V., Poudel, S., Loveridge, A., Payan, E., Suryawanshi, K., Dickman, A. pdf 
  Title Reflecting on the role of human-felid conflict and local use in big cat trade Type Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Conservation Science and Practice Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 6 Issue e13030 Pages 1-7  
  Keywords conflict, illegal trade, jaguar, leopard, lion, Panthera, snow leopard, tiger, wildlife crime  
  Abstract Illegal trade in big cat (Panthera spp.) body parts is a prominent topic in scientific and public discourses concerning wildlife conservation. While illegal trade is generally acknowledged as a threat to big cat species, we suggest that two enabling factors have, to date, been under-considered. To that end, we discuss the roles of human-felid conflict, and “local” use in illegal trade in big cat body parts. Drawing examples from across species and regions, we look at generalities, contextual subtleties, ambiguities, and definitional complexities. We caution against underestimating the extent of “local” use of big cats and highlight the potential of conflict killings to supply body parts.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1745  
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Author Alexander, J. S., Murali, R., Mijiddorj, T. N., Agvaantseren, B., Lhamo, C., Sharma, D., Suryawanshi, K. R., Zhi, L., Sharma, K., Young, J. C. pdf 
  Title Applying a gender lens to biodiversity conservation in High Asia Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Frontiers in Conservation Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-8  
  Keywords gender, snow leopards, pastoralism, rights, decision-making  
  Abstract Community-based conservation efforts represent an important approach to facilitate the coexistence of people and wildlife. A concern, however, is that these efforts build on existing community structures and social norms, which are commonly dominated by men. Some biodiversity conservation approaches may consequently neglect women’s voices and deepen existing inequalities and inequities. This paper presents two community case studies that draw upon the knowledge and experience gained in our snow leopard conservation practice in pastoral and agro-pastoral settings in Mongolia and India to better understand women’s roles and responsibilities. In these settings, roles and responsibilities in livestock management and agriculture are strongly differentiated along gender lines, and significant gaps remain in women’s decision-making power about natural resources at the community level. We argue that context-specific and gender-responsive approaches are needed to build community support for conservation actions and leverage women’s potential contributions to conservation outcomes.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1741  
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Author Hellstrom, M., Kruger, E., Naslund, J., Bisther, M., Edlund, A., Hernvall, P., Birgersson, V., Augusto, R., Lancaster, M. L. pdf 
  Title Capturing environmental DNA in snow tracks of polar bear, Eurasian lynx and snow leopard towards individual identification Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Frontiers in Conservation Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 1250996 Pages 1-9  
  Keywords nuclear eDNA, snow, snow track, individual, polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), sampling protocol  
  Abstract Polar bears (Ursus maritimus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive large carnivores inhabiting snow-covered and remote areas. Their effective conservation and management are challenged by inadequate population information, necessitating development of novel data collection methods. Environmental DNA (eDNA) from snow tracks (footprints in snow) has identified species based on mitochondrial DNA, yet its utility for individual-based analyses remains unsolved due to challenges accessing the nuclear genome. We present a protocol for capturing nuclear eDNA from polar bear, Eurasian lynx and snow leopard snow tracks and verify it through genotyping at a selection of microsatellite markers. We successfully retrieved nuclear eDNA from 87.5% (21/24) of wild polar bear snow tracks, 59.1% (26/44) of wild Eurasian lynx snow tracks, and the single snow leopard sampled. We genotyped over half of all wild polar bear samples (54.2%, 13/24) at five loci, and 11% (9/44) of wild lynx samples and the snow leopard at three loci. Genotyping success from Eurasian lynx snow tracks increased to 24% when tracks were collected by trained rather than untrained personnel. Thirteen wild polar bear samples comprised 11 unique genotypes and two identical genotypes; likely representing 12 individual bears, one of which was sampled twice. Snow tracks show promise for use alongside other non-invasive and conventional methods as a reliable source of nuclear DNA for genetic mark-recapture of elusive and threatened mammals. The detailed protocol we present has utility for broadening end user groups and engaging Indigenous and local communities in species monitoring.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1738  
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Author Tallian, A., Mattisson, J., Samelius, G., Odden, J., Mishra, C., Linnell, J. D. C., Lkhagvajav, P., Johansson, O. pdf 
  Title Wild versus domestic prey: Variation in the kill-site behavior of two large felids Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Global Ecology and Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 47 Issue e026750 Pages 1-13  
  Keywords Eurasian lynx, Handling time, Landscape, Livestock, Predation, Snow leopard  
  Abstract Livestock depredation is an important source of conflict for many terrestrial large carnivore

species. Understanding the foraging behavior of large carnivores on domestic prey is therefore

important for both mitigating conflict and conserving threatened carnivore populations. Handling

time is an important, albeit often overlooked, component of predatory behavior, as it directly

influences access to food biomass, which can affect predator foraging efficiency and subsequent

kill rates. We used long-term data on snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Mongolia (Asia) and

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Norway (Europe) to examine how large carnivore foraging patterns

varied between domestic and wild prey, and how the different landscape characteristics affected

those patterns. Our results suggest handling time was generally shorter for domestic compared to

wild prey. For snow leopards, rugged terrain was linked to increased handling time for larger

prey. For lynx, handling time increased with terrain ruggedness for domestic, but not wild, prey,

and was greater in closed compared to open habitats. There were also other differences in snow

leopard and lynx foraging behavior, e.g., snow leopards also stayed longer at, and remained closer

to, their kill sites than lynx. Shorter handling time suggests that felids may have utilized domestic

prey less effectively than wild prey, i.e., they spent less time consuming their prey. This could a)

result in an energetic or fitness cost related to decreased felid foraging efficiency caused by the

risk of anthropogenic disturbance, or b) exacerbate conflict if reduced handling time associated

with easy prey results in increased livestock depredation.
 
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1737  
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