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Author | Wu, D., Maming, R., Xu, G., Zhu X., Buzzard, P. | ||||
Title | Relationship between ibex and snow leopard about food chain and population density in Tian Shan | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2015 | Publication | Selevinia | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 186-190 | ||
Keywords | diet, ibex, snow leopard | ||||
Abstract | Many studies have demonstrated that ibex (Capra sibirica) are the most frequently eaten prey of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Xinjiang, the west of China. Thus, an understanding of interactions between these species may have significant management and conservation of implications for both. In this study, we provide information on ibex grouping and density over a 24 month period in the Tian Shan of Xinjiang, China. We then use ibex density to estimate the density of snow leopards. We observed ibex primarily in ewe-lamb groups (N=880), but ibex sexual segregation and grouping changed seasonally with more mixed-sex groups during the winter rut. We observed the most ibex in April 2014 and 2015 with an average of (2422 ± 119 ibex). Over the 1643 km2 study area we then estimated an ibex density of 154 ± 23 ibex /100 km2 from which we estimated a density of 1.31~2.58 snow leopards/100 km2. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1439 | ||
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Author | Alexander, S., A., Zhang, C., Shi, K., Riordan, P. | ||||
Title | A granular view of a snow leopard population using camera traps in Central China | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2016 | Publication | Biological Conservation | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 197 | Pages | 27-31 | |
Keywords | Snow leopard Camera trap China Density Monitoring | ||||
Abstract | Successful conservation of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) relies on the effectiveness of monitoring programmes. We present the results of a 19-month camera trap survey effort, conducted as part of a longterm study of the snow leopard population in Qilianshan National Nature Reserve of Gansu Province, China. Weassessed the minimumnumber of individual snowleopards and population density across different sampling periods using spatial capture–recapture methods. Between 2013–2014, we deployed 34 camera traps across an area of 375 km2, investing a total of 7133 trap-days effort. Weidentified a total number of 17–19 unique individuals from photographs (10–12 adults, five sub-adults and two cubs). The total number of individuals identified and estimated density varied across sampling periods, between 10–15 individuals and 1.46–3.29 snow leopards per 100 km2 respectively. We demonstrate that snow leopard surveys of limited scale and conducted over short sampling periods only present partial views of a dynamic and transient system.We also underline the challenges in achieving a sufficient sample size of captures and recaptures to assess trends in snow leopard population size and/or density for policy and conservation decision-making |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1436 | ||
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Author | Alexander, J. S., Cusack, J. J., Pengju, C, Kun, S., Riordan, P. | ||||
Title | Conservation of snow leopards: spill-over benefits for other carnivores? | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2015 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Fauna & Flora International | Pages | 1-5 | |
Keywords | China, conservation, Eurasian lynx, grey wolf, red fox, snow leopard | ||||
Abstract | In high-altitude settings of Central Asia the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia has been recognized as a potential umbrella species. As a first step in assessing the potential benefits of snow leopard conservation for other carnivores, we sought a better understanding of the presence of other carnivores in areas occupied by snow leopards in China’s Qilianshan National Nature Reserve. We used camera-trap and sign surveys to examine whether other carnivores were using the same travel routes as snow leopards at two spatial scales. We also considered temporal interactions between species. Our results confirm that other carnivores, including the red fox Vulpes vulpes, grey wolf Canis lupus, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and dhole Cuon alpinus, occur along snow leopard travel routes, albeit with low detection rates. Even at the smaller scale of our camera trap survey all five carnivores (snow leopard, lynx, wolf, red fox and dhole) were observed. Kernel density estimates suggested a high degree of temporal overlap between the snow leopard and the fox, and the snow leopard and the lynx, as indicated by high overlap coefficient estimates. There is an opportunity to consider protective measures at the local scale that would benefit various species simultaneously. However, it should also be recognized that snow leopard conservation efforts could exacerbate human–wildlife conflicts through their protective effect on other carnivore species. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1434 | ||
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Author | Alexander, J. S., Shi, K., Tallents, L. A., Riordan, P. | ||||
Title | On the high trail: examining determinants of site use by the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qilianshan, China | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2015 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Fauna & Flora International | Pages | 1-8 | |
Keywords | Camera Trap, China, Detection Probability, Occupancy Modelling, Panthera Uncia, Site use, Snow Leopard | ||||
Abstract | Abstract There is a need for simple and robust techniques for assessment and monitoring of populations of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia to inform the de- velopment of action plans for snow leopard conservation. We explored the use of occupancy modelling to evaluate the influence of environmental and anthropogenic features on snow leopard site-use patterns. We conducted a camera trap survey across  km in Gansu Province, China, and used data from  camera traps to estimate probabilities of site use and detection using the single season occupancy model. We assessed the influence of three covariates on site use by snow leopards: elevation, the presence of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur and the presence of human disturb- ance (distance to roads). We recorded  captures of snow leopards over , trap-days, representing a mean capture success of . captures per  trap-days. Elevation had the strongest influence on site use, with the probability of site use increasing with altitude, whereas the influence of presence of prey and distance to roads was relatively weak. Our findings indicate the need for practical and robust tech- niques to appraise determinants of site use by snow leo- pards, especially in the context of the limited resources available for such work. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1433 | ||
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Author | Alexander, J. S., Gopalswamy, A. M., Shi, K., Riordan, P. | ||||
Title | Face Value: Towards Robust Estimates of Snow Leopard Densities | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2015 | Publication | Plos One | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | |||
Keywords | Densities, Snow Leopard, Camera traps, Spatial Capture Recapture models | ||||
Abstract | When densities of large carnivores fall below certain thresholds, dramatic ecological effects can follow, leading to oversimplified ecosystems. Understanding the population status of such species remains a major challenge as they occur in low densities and their ranges are wide. This paper describes the use of non-invasive data collection techniques combined with recent spatial capture-recapture methods to estimate the density of snow leopards Panthera uncia. It also investigates the influence of environmental and human activity indicators on their spatial distribution. A total of 60 camera traps were systematically set up during a three-month period over a 480 km2 study area in Qilianshan National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province, China. We recorded 76 separate snow leopard captures over 2,906 trapdays, representing an average capture success of 2.62 captures/100 trap-days. We identified a total number of 20 unique individuals from photographs and estimated snow leopard density at 3.31 (SE = 1.01) individuals per 100 km2. Results of our simulation exercise indicate that our estimates from the Spatial Capture Recapture models were not optimal to respect to bias and precision (RMSEs for density parameters less or equal to 0.87). Our results underline the critical challenge in achieving sufficient sample sizes of snow leopard captures and recaptures. Possible performance improvements are discussed, principally by optimising effective camera capture and photographic data quality. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1431 | ||
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Author | Sivolobov, R. | ||||
Title | ENDANGERED SPECIES OF KORYAKIA AND CHUKOTKA: IRBIS, TIGER AND THE IRKUYEM-BEAR | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Abbreviated Journal | ||
Volume | Issue | Pages | 225-233 | ||
Keywords | endangered species, Beringian snow cat, Snow leopard, Irbis, Amur tiger, Irkuyem-bear, camera-trap, Koryakia, Chukotka | ||||
Abstract | After 30 years of searching for the mysterious Beringian snow cat in vast space of Koryakia and Chukotka one of the five cameras recorded finally this beast at night in September 2014. This is not so much a sensation as a real scientific discovery, saying that the hearts of the snow leopard population resettlement are not in 5000 km from the main range boundaries, but much closer. Where? � will show further studies. In addition to the snow leopard in the North-Eastern Asia, it found two more endangered large mammal species: the Amur tiger and the relict of the Ice Age � the Irkuyem-bear. Author has given these animals his life and his article devoted to this topic. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1456 | ||
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Author | Janecka, J. E., Jackson, R., Munkhtsog, B., Murphy, W. J. | ||||
Title | Characterization of 9 microsatellites and primers in snow leopards and a species-specific PCR assay for identifying noninvasive samples | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2014 | Publication | Conservation Genetic Resource | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 6 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 369:373 |
Keywords | Microsatellites,Cytochrome b, Snow Leopard, Noninvasive genetics, Individual identification | ||||
Abstract | Molecular markers that can effectively identify noninvasively collected samples and provide genetic information are critical for understanding the distribution, status, and ecology of snow leopards (Panthera uncia). However, the low DNA quantity and quality in many noninvasive samples such as scats makes PCR amplification and genotyping challenging. We therefore designed primers for 9 microsatellites loci previously isolated in the domestic cat (Felis catus) specifically for snow leopard studies using noninvasive samples. The loci showed moderate levels of variation in two Mongolian snow leopard populations. Combined with seven other loci that we previously described, they have sufficient variation (He = 0.504, An = 3.6) for individual identification and population structure analysis. We designed a species species specific PCR assay using cytochrome b for identification of unknown snow leopard samples. These molecular markers facilitate in depth studies to assess distribution, abundance, population structure, and landscape connectivity of this endangered species. endangered species |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1427 | ||
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Author | Tumursukh, L., Suryawanshi, K. R., Mishra, C., McCarthy, T. M., Boldgiv, B. | ||||
Title | Status of the mountain ungulate prey of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in the Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi, Mongolia | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2015 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-6 | ||
Keywords | Argali, Central Asia, double-observer survey, ibex, Panthera uncia, snow leopard, ungulate prey | ||||
Abstract | The availability of wild prey is a critical predictor of carnivore density. However, few conservation pro- grammes have focused on the estimation and monitoring of wild ungulate populations and their trends, especially in the remote mountains of Central Asia. We conducted double-observer surveys to estimate the populations of ibex Capra sibirica and argali Ovis ammon in the mountain- ous regions of Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi prov- ince, Mongolia, which is being considered for designation as a Nature Reserve. We also conducted demographic surveys of the more abundant ibex to examine their sex-ratio and the survival of young during –. The estimated ibex population remained stable in  and  and the es- timated argali population increased from  in  to  in . The biomass of wild ungulates was c. % that of live- stock. Mortality in young ibex appeared to increase after weaning, at the age of  months. We estimated the popula- tion of wild ungulates was sufficient to support – adult snow leopards Panthera uncia. The adult snow leopard population in our study area during –, estimated independently using camera-trap-based mark–recapture methods, was –. Based on our results we identify the Tost Local Protected Area as an important habitat for the conservation of these ungulates and their predator, the Endangered snow leopard, and recommend elevation of its status to a Nature Reserve. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1425 | ||
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Author | Mishra, C., Suryawanshi, K. | ||||
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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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1424 | ||
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Author | Xu, G.,MaMing, R.,Buzzard, P.,Blank, D. | ||||
Title | Nature reserve in Xingjiang: a snow leopard paradise or refuge for how long? | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2014 | Publication | Selevinia | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 22 | Issue | Pages | 144-149 | |
Keywords | Snow Leopards | ||||
Abstract | The snow leopard Uncia uncia is an endangered species, which is widely but thinly distributed throughout its range in the mountains of Central Asia. China contains as much as 60% of the snow leopard’s potential habitat and has the largest population of this species. Xinjiang is the largest province in China, covering an area of 1.66 million km² or about one-sixth of the land area of China. Xinjiang is one of the most important areas for snow leopards with much potential habitat in mountain ranges such as the north and south Tienshan and Kunlun containing almost 30% of the world’s snow leopard population. By the end of 2013, total 35 natural reserves have been established in Xinjiang, and 20 of these areas have snow leopards (Ma et al, 2013). In this paper, we report on the status of snow leopards in these protected areas and show that they play an important role in protecting snow leopards and their habitats. Then, we discuss the many problems and challenges faced by these protected areas. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1423 | ||
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Author | Alexander, J., Chen, P., Damerell, P., Youkui, W., Hughes, J., Shi, K., Riordan, P. | ||||
Title | Human wildlife conflict involving large carnivores in Qilianshan, China and the minimal paw-print of snow leopards | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2015 | Publication | Biological Conservation | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 187 | Issue | Pages | 1-9 | |
Keywords | Snow leopard Carnivores Livestock depredation Social attitudes China | ||||
Abstract | In this paper, we assess local perceptions towards snow leopards in North West China using a framework depicting key conflict domains. We describe the perceived threats posed to humans by the snow leopard and set them within beliefs and attitudes towards other species within the large carnivore assemblage in this region. Surveys were conducted in seven villages within Qilianshan National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province, China, to document reports of snow leopard (Panthera uncia), grey wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) depredation of livestock, and local attitudes towards each species. Questionnaire-based interviews were held with 60 households and 49 livestock herders. Herding of yak, sheep and goats was found to be a common livelihood activity among households in all villages. Herders reported losing livestock to all four carnivore species. Herders reported that depredation was the most common event affecting livestock, compared with natural disasters or disease, and represented a total loss of 3.6% of the livestock population during the previous year. Most (53%) depredation losses were attributed to lynx, while snow leopards were held responsible for only 7.8% of depredation losses. The reported impact of snow leopards on herding activities was relatively small and the majority of both householders and herders expressed positive attitudes towards them and supported measures for their protection. Households and herders held negative attitudes towards lynx, wolves and bears, however, most likely due to their perceived threat to livestock and humans. Understanding community perceptions of threats posed by wildlife is vital for gaining community support for, and engagement in, conflict mitigation. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1422 | ||
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Author | Ferretti, F., Lovari, S., Minder, I., Pellizzi, B. | ||||
Title | Recovery of the snow leopard in Sagarmatha (Mt.Everest) National Park: effects on main prey | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2014 | Publication | European Journal of Wildlife Research | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 60 | Pages | 559-562 | |
Keywords | Predator–prey relationships . Small populations . Snow leopard . Himalayan tahr | ||||
Abstract | Consequences of predation may be particularly heavy on small populations of herbivores, especially if they are threatened with extinction. Over the 2006–2010 period, we documented the effects of the spontaneous return of the endangered snow leopard on the population of the vulnerable Himalayan tahr. The study area was an area of central Himalaya where this cat disappeared c. 40 years before, because of persecution by man. Snow leopards occurred mainly in areas close to the core area of tahr distribution. Tahr was the staple (56.3 %) of snow leopards. After the arrival of this cat, tahr decreased by more than 2/3 from 2003 to 2010 (mainly through predation on kids). Subsequently, the density of snow leopards decreased by 60%from2007 to 2010. The main prey of snow leopards in Asia (bharal, marmots) were absent in our study area, forcing snow leopards to specialize on tahr. The restoration of a complete prey spectrum should be favoured through reintroductions, to conserve large carnivores and to reduce exploitation of small populations of herbivores, especially if threatened. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1408 | ||
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Author | Ale, S., Shrestha, B., and Jackson, R. | ||||
Title | On the status of Snow Leopard Panthera Uncia (Schreber 1775) in Annapurna, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2014 | Publication | Journal of Threatened Taxa | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 6(3) | Pages | 5534-5543 | |
Keywords | Annapurna, Blue Sheep, Buddhism, camera-trapping, Himalayas, Mustang, sign-survey, Snow Leopard. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1407 | ||
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Author | Lyngdoh, S.,Shrotriya, S.,Goyal, S. P.,Clements, H.,Hayward, M. W.,Habib, B. | ||||
Title | Prey Preferences of the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): Regional Diet Specificity Holds Global Significance for Conservation | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2014 | Publication | Plos One | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 9 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 1-11 |
Keywords | snow leopard, prey species, prey consumption | ||||
Abstract | The endangered snow leopard is a large felid that is distributed over 1.83 million km2 globally. Throughout its range it relies on a limited number of prey species in some of the most inhospitable landscapes on the planet where high rates of human persecution exist for both predator and prey. We reviewed 14 published and 11 unpublished studies pertaining to snow leopard diet throughout its range. We calculated prey consumption in terms of frequency of occurrence and biomass consumed based on 1696 analysed scats from throughout the snow leopard’s range. Prey biomass consumed was calculated based on the Ackerman’s linear correction factor. We identified four distinct physiographic and snow leopard prey type zones, using cluster analysis that had unique prey assemblages and had key prey characteristics which supported snow leopard occurrence there. Levin’s index showed the snow leopard had a specialized dietary niche breadth. The main prey of the snow leopard were Siberian ibex (Capra sibrica), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), argali (Ovis ammon) and marmots (Marmota spp). The significantly preferred prey species of snow leopard weighed 5565 kg, while the preferred prey weight range of snow leopard was 36–76 kg with a significant preference for Siberian ibex and blue sheep. Our meta-analysis identified critical dietary resources for snow leopards throughout their distribution and illustrates the importance of understanding regional variation in species ecology; particularly prey species that have global implications for conservation. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1406 | ||
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Author | Maheshwari, A., Sharma, D., Sathyakumar, S. | ||||
Title | Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) surveys in the Western Himalayas, India | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2013 | Publication | Journal of Ecology and Natural Environmnet | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 5 | Issue | 10 | Pages | 303-309 |
Keywords | Conflict, Himalayas, livestock depredation, prey, snow leopard, habitat, Uttarakhand. | ||||
Abstract | We conducted surveys above 3000 m elevation in eight protected areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. These surveys provide new information on snow leopard in Uttarakhand on the basis of indirect evidence such as pugmark and scat. Snow leopard evidence (n = 13) were found between 3190 and 4115 m elevation. On an average, scats (n = 09) of snow leopard were found for every 56 km walked and pugmarks (n = 04) for every 126 km walked. Altogether, about 39% of the evidence were found on the hill-slope followed by valley floor (30%), cliff (15%) and 8% from both stream bed and scree slope. Genetic analysis of the scats identified three different individuals by using snow leopard specific primers. Snow leopard-human conflicts were assessed through questionnaire based interviews of shepherds from Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve areas of Uttarakhand. Surveys revealed that livestock depredation (mule, goat and sheep) is the only cause of snow leopard-human conflicts and contributed 36% of the diet of snow leopard. Blue sheep and rodents together comprised 36.4% of the total diet. We found that 68.1% of the surveyed area was used for pastoral activities in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and 12.3% area was under tourism, defence and developmental activities. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1401 | ||
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Author | Maming, R. | ||||
Title | Market prices for the tissues and organs of snow leopards in China | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2012 | Publication | Selevinia | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 20 | Pages | 119-122 | |
Keywords | trade; cases; products; prices; bazaars; snow leopards; extinction; Xinjiang | ||||
Abstract | The population of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is plummeting as waterfall in the last ten years. The illegal trade of snow leopard products is one of the fatal factors. The biggest range and the biggest population of snow leopard both are in China, and the largest trade is also in the country. Through questionnaires and investigation with informants from 2002 to 2012, a lot of data were collected through variety ways in different regions. In this paper 387 cases of snow leopard poaching including smuggling routes, product list, price system and product usages from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were collected for analysis and discussion. In the face of rapid development in the west of China, the results showed that our government did not try to protect the snow leopards, and the text of law was practically useless. International organizations such as WWF, WCS, IUCN, PANTHERA, SLT & SLN with SLSS were also powerless and helpless to stop snow leopard poaching and trading. As a result, the fate of the snow leopard is very bad, and this is worrying. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1395 | ||
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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). |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1391 | ||
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Author | Maheshwari, A., Niraj, S. K | ||||
Title | Monitoring illegal trade in snow leopards: 2003e2014 | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Elsevier | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1 -6 | ||
Keywords | Snow leopard, Illegal trade, Central and southern Asia, Conservation | ||||
Abstract | Illegal trade in snow leopards (Panthera uncia) has been identified as one of the major threats to long-term survival of the species in the wild. To quantify severity of the threats to dwindling snow leopard population, we examined market and questionnaire surveys, and information from the published and unpublished literature on illegal trade and poaching of snow leopards.We collected information from 11 of the 12 snow leopard range counties in central and southern Asia, barring Kazakhstan, and reported 439 snow leopards (88 records) in illegal trade during 2003e2014, which represents a loss of approximately 8.4%e10.9% snow leopard population (assuming mid-point population of 5240 to minimum population of 4000 individuals) in a period of 12 years. Our data suggested a 61% decadal increase in snow leopard trade during 2003e2012 compared with 1993e2002, while taking the note of significant strengthening of wildlife enforcement and crime control network in the decades of 2000s and 2010s. We found 50% prosecution rate of snow leopard crimes resulting in only 20% conviction rate globally. Many limitations e.g., secretive nature of illegal trade, ill developed enforcement mechanism, poor and passive documentation of snow leopards' seizures, restricted us to reflect actual trend of snow leopards' illegal trade. Even on a conservative scale the present situation is alarming and may detrimental to snow leopard conservation. We propose an effective networking of enforcement efforts and coordination among the law enforcement agencies, efficient collection of data and data management, and sharing of intelligence in snow leopard range countries, could be useful in curbing illegal trade in snow leopards in central and southern Asia. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1466 | ||
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Author | Rovero, F., Augugliaro, C., Havmoller, R. W., Groff, C., Zimmerman, F., Oberosler, V., Tenan, S. | ||||
Title | Co-occurrence of snow leopard Panthera uncia, Siberian ibex Capra sibirica and livestock: potential relationships and effects | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-7 | ||
Keywords | Altai mountains, camera trapping, human� wildlife conflict, Mongolia, occupancy, occurrence interactions, Siberian ibex, snow leopard | ||||
Abstract | Understanding the impact of livestock on native wildlife is of increasing conservation relevance. For the Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia, wild prey reduction, intensifying human�wildlife conflicts and retaliatory killings are severe threats potentially exacerbated by the presence of livestock. Elucidating patterns of co-occurrence of snow leopards, wild ungulate prey, and livestock, can be used to assess the compatibility of pastoralism with conservation. We used camera trapping to study the interactions of livestock, Siberian ibex Capra sibirica and snow leopards in a national park in the Altai mountains, Mongolia. We obtained  detections of wild mammals and  of domestic ungulates, dogs and humans. Snow leopards and Siberian ibex were recorded  and  times, respectively. Co-occurrence modelling showed that livestock had a higher estimated occupancy (.) than ibex, whose occupancy was lower in the presence of livestock (.) than in its absence (.�. depending on scenarios modelled). Snow leopard occupancy did not appear to be affected by the presence of livestock or ibex but the robustness of such inference was limited by uncertainty around the estimates. Although our sampling at presumed snow leopard passing sites may have led to fewer ibex detections, results indicate that livestock may displace wild ungulates, but may not directly affect the occurrence of snow leopards. Snow leopards could still be threatened by livestock, as overstocking can trigger human�carnivore conflicts and hamper the conservation of large carnivores. Further research is needed to assess the generality and strength of our results. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1465 | ||
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Author | Ghoshal, A., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Pandav, B., Sharma, K., Mshra, C. | ||||
Title | Assessing changes in distribution of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia and its wild prey over 2 decades in the Indian Himalaya through interviewbased occupancy surveys | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-13 | ||
Keywords | Asiatic ibex, blue sheep, carnivore, occupancy, snow leopard, survey, threat, ungulate | ||||
Abstract | Understanding species distributions, patterns of change and threats can form the basis for assessing the conservation status of elusive species that are difficult to survey. The snow leopard Panthera uncia is the top predator of the Central and South Asian mountains. Knowledge of the distribution and status of this elusive felid and its wild prey is limited. Using recall-based key-informant interviews we estimated site use by snow leopards and their primary wild prey, blue sheep Pseudois nayaur and Asiatic ibex Capra sibirica, across two time periods (past: �; recent: �) in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. We also conducted a threat assessment for the recent period. Probability of site use was similar across the two time periods for snow leopards, blue sheep and ibex, whereas for wild prey (blue sheep and ibex combined) overall there was an % contraction. Although our surveys were conducted in areas within the presumed distribution range of the snow leopard, we found snow leopards were using only % of the area (, km). Blue sheep and ibex had distinct distribution ranges. Snow leopards and their wild prey were not restricted to protected areas, which encompassed only % of their distribution within the study area. Migratory livestock grazing was pervasive across ibex distribution range and was the most widespread and serious conservation threat. Depredation by free-ranging dogs, and illegal hunting and wildlife trade were the other severe threats. Our results underscore the importance of community-based, landscape- scale conservation approaches and caution against reliance on geophysical and opinion-based distribution maps that have been used to estimate national and global snow leopard ranges. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1463 | ||
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Author | Mallon, D. P., Jackson, R. M. | ||||
Title | A downlist is not a demotion: Red List status and reality | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-5 | ||
Keywords | Cryptic, IUCN Red List, Panthera uncia, population estimate, snow leopard, species assessment | ||||
Abstract | Assessments of biodiversity status are needed to track trends, and the IUCN Red List has become the accepted global standard for documenting the extinction risk of species. Obtaining robust data on population size is an essential component of any assessment of a species� status, including assessments for the IUCN Red List. Obtaining such estimates is complicated by methodological and logistical issues, which are more pronounced in the case of cryptic species, such as the snow leopard Panthera uncia. Estimates of the total population size of this species have, to date, been based on little more than guesstimates, but a comprehensive summary of recent field research indicates that the conservation status of the snow leopard may be less dire than previously thought. A revised categorization, from Endangered to Vulnerable, on the IUCN Red List was proposed but met some opposition, as did a recent, similar recategorization of the giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Possible factors motivating such attitudes are discussed. Downlisting on the IUCN Red List indicates that the species concerned is further from extinction, and is always to be welcomed, whether resulting from successful conservation intervention or improved knowledge of status and trends. Celebrating success is important to reinforce the message that conservation works, and to incentivize donors. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1460 | ||
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Author | Khatoon, R., Hussain, I., Anwar, M., Nawaz, M. A. | ||||
Title | Diet selection of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Chitral, Pakistan | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Turkish Journal of Zoology | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 14 | Pages | 914-923 | |
Keywords | Snow leopard, conservation, seasonal variation, diet composition, Chitral, Pakistan | ||||
Abstract | Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an elusive endangered carnivore found in remote mountain regions of Central Asia, with sparse distribution in northern Pakistan, including Chitral and Baltistan. The present study determined the food habits of snow leopard, including preferred prey species and seasonal variation in diet. Fifty-six scat samples were collected and analyzed to determine the diet composition in two different seasons, i.e. summer and winter. Hair characteristics such as cuticular scale patterns and medullary structure were used to identify the prey. This evidence was further substantiated from the remains of bones, claws, feathers, and other undigested remains found in the scats. A total of 17 prey species were identified; 5 of them were large mammals, 6 were mesomammals, and the remaining 6 were small mammals. The occurrence of wild ungulates (10.4%) in the diet was low, while livestock constituted a substantial part (26.4%) of the diet, which was higher in summer and lower in winter. Mesomammals altogether comprised 33.4% of the diet, with palm civet (Paguma larvata) as a dominant (16.8%) species, followed by golden marmot (Marmota caudate) (8.8%), which was higher in winter. There was a significant difference in seasonal variation in domestic livestock and small mammals. The livestock contribution of 26.4% observed in the present study indicates a significant dependence of the population on livestock and suggests that the study area is expected to be a high-conflict area for snow leopards. The results of the current study would help improve the conservation efforts for snow leopards, contributing to conflict resolution and effective management of this endangered cat. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1459 | ||
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Author | Suryawanshi, K. R., Redpath, S., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Ramakrishnan, U., Chaturvedi, V., Smout, S. C., Mishra, C. | ||||
Title | Impact of wild prey availability on livestock predation by snow leopards | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2017 | Publication | Royal Society Open Science | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-11 | ||
Keywords | apparent competition, apparent facilitation, conservation conflicts, indirect interactions, predator� prey interactions, snow leopard | ||||
Abstract | An increasing proportion of the world�s poor is rearing livestock today, and the global livestock population is growing. Livestock predation by large carnivores and their retaliatory killing is becoming an economic and conservation concern. A common recommendation for carnivore conservation and for reducing predation on livestock is to increase wild prey populations based on the assumption that the carnivores will consume this alternative food. Livestock predation, however, could either reduce or intensify with increases in wild prey depending on prey choice and trends in carnivore abundance. We show that the extent of livestock predation by the endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia intensifies with increases in the density of wild ungulate prey, and subsequently stabilizes. We found that snow leopard density, estimated at seven sites, was a positive linear function of the density of wild ungulates�the preferred prey�and showed no discernible relationship with livestock density. We also found that modelled livestock predation increased with livestock density. Our results suggest that snow leopard conservation would benefit from an increase in wild ungulates, but that would intensify the problem of livestock predation for pastoralists. The potential benefits of increased wild prey abundance in reducing livestock predation can be overwhelmed by a resultant increase in snow leopard populations. Snow leopard conservation efforts aimed at facilitating increases in wild prey must be accompanied by greater assistance for better livestock protection and offsetting the economic damage caused by carnivores. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1457 | ||
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Author | Schutgens, M. G., Hanson, J. H., Baral, N., Ale, S. B. | ||||
Title | Visitors’ willingness to pay for snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1 - 10 | ||
Keywords | Carnivore conservation, contingent valuation, economic valuation, existence value, Panthera uncia, snow leopard, threatened species, wildlife policy | ||||
Abstract | The Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia experiences persecution across its habitat in Central Asia, particularly from herders because of livestock losses. Given the popularity of snow leopards worldwide, transferring some of the value attributed by the international community to these predators may secure funds and support for their conservation. We administered contingent valuation surveys to  international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, between May and June , to determine their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the %of visitors who stated they would pay a snow leopard conservation fee in addition to the existing entry fee, the mean amount that they were willing to pay was USD  per trip. The logit regression model showed that the bid amount, the level of support for implementing the Action Plan, and the number of days spent in the Conservation Area were significant predictors of visitors’ willingness to pay. The main reasons stated by visitors for their willingness to pay were a desire to protect the environment and an affordable fee. A major reason for visitors’ unwillingness to pay was that the proposed conservation fee was too expensive for them. This study represents the first application of economic valuation to snow leopards, and is relevant to the conservation of threatened species in the Annapurna Conservation Area and elsewhere. |
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Address | http://snowleopardnetwork.org/bibliography/Schutgensetal_2018.pdf | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1467 | ||
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Author | Korablev, M. P., Poyarkov, A. D., Karnaukhov, A. S., Zvychaynaya, E. Y., Kuksin, A. N., Malykh, S. V., Istomov, S. V., Spitsyn, S. V., Aleksandrov, D. Y., Hernandez-Blanco, J. A., Munkhtsog, B., Munkhtogtokh, O., Putintsev, N. I., Vereshchagin, A. S., Becmurody, A., Afzunov, S., Rozhnov, V. V. | ||||
Title | Large-scale and fine-grain population structure and genetic diversity of snow leopards (Panthera uncia Schreber, 1776) from the northern and western parts of the range with an emphasis on the Russian population. | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2021 | Publication | Conservation Genetics | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | |||
Keywords | Snow leopard, Panthera uncia, Microsatellites, Heterozygosity, Population structure, Noninvasive survey, Scat, Subspecies | ||||
Abstract | The snow leopard (Panthera uncia Schreber, 1776) population in Russia and Mongolia is situated at the northern edge of the range, where instability of ecological conditions and of prey availability may serve as prerequisites for demographic instability and, consequently, for reducing the genetic diversity. Moreover, this northern area of the species distribution is connected with the western and central parts by only a few small fragments of potential habitats in the Tian-Shan spurs in China and Kazakhstan. Given this structure of the range, the restriction of gene flow between the northern and other regions of snow leopard distribution can be expected. Under these conditions, data on population genetics would be extremely important for assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow both at regional and large-scale level. To investigate large-scale and fine-grain population structure and levels of genetic diversity we analyzed 108 snow leopards identified from noninvasively collected scat samples from Russia and Mongolia (the northern part of the range) as well as from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (the western part of the range) using panel of eight polymorphic microsatellites. We found low to moderate levels of genetic diversity in the studied populations. Among local habitats, the highest heterozygosity and allelic richness were recorded in Kyrgyzstan (He = 0.66 ± 0.03, Ho = 0.70 ± 0.04, Ar = 3.17) whereas the lowest diversity was found in a periphery subpopulation in Buryatia Republic of Russia (He = 0.41 ± 0.12, Ho = 0.29 ± 0.05, Ar = 2.33). In general, snow leopards from the western range exhibit greater genetic diversity (He = 0.68 ± 0.04, Ho = 0.66 ± 0.03, Ar = 4.95) compared to those from the northern range (He = 0.60 ± 0.06, Ho = 0.49 ± 0.02, Ar = 4.45). In addition, we have identified signs of fragmentation in the northern habitat, which have led to significant genetic divergence between subpopulations in Russia. Multiple analyses of genetic structure support considerable genetic differentiation between the northern and western range parts, which may testify to subspecies subdivision of snow leopards from these regions. The observed patterns of genetic structure are evidence for delineation of several management units within the studied populations, requiring individual approaches for conservation initiatives, particularly related to translocation events. The causes for the revealed patterns of genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity are discussed. | ||||
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