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Wegge, P., Shrestha, R., Flagstad, O. (2012). Snow leopard Panthera uncia predation on livestock and wild prey in a mountain valley in northern Nepal: implications for conservation management. Wildlife Biology, 18(10.2981/11-049), 131–141.
Abstract: The globally endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia is sparsely distributed throughout the rugged mountains in Asia.
Its habit of preying on livestock poses a main challenge to management. In the remote Phu valley in northern Nepal, we
obtained reliable information on livestock losses and estimated predator abundance and diet composition from DNA
analysis and prey remains in scats. The annual diet consisted of 42%livestock. Among the wild prey, bharal (blue sheep/
naur) Pseudois nayaur was by far the most common species (92%). Two independent abundance estimates suggested that
there were six snow leopards in the valley during the course of our study. On average, each snow leopard killed about one
livestock individual and two bharal permonth. Predation loss of livestock estimated fromprey remains in scats was 3.9%,
which was in concordance with village records (4.0%). From a total count of bharal, the only large natural prey in the area
and occurring at a density of 8.4 animals/km2 or about half the density of livestock, snow leopards were estimated to
harvest 15.1% of the population annually. This predation rate approaches the natural, inherent recruitment rate of this
species; in Phu the proportion of kids was estimated at 18.4%. High livestock losses have created a hostile attitude against
the snow leopard and mitigation measures are needed. Among innovative management schemes now being implemented
throughout the species’ range, compensation and insurance programmes coupled with other incentive measures are
encouraged, rather than measures to reduce the snow leopard’s access to livestock. In areas like the Phu valley, where the
natural prey base consists mainly of one ungulate species that is already heavily preyed upon, the latter approach, if
implemented, will lead to increased predation on this prey, which over time may suppress numbers of both prey and
predator.
Keywords: bharal, blue sheep, diet, genetic sampling, naur, Panthera uncia, predation, Pseudois nayaur, scat analysis, snow leopard, wildlife conflict
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Oli, M. K., Taylor, K. R., & Rogers, M. E. (1994). Snow leopard Panthera uncia predation of livestock: An assessment of local perceptions in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal (Vol. 68).
Abstract: Public attitudes towards snow leopard Panthera uncia predation of domestic livestock were investigated by a questionnaire survey of four villages in snow leopard habitat within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal Most local inhabitants were subsistence farmers, many dependent upon yaks, oxen, horses and goats, with an average livestock holding of 26.6 animals per household. Reported losses to snow leopards averaged 0.6 and O. 7 animals per household in two years of study, constituting 2.6% of total stockholding but representing in monetary terms almost a quarter of the average annual Nepali national per capita income. Local people hem strongly negative attitudes towards snow leopards and most suggested that total extermination of leopards was the only acceptable solution to the predation problem. Snow leopards were reported to be killed by herdsmen in defence of their livestock. The long-term success of snow leopard conservation programmes may depend upon the satisfactory resolution of the predation conflict. Some possible ways of reducing predation losses are also discussed.
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Sludskiy A.A. (1973). Snow leopard or irbis Pantera (Uncia) uncia Schreber (1776) (Vol. Vol. 34. Hunting mammals of Kazakhstan).
Abstract: A detailed description of the snow leopard habitat in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Pakistan, and India is given. Provided are data concerning its distribution and population size in the USSR, Kazakhstan and other neighbour countries, as well as its habitat, catching, and fur trade. Reduction of the snow leopard catching volumes for zoological trade to 10 or less animals is recommended to preserve the species; establish two new highland nature reserves; improve the management of snow leopard raising in captivity.
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Bogdanov O.P. (1992). Snow leopard or irbis Uncia Uncia.
Abstract: Snow leopard and its habitat within the USSR and Uzbek SSR are described. Its habitat in the Chatkal and Hissar ridges are described too. Given are data concerning alimentary biology, reproduction, and attitude to man. Female snow leopards become mature at the age of two three years, male at the age of four years. Reproduction occurs once every two years. Presumably, there are 10 animals in the country. Snow leopard is protected in four nature reserves in Uzbekistan and a number of nature reserves in neighbour countries.
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Akimushkin I. (1971). Snow leopard or irbis.
Abstract: The biology of snow leopard is described in a popular form. Information of distribution, behavior and reproductive biology, etc. is given.
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Akimushkin I. (1988). Snow leopard or irbis.
Abstract: Snow leopard behavioral patterns, food preferences, and reproduction are described in a popular way. The population of snow leopard is defined to be 1,000 animals. A reason for the population decline is hunting for the sake of beautiful fur.
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Sosnovskiy I.P. (1987). Snow leopard or irbis.
Abstract: In a popular form, it tells about rare vertebrate animals included in the Red Data Book of the USSR, their biology, behavioral patterns, threats and measures being taken to protect them. Total number of snow leopard in the USSR is defined as 2,000 animals. 200 snow leopards live in zoos throughout the world. The animals successfully reproduce themselves in the Moscow, Kaunas, and Alma-Ata zoos. Snow leopard's maximum life expectancy in enclosures is 22 years.
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Tsherbina E.I. (1970). Snow leopard or irbis.
Abstract: In the USSR, snow leopard is distributed in the mountains of Central Asia and South Siberia. A considerable number of snow leopards are met in the mountains of Tajikistan, Pamir, Tien Shan, Altai, and Tuva ASSR. Snow leopard is extremely rare in Turkmenistan. It is occasionally caught/shot in Kopet-Dag.
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Allabergenov E. (1986). Snow leopard or ilvirs (Vol. 1 122 (6. 013)). 1986.
Abstract: In Uzbekistan, snow leopard can be found in the Turkistan and Gissar ridges, in the mountains of Zaami, and in the Kurama, Chatkal and Ugam ridges. Here it keeps at up to 3,000 4,000 m above sea level. Snow leopard feeds upon wild ungulates ibex and sheep, and sometimes attacks livestock but never man. A brief information concerning peculiarities of snow leopard biology and behavioral patterns is provided.
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Khan, A. (2004). Snow Leopard Occurrence in Mankial Valley, Swat: Final report.
Abstract: Mankial is a sub-valley of the Swat Kohistan. Temperate ecosystem of the valley is intact to a greater extent, which provides habitat to a variety of species of plants, animals and birds. Snow leopard is reported from the valley. To confirm its occurrence, the HUJRA (Holistic Understanding for Justified Research and Action), conducted the study titled “Snow Leopard Survey in Mankial Valley, district Swat, NWFP”. The author provided technical support, while ISLT (The International Snow Leopard Trust) funded the project under its small grants program. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the Mankial Community Organization (MCO) facilitated surveys under the project. Surveys revealed that Snow leopard visits parts of the Mankial valley in winter months. Information from the local community shows that Snow leopard remains in the Serai (an off-shoot of the Mankial Valley) from early winter to early spring. Intensive surveys of the prime snow leopard winter habitat in the valley found several snow leopard signs including pugmarks, feces, and scrapes. The study also found occurrence of prey species through indirect evidence though. However, information from the local community confirmed that in the recent past there was a good population of markhor in the valley, which is now reduced to less than 50, mostly due to hunting and habitat disturbance. Hunting is part of the local culture and lifestyle. During winter months hunting pressure is low, as most of the local community migrates to warmer plain areas than Mankial Valley. However, those who live in the area lop oak branches for feeding their livestock and cut trees for burning, in addition to hunting prey species of snow leopard. This has resulted in stunted oak vegetation in most of the lower reaches of the valley and decline of the markhor population.
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