Suryawanshi, K. R., Redpath, S. M., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Ramakrishnan, U., Chaturvedi, V., Smout, S. C., Mishra, C. Impact of wild prey availability on livestock predation by snow leopards. Royal Society Open Science, , 1–11.
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 atfacilitating increases in wild prey must be accompanied by greater assistance for better livestock
protection and offsetting the economic damage caused by carnivores.
|
Suryawanshi, K. R., Redpath, S., Bhatnagar, Y. V., Ramakrishnan, U., Chaturvedi, V., Smout, S. C., Mishra, C. (2017). Impact of wild prey availability on livestock predation by snow leopards. Royal Society Open Science, , 1–11.
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.
|
Filla, M., Lama, R. P., Ghale, T. R., Signer, J., Filla, T., Aryal, R. R., Heurich, M., Waltert, M., Balkenhol, N., Khorozyan, I. (2020). In the shadows of snow leopards and the Himalayas: density and habitat selection of blue sheep in Manang, Nepal. Ecology and Evolution, 2021(11), 108–122.
Abstract: There is a growing agreement that conservation needs to be proactive and pay increased attention to common species and to the threats they face. The blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) plays a key ecological role in sensitive high-altitude ecosystems of Central Asia and is among the main prey species for the globally vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia). As the blue sheep has been increasingly exposed to human pressures, it is vital to estimate its population dynamics, protect the key populations, identify important habitats, and secure a balance between conservation and local livelihoods. We conducted a study in Manang, Annapurna Conservation Area (Nepal), to survey blue sheep on 60 transects in spring (127.9 km) and 61 transects in autumn (134.7 km) of 2019, estimate their minimum densities from total counts, compare these densities with previous estimates, and assess blue sheep habitat selection by the application of generalized additive models (GAMs). Total counts yielded minimum density estimates of 6.0–7.7 and 6.9–7.8 individuals/km2 in spring and autumn, respectively, which are relatively high compared to other areas. Elevation and, to a lesser extent, land cover indicated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) strongly affected habitat selection by blue sheep, whereas the effects of anthropogenic variables were insignificant. Animals were found mainly in habitats associated with grasslands and shrublands at elevations between 4,200 and 4,700 m. We show that the blue sheep population size in Manang has been largely maintained over the past three decades, indicating the success of the integrated conservation and development efforts in this area. Considering a strong dependence of snow leopards on blue sheep, these findings give hope for the long-term conservation of this big cat in Manang. We suggest that long-term population monitoring and a better understanding of blue sheep–livestock interactions are crucial to maintain healthy populations of blue sheep and, as a consequence, of snow leopards.
|
|
International Snow Leopard Trust. (1999). International Snow Leopard Trust, Conservation and Education Program for 1999.
|
|
Anonymous. (1992). International Specialists Discuss China's Threatened Cats.
|
|
Jackson, R., & Ahmad, A. (1997). Introduction to the Proceedings (8th Snow Leopard Symp). In R.Jackson, & A.Ahmad (Eds.), (ix-x). Lahore, Pakistan: Allied Press.
|
|
Fox, J. L., & Jizeng, D. (1994). Introduction to the Seventh International Snow Leopard Symposium. In J.L.Fox, & D.Jizeng (Eds.),. Usa: Islt.
|
Xu, F., Ming, M., Yin, S. -jing, & Munkhtsog, B. (2007). Investigation on Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) and Its Prey in Baytag Mountain Region, Xinjiang (Vol. 21).
Abstract: The snow leopard and it s p rey were investigated in Beita Mountain Region , Xinjiang in Sep . 2004.
Both the field survey and questionnaire were involved in this project which was supported by the International
Snow Leopard Trust and Xinjiang Conservation Fund. The signs marked by the snow leopard were used
to reflect the living condition of snow leopard and they were collected by running transects. The prey investigation was conducted by positioned observation and route survey. Fifteen transects were done in the
project and 67 signs leaved by snow leopard were discovered in total. 58. 2 % of them were scrapes ,
35.8 % of t hem were feces , 4.5 % of them were claw rakes and 1. 5 % of them were scent
spray. As to the prey resources , 4 herds of 23 ibex and 24 herds of 418 chukars were found during the survey. Also 81 local people of 5 different nationalities were interviewed during the field work , 13.
58 % of them had seen the snow leopard , 20. 99 % of them had heard of snow leopard but not seen. Among t hem , 10 herdsmen had sufferred from the loss of livestock attacked by snow leopard.
|
|
Allen, P. (2001). Irbis Enterprises: A Project of the International Snow Leopard Trust (Vol. 6). Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
|
Vipin, G., T. R., Sharma, V., Kumar, B. K., Gaur, A. (2022). Kleptoparasitic interaction between Snow Leopard Panthera uncia and Red Fox Vulpes vulpes suggested by circumstantial evidence in Pin Valley National Park, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 14(10), 21928–21935.
Abstract: In the present study, we describe an interspecific kleptoparasitic interaction between two sympatric mammalian carnivores in the high altitudinal Trans-Himalaya region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study was based on the inferences drawn from the circumstantial evidence (direct and indirect) noticed in the study area in Pin Valley National Park. The inferences from the analysis of the evidence suggested the interaction between a Snow Leopard Panthera uncia, a Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, and a donkey. The arrangement of evidence in a sequential manner suggested that a donkey was killed by a Snow Leopard and a Red Fox stole the food from the carrion of the Snow Leopard’s prey. The Red Fox was killed by the Snow Leopard, which was caught while stealing. The present study represents an example of kleptoparasitic interaction between the Snow Leopard and the Red Fox. This study also proves that such interactions may cost the life of a kleptoparasite and supports the retaliation behaviour of Snow Leopards.
|
Osborne, B. C., Mallon, D. P., & Fraser, S. J. R. (1983). Ladkh, threatened stronghold of rare Himalayan mammals. Oryx, 17, 182–189.
Abstract: Reports the results of seven visits to Ladakh over past five years. The snow leopard occurs throughout Ladakh but is not common. Livestock are often taken in winter. At least five snow leopards were shot in the Suru Valley over the past five years. The pelt is worth about $350 in Srinagar.
|
|
Johnsingh, A. J. T. (1983). Large Mammalian predator-prey in Bandipur. J.Bombay Nat.Hist.Soc., 80.
|
Baidavletov R.J. (2002). Large predators of the Kazakhstan Altai and their importance for hunting industry.
Abstract: Fauna of large predatory mammals in the Kazakhstan Altai is represented by five species: wolf, bear, glutton, lynx, and snow leopard. Snow leopard inhabits the Sarymsakty and Tarbagai ridges and South Altai. This species is observed to regularly penetrate into the Kutun and Kurchum ridges. Its habitat covers an area of 1,800 sq. km, its population being 14-16 animals. The population density is 0.7 1.0 animals per 100 sq. km. A hunting area of a female animal with two cubs is 45 85 sq. km; a male 120 sq. km. Snow leopard main preys on ibex (41.1 percent), roe-deer (31.0 percent), and moral (13.8 percent); in summer on gray marmot (28.6 percent). Snow leopard is also known to prey on hares, birds, argali, and elks.
|
|
Jackson, R. (2000). Linking Snow Leopard Conservation and People-Wildlife Conflict Resolution, Summary of a multi-country project aimed at developing grass-roots measures to protect the endangered snow leopard from herder retribution. Cat News, 33, 12–15.
|
|
Miller, D. J., & Jackson, R. (1994). Livestock and Snow Leopards:making room for competing users on the Tibetian Plateau. In J.L.Fox, & D.Jizeng (Eds.), (pp. 315–328). Usa: Islt.
|
|
Mishra, C., & Rawat, G. S. (1998). Livestock grazing and Biodiversity Conservation: Comments on Saberwal. Conservation Biology, 12, 25–32.
|
|
Anonymous. (1999). Livestock Predation Control Workshop.
|
Kashkarov D.N. (1923). Living conditions and living in various parts of the mountainous Turkestan. Central Asian snow leopard, irbis (Vol. Issue 2. The animals of mountainous Turkistan.).
Abstract: It describes fauna of the mountainous Turkestan. Irbis is met in Tien Shan, Pamir, Bukhara and Kopet-Dag. Apart from Turkistan, it lives in the Altai, Tibet and on northern slopes of the Himalayas. In Kopet-Dag, this species is met with another panther Caucasian leopard. It preys on ibex, wild sheep, roe deer, keklik (partridge), snow-cock and porcupine. It also attacks small livestock. Normally this species would never attack the man though hunters mentioned some cases that evidence otherwise.
|
|
Jackson, R. (1999). Managing people-wildlife conflict in Tibet's Qomolangma National Nature Preserve.
|
Kovalev A.K. (1990). Markhor in the Ramit nature reserve, Tajikistan (Vol. Vol.3.).
Abstract: The marchor habitat in Tajikistan is fragmented. The animals are reproduced in enclosures of the Ramit nature reserve and released into wildlife in Khel canyon. Two females were killed by snow leopard.
|
Ming, M., Munkhtsog, B., Xu, F., Turghan, M., Yin, S. -jing, & Wei, S. - D. (2005). Markings as Indicator of Snow Leopard in Field Survey, in Xinjiang.
Abstract: The Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) was a very rare species in China. The survey on the markings of Snow Leopard in Ahay and Tianshan Mountains is the major activity of the Project of Snow Leopard in Xinjiang, supported by International Snow Leopard Trust(ISLT)and Xinjiang Conservation Fund(XCF). During the field work from Sep to Nov 2004 the Xinjiang Snow Leopard Group(XSLG) set 67 transects of a total length of 47 776 m with mean transect length is 7 1 3 m at 9 locations.Total of 1 l 8 markings of Snow Leopards were found in 27 transects the mean density is 247km. The markings of Snow Leopard included the pug marks or footprints, scrapes, feces, bloodstain, scent spray, urine, hair or fur, claw rake, remains of prey corpse, sleep site, roar and others. From the quantity and locations of marks the XSLG got the information on habitat selection distribution region and relative abundance of the Snow Leopard in the study areas. The survey also provided knowledge on distribution and abundance of major prey potential conservation problems and human attitudes to Snow Leopards by taking 200 questionnaires in the study areas.
|
Schaller, G. B. (1977). Mountain Monarchs: Wild Sheep and Goats of the Himalaya (Wildlife Behavior & Ecology). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Abstract: Describes snow leopard status and field observations from studies in Pakistan and Nepal. Review provides some data on snow leopard marking behavior, social relations, food habits and predator behavior.
|
Moiseev V.A. (1988). Mountain nature.
Abstract: The snow leopard inhabits the upper belt of the Tien Shan, Hissar Alai and Pamir mountains. More often it hunts for wild ibexes. Irbis avoids meeting … man, and even wounded it rarely attacks him. At the beginning of spring … snow leopard gives birth to two-five cubs. It lives up to 21 years. The snow leopard is registered in the Red Data Book of USSR and IUCN Red List.
|
Bannikov A.G. (1966). Mountains of Middle Asia and Kazakhstan.
Abstract: The data on geographical location, plants and animals of mountain nature reserves of Middle Asia and Kazakhstan are given. Snow leopard and its preys (wild ibexes and sheep) were recorded in both Almaty and Aksu Jabagly nature reserves.
|
Gronberg, E. (2011). Movement patterns of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) around kills based on GPS location clusters. Master's thesis, , .
Abstract: Research concerning movement patterns of wild animals has been advancing since GPS technology arrived. But studying the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is still difficult because of the harsh territory it inhabits in Central Asia. This study took place in south Gobi, Mongolia, and aimed to estimate the time spent at kills and the maximum distance away from kills between visits. Snow leopards were monitored with GPS collars that took a location every five or seven hours. Potential kill sites were established by identifying clusters of GPS-locations in ArcGIS and visited in the field for confirmation. ArcGIS was used to calculate the distance between cluster and GPS-locations. I used two buffer zones (100 m and 500 m radius) to define the time snow leopards spent at kills. It was found that snow leopard age and prey category affected time spent at kills and also that snow leopard sex together with prey category affected the maximum distance moved away from kills between visits. Season had no significant effect on either time at kills or distance moved away from kills between visits. Snow leopards spent on average 3.2 days at their kills in the 100 m buffer zone and 3.5 days at their kills in the 500 m buffer zone. Subadults stayed longer at kills than adults and animals of both age categories spent longer time on larger prey. The mean maximum distance moved away from kills between visits was 179 m in the 100 m buffer zone and 252 m in the 500 m buffer zone. Female snow leopards moved further away from kills between visits than male snow leopards. Both the number of days spent on kills and maximum distance moved away from kills between visits increased when kills consisted of more than one animal. This study has provided some basic information on snow leopard behaviors around their kills but also highlights the need to monitor more snow leopards before more solid conclusions can be drawn as this study was based on based on a relatively small sample.
|
