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Lyngdoh, S., Shrotriya, S., Goyal, S. P., Clements, H., Hayward, M. W., Habib, B. (2014). Prey Preferences of the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): Regional Diet Specificity Holds Global Significance for Conservation. Plos One, 9(2), 1–11.
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 We reviewed 14 published and 11 unpublished studies pertaining to snow leopard diet throughout its range.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. |
Maheshwari, A., Takpa, J., Kujur, S., Shawl, T. (2010). An Investigation of Carnivore-Human Conflicts in Kargil and Drass Areas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. India.
Abstract: Still, there are areas from where very poor information is available on snow leopard and associated species. Keeping this in view, Kargil and Drass areas of Ladakh,Jammu and Kashmir were identified as “gaps” in available information on snow leopard. Kargil has not received much attention for wildlife studies due to its proximity to the International Boundary between India and Pakistan and resultant security implications. The only information available from the area is from a study done by Sathyakumar (2003) on the occurrence of Himalayan brown bear from Zanskar and Suru Valleys in Ladakh. But there was very poor information on the occurrence and distribution of other carnivores and conflicts with humans in Kargil. Therefore, this study was felt necessary to establish the following objectives:
1. Surveys for the occurrence and distribution of snow leopard and other large carnivores and their prey 2. To estimate abundance of prey species 3. To study food habits of snow leopard and other carnivores based on scat analysis 4. To study the of carnivore – human conflicts 5. To study the socio-economic conditions of rural community and develop local awareness programme |
Maheshwari, A., Sharma, D., Sathyakumar, S. (2013). Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) surveys in the Western Himalayas, India. Journal of Ecology and Natural Environmnet, 5(10), 303–309.
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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Mallon, D. (2003). An early record of snow leopard in Myanmar. Cat News, 39(Autumn), 24. |
Mallon, D. P., Jackson, R. M. (2017). A downlist is not a demotion: Red List status and reality. Oryx, , 1–5.
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. |
MaMing, R.. F., Xu. Yun, Cheng et al. (2013). Snow Leopards in Xinjiang.
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). Keywords: Snow Leopards, China
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Ming, M. F., Xu. Yun, Cheng et al. (2013). Snow Leopards in Xinjiang.
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). Keywords: Snow Leopards, China
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Maming, R. (2012). Market prices for the tissues and organs of snow leopards in China. Selevinia, (20), 119–122.
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. Keywords: trade; cases; products; prices; bazaars; snow leopards; extinction; Xinjiang
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Manati, A. R. (2008). Fur trade of large cats and the question of the subspecies status of leopards in Afghanistan (Der Handel mit Fellen von Grosskatzen und die Abklärung der Unterartenfrage beim. Germany: University of Köln.
Abstract: Over a time of four years the bazars of Afghanistan were surveyed for furs of spotted wild cats, in particular leopards and snow leopards. In 2004 in Kabul a total of 28 furs of leopards were purchased by shopkeepers and 21 sold at an average price of 825 $. In the same year 25 furs of snow leopards were purchased and 19 sold to clients at an average price of 583 $. In 2006 at a single inspection double as many furs of leopards were found to be offered for sale in comparison to the whole year of 2004. Also prices had increased over the two years by 20 % to an average of 1037 $. Similarly the number of furs of snow leopards at 21 pieces was higher than in 2004, and the prices had increased to an average of 652 $. In 2007 investigations rendered more difficult, because the authorities had started to control the fur trade, and the results are not unequivocal. Clients were without any exception foreigners.
Surveys in 2004 in Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz, Takhar and Faiz Abad, in 2006 additionally in Baharak and Iskashem in the province of Badakhshan, revealed a regular trade in furs of spotted cats, however not as extensive as in Kabul. The most interesting finding was a fur of a cheetah in Mazar-e-Sharif, the first record of this species after 35 years. From the surveys can be concluded that leopards still exist in the whole range of its distribution area in Afghanistan. However they don't allow any conclusion on the population size and its threat by hunting. In contrast to the leopard there exists a recent estimation of the population size of the snow leopard, saying that there are still 100 to 200 snow leopards living in Afghanistan. On the basis of these figures as well as the numbers of furs traded annually a Population and Habitat Viability Analysis was conducted. The result of this analysis is alarming. It has to be assumed that the snow leopard will be extinct in Afghanistan within the next ten years. To improve the protection of spotted cats in Afghanistan it needs both, a better implementation of the existing legislation as well as an awareness campaign among potential clients, i. e. foreigners living in Afghanistan. The second part of this thesis deals with the question of subspecies of leopards in Afghanistan. Out of the 27 subspecies described four are believed to exist in Afghanistan. However, according to a molecularbiological revision of the species there occurs only one subspecies in Afghanistan, Panthera pardus saxicolor. To clarify the subspecies question various measures of furs had been taken in the bazars. The results revealed that the leopards in Afghanistan are the biggest of its species. However a further differentiation according to the area of origin within the country was not possible. Also the traditional differentiation on the basis of colours and patterns on the furs was not possible. In contrast to the molecularbiological investigations published not only samples of zoo animals were available in this study but also samples from the wild. The own results confim that almost all leopards from Afghanistan and Iran belong to one and the same subspecies, P. p. saxicolor. Only in the most eastern part of Afghanistan, the Indian leopard, Panthera pardus fusca, can be found. The International Studbook for the Persian Leopard was analysed. The whole population derives from a few founder animals, which were imported in the midth fifties from Iran and in the late sixties from Afghanistan. To avoid inbreeding later on the Iranian and the Afghan lines were mixed. A female imported in 1968 from Kabul to Cologne is represented in each of the more than 100 today living animals.Mixing the two lines subsequently is justified by the genetic results of this study. Recently acquired animals from the Caucasus, however, should be tested genetically before integrating them into the zoo population. |
Marma, B. B., Yunchis, V.V. (1969). Biology of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia uncia). Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 47(11), 1689–1694.
Abstract: The methods to obtain progeny of the snow-leopard (Panthera uncia uncia) in captivity were being elaborated in the zoological garden of Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR. The blood characteristics for snow-leopards is given and compared to that for African lions and Sumatran tigers. A series of internal, external and clinical indices is established. The rut lasts for 5-7 day, the duration of pregnancy equals 98 days. The duration of lactation varies from 3 to 4 months. Sexual maturity is attained on the 3rd-4th year. From 1960 to 1967 in zoological ghardens of the world abuot 29 snow-leopards were born. 14 of them -- in the Kauna zoological garden.
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