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Author Kashkarov, E.
Title THE SNOW LEOPARD OF KIRGIZIA: NATIONAL SHAME OR NATIONAL PRIDE Type Journal Article
Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 239-253
Keywords snow leopard, irbis, ibex, mountain sheep, conservation, range, reserve, monitoring, cameratrap, Sarychat, Kirgizia, Central Asia.
Abstract Article examines the problems existing in conservation of the snow leopard in Kirgizia after break-up of the

USSR. Unfortunate situation is common to most of the 14 countries in the snow leopard range, but seems

especially sharp to Kirgizia. Yet half of the century ago Kirgizia has had about 1.5 thousand of the snow

leopards, and today there remains no more than 1/10. In Soviet time Kirgizia was a global supplier of the

snow leopards for the zoo-export &#65533; to create a reserve number of endangered cats in captivity. Today, at

least half of the snow leopards in the Zoos of the world are individuals, caught in Kirgizia or their

descendants.

Since independence, Kirgizia has set new records. In Sarychat-Irtash reserve &#65533; the best for the snow

leopard in Central Asia, and probably in the whole range &#65533; this species was completely destroyed after 3

years of reserve opening... and 17 years later &#65533; revived... Situation comes presently back to the worst-case

scenario, and not only for the snow leopard. Author shows how work in this direction social and economic

levers, and what kind future he would like to see in Kirgizia, where he lived for 12 years and was at the

forefront of pioneering research of the snow leopard and its conservation.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1454
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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 (down) Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords apparent competition, apparent facilitation, conservation conflicts, indirect interactions, predator&#65533; prey interactions, snow leopard
Abstract An increasing proportion of the world&#65533;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&#65533;the preferred

prey&#65533;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 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 (down) 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 Maheshwari, A., Niraj, S. K
Title Monitoring illegal trade in snow leopards: 2003e2014 Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Elsevier Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) 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 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 (down) 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

&#63284;&#63280;&#63286; international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation

Area, Nepal, between May and June &#63282;&#63280;&#63281;&#63284;, to determine

their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation

of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the &#63284;&#63289;%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 &#63285;&#63289; 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.
Address http://snowleopardnetwork.org/bibliography/Schutgensetal_2018.pdf
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1467
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Author Lama, R. P., Ghale, T. R., Suwal, M. K., Ranabhat, R., Regmi, G. R.
Title First photographic evidence of Snow Leopard Panthera uncia (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) outside current protected areas network in Nepal Himalaya Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of Threatened Taxa Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 12086-12090
Keywords Camera-trapping, conservation, Humla, livestock depredation, monasteries, non-timber forest products, retaliatory killing, Tibetan Buddhism.
Abstract The Snow Leopard Panthera uncia is a rare top predator of high-altitude ecosystems and insufficiently surveyed outside of protected areas in Nepal. We conducted a rapid camera-trapping survey to assess the presence of Snow Leopard in the Limi valley of Humla District. Three individuals were recorded in two camera locations offering the first photographic evidence of this elusive cat outside the protected area network of Nepal. In addition to Snow Leopard, the Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur, Beech Marten Martes foina, Pika Ochotona spp. and different species of birds were also detected by camera-traps. More extensive surveys and monitoring are needed for reliably estimating the population size of Snow Leopard in the area. The most urgent needs are community-based conservation activities aimed at mitigating immediate threats of poaching, retaliatory killing, and rapid prey depletion to ensure the survival of this top predator in the Himalaya.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1470
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Author Holt, C. D. S., Nevin, O. T., Smith, D., Convery, I.
Title Environmental niche overlap between snow leopard and four prey species in Kazakhstan Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Elsevier Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue 48 Pages 97-103
Keywords SDM, MaxEnt, Management, Conservation, Dispersal, Distribution
Abstract The snow leopard Panthera uncia has declined due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and human persecution. Predator distribution is heavily dependent on prey species availability and distribution. With increasing pressures from farming practices encroaching into native species range and persecution of snow leopards in response to livestock depredation, it is vital to assess current predator and prey species distribution to highlight sensitive areas of overlap for protection. This study uses MaxEnt, a presence-only Species Distribution Model (SDM) to assess snow leopard and four prey species habitat suitability along

the southern and eastern borders of Kazakhstan using environmental data. This area is considered an important corridor between snow leopard populations in the north and south of their range. Each of the five SDM's produced models of &#65533;good&#65533; discriminating abilities. We then compared the potential niche overlap between snow leopard and four prey species using ENMTools to highlight areas of important niche overlap within the corridor. The results indicated a very high degree of overlap between snow leopard and Siberian ibex and high degrees Capra sibirica with red deer Cervus elaphus, argali Ovis ammon and urial Ovis orientalis. The snow leopard population in this region is also found to be using forested areas below 2500 m, much lower than recorded in other areas of their range. The results highlight areas needed for protection but also pose additional conservation questions regarding the importance of prey species to transitory individuals.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1472
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Author Khanal, G., Poudyal, L. P., Devkota, B. P., Ranabhat, R., Wegge, P.
Title Status and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Api Nampa Conservation Area, Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Fauna & Flora International Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-8
Keywords Api Nampa Conservation Area, bharal, Nepal, Panthera uncia, Pseudois nayaur, snow leopard
Abstract The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally

threatened and reliable information on its abundance,

distribution and prey species is a prerequisite for its conservation.

In October-November 2014 we assessed the distribution

of the snow leopard in the recently established Api

Nampa Conservation Area in the Nepal Himalayas.

Within selected blocks we conducted sign surveys and

counted the number of bharal Pseudois nayaur, its principal

wild prey, along transects totalling 106 km.We recorded 203

putative snow leopard signs at an encounter rate of 1.91

signs/km. Generalized linear models of the number of

signs detected per transect showed that elevation had a positive

influence and human activities a negative influence on

sign encounter rate; prey abundance had only a weak positive

influence on sign encounter rate. Within the effectively

surveyed area of c. 2002 km2, we counted 527 bharal at an estimated

density of 2.28 animals/km2. Recruitment of bharal

was low, estimated at 48 kids/100 adult females, most likely a

result of poor or overgrazed rangeland. We estimate

the total number of bharal in this conservation area to be

.>1,000, a prey base that could sustain 6-9 snow leopards.

Based on our field observations, we identified human disturbance

and habitat degradation associated with extraction

of non-timber forest products, livestock grazing, and poaching

as the main threats to the snow leopard. Standardized

sign surveys, preferably supplemented by sampling with

remote cameras or with genetic analysis of scats would

provide robust baseline information on the abundance of

snow leopards in this conservation area.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1473
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Author Samelius, G., Suryawanshi, K., Frank, J., Agvaantseren, B., Baasandamba, E., Mijiddorj, T., Johansson, O., Tumursukh, L., Mishra, C.
Title Keeping predators out: testing fences to reduce livestock depredation at night-time corrals Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-7
Keywords Canis lupus, carnivore conservation, coexistence, conflict mitigation, conservation conflict, livestock depreda- tion, Panthera uncia, preventative measure
Abstract Livestock depredation by large carnivores is a global conservation challenge, and mitigation measures to reduce livestock losses are crucial for the coexistence of large carnivores and people. Various measures are employed to reduce livestock depredation but their effectiveness has rarely been tested. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of tall fences to reduce livestock losses to snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus at night-time corrals at the winter camps of livestock herders in the Tost Mountains in southern Mongolia. Self-reported livestock losses at the fenced corrals were reduced from a mean loss of 3.9 goats and sheep per family and winter prior to the study to zero losses in the two winters of the study. In contrast, self-reported livestock losses in winter pastures, and during the rest of the year, when herders used different camps, remained high, which indicates that livestock losses were reduced because of the fences, not because of temporal variation in predation pressure. Herder attitudes towards snow leopards were positive and remained positive during the study, whereas attitudes towards wolves, which attacked livestock also in summer when herders moved out on the steppes, were negative and worsened during the study. This study showed that tall fences can be very effective at reducing night-time losses at corrals and we conclude that fences can be an important tool for snow leopard conservation and for facilitating the coexistence of snow leopards and people.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1492
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Author Khanyari, M., Zhumabai uulu, K., Luecke, S., Mishra, C., Suryawanshi, K.
Title Understanding population baselines: status of mountain ungulate populations in the Central Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Mammalia Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-8
Keywords conservation; human-use landscapes; hunting concession; mountain ungulates; population baselines; protected areas.
Abstract We assessed the density of argali (Ovis ammon) and ibex

(Capra sibirica) in Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve and its neighbouring

Koiluu valley. Sarychat is a protected area, while Koiluu is a human-use

landscape which is a partly licenced hunting concession for mountain

ungulates and has several livestock herders and their permanent

residential structures. Population monitoring of mountain ungulates can

help in setting measurable conservation targets such as appropriate

trophy hunting quotas and to assess habitat suitability for predators

like snow leopards (Panthera uncia). We employed the double-observer

method to survey 573 km2 of mountain ungulate habitat inside Sarychat

and 407 km2 inside Koiluu. The estimated densities of ibex and argali in

Sarychat were 2.26 (95% CI 1.47–3.52) individuals km-2 and 1.54 (95% CI

1.01–2.20) individuals km-2, respectively. Total ungulate density in

Sarychat was 3.80 (95% CI 2.47–5.72) individuals km-2. We did not record

argali in Koiluu, whereas the density of ibex was 0.75 (95% CI

0.50–1.27) individuals km-2. While strictly protected areas can achieve

high densities of mountain ungulates, multi-use areas can harbour

meaningful

though suppressed populations. Conservation of mountain ungulates and

their predators can be enhanced by maintaining Sarychat-like “pristine”

areas interspersed within a matrix of multi-use areas like Koiluu.
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Call Number Serial 1610
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Author Khanal, G., Mishra, C., Suryawanshi, K. R.
Title Relative influence of wild prey and livestock abundance on carnivore-caused livestock predation Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Ecology and Evolution Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords conservation conflict, human carnivore conflict, large mammalian carnivore, livestock depredation, Nepal, Shey Phoksundo National Park, snow leopard
Abstract Conservation conflict over livestock depredation is one of the

key drivers of large mammalian carnivore declines worldwide. Mitigating

this conflict requires strategies informed by reliable knowledge of

factors influencing livestock depredation. Wild prey and livestock

abundance are critical factors influencing the extent of livestock

depredation. We compared whether the extent of livestock predation by

snow leopards Panthera uncia differed in relation to densities of wild

prey, livestock, and snow leopards at two sites in Shey Phoksundo

National Park, Nepal. We used camera trap-based spatially explicit

capture–recapture models to estimate snow leopard density;

double-observer surveys to estimate the density of their main prey

species, the blue sheep Pseudois nayaur; and interview-based household

surveys to estimate livestock population and number of livestock killed

by snow leopards. The proportion of livestock lost per household was

seven times higher in Upper Dolpa, the site which had higher snow

leopard density (2.51 snow leopards per 100 km2) and higher livestock

density (17.21 livestock per km2) compared to Lower Dolpa (1.21 snow

leopards per 100 km2; 4.5 livestock per km2). The wild prey density was

similar across the two sites (1.81 and 1.57 animals per km2 in Upper and

Lower Dolpa, respectively). Our results suggest that livestock

depredation level may largely be determined by the abundances of the

snow leopards and livestock and predation levels on livestock can vary

even at similar levels of wild prey density. In large parts of the snow

leopard range, livestock production is indispensable to local

livelihoods and livestock population is expected to increase to meet the

demand of cashmere. Hence, we recommend that any efforts to increase

livestock populations or conservation initiatives aimed at recovering or

increasing snow leopard population be accompanied by better herding

practices (e.g., predator-proof corrals) to protect livestock from snow

leopard.
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Call Number Serial 1611
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Author Alexander, J. S., Agvaantseren, B., Gongor, E., Mijiddorj, T. N., Piaopiao, T., Stephen Redpath, S., Young, J., Mishra, C.
Title Assessing the Effectiveness of a Community-based Livestock Insurance Program Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages
Keywords Large carnivores, Snow leopard conservation, Human-wildlife conflicts, Livestock insurance, Community conservation, Human-wildlife co-existence, Snow leopard
Abstract
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Call Number Serial 1635
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Author Sharma, K., Fiechter, M., George, T., Young, J., Alexander, J. S., Bijoor, Suryawanshi, K., Mishra, C.
Title Conservation and people: Towards an ethical code of conduct for the use of camera traps in wildlife research Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Ecological Solutions and Evidence Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-6
Keywords camera trap, code of conduct, ethics, human rights, law, PARTNERS principles for community- based conservation, privacy, snow leopard
Abstract 1. Camera trapping is a widely employed tool in wildlife

research, used to estimate animal abundances, understand animal

movement, assess species richness and under- stand animal behaviour. In

addition to images of wild animals, research cameras often record human

images, inadvertently capturing behaviours ranging from innocuous

actions to potentially serious crimes.

2. With the increasing use of camera traps, there is an urgent need to

reflect on how researchers should deal with human images caught on

cameras. On the one hand, it is important to respect the privacy of

individuals caught on cameras, while, on the other hand, there is a

larger public duty to report illegal activity. This creates ethical

dilemmas for researchers.

3. Here, based on our camera-trap research on snow leopards Panthera

uncia, we outline a general code of conduct to help improve the practice

of camera trap based research and help researchers better navigate the

ethical-legal tightrope of this important research tool.
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Call Number Serial 1626
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Author Oberosler, V., Tenan, S., Groff, C., Krofel, M., Augugliaro, C., Munkhtsog, B., Rovero, F.
Title First spatially‐explicit density estimate for a snow leopard population in the Altai Mountains Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Biodiversity and Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 15
Keywords Camera trapping · Conservation · Abundance · Felids · Activity range · Mongolia · Panthera uncia · Spatial capture-recapture
Abstract The snow leopard Panthera uncia is an elusive and globally-threatened apex predator occurring in the mountain ranges of central Asia. As with other large carnivores, gaps in data on its distribution and abundance still persist. Moreover, available density estimates are often based on inadequate sampling designs or analytical approaches. Here, we used camera trapping across a vast mountainous area (area of the sampling frame 850 km2; analysed habitat extent 2600 km2) and spatially-explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models to provide, to our knowledge, the first robust snow leopard population density estimate for the Altai Mountains. This region is considered one of the most important conservation areas for snow leopards, representing a vast portion of suitable habitat and a key ecological corridor. We also provide estimates of the scale parameter (σ) that reflects ranging behaviour (activity range) and baseline encounter probability, and investigated potential drivers of density and related parameters by assessing their associations with anthropogenic and environmental factors. Sampling yielded 9729 images of snow leopards corresponding to 224 independent detections that belonged to a minimum of 23 identified adult individuals. SECR analysis resulted in an overall density of 1.31 individuals/100 km2 (1.15%–1.50 95% CI), which was positively correlated with terrain slope. This estimate falls within the mid-values of the range of density estimates for the species globally. We estimated significantly different activity range size for females and males (79 and 329 km2, respectively). Base- line encounter probability was negatively associated with anthropogenic activity. Our study contributes to on-going efforts to produce robust global estimates of population abundance for this top carnivore.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1662
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Author Hanson, J. H.
Title Household Conflicts with Snow Leopard Conservation and Impacts from Snow Leopards in the Everest and Annapurna Regions of Nepal Type Journal Article
Year Publication Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1 of 12
Keywords Human-wildlife conflict, Annapurna conservation area, Sagarmatha national park, South asia, Human-wildlife coexistence, Carnivores
Abstract Impacts on households from large carnivores are frequently reported in the conservation literature, but conflicts between households and large carnivore conservation are not. Employing a human-wildlife coexistence framework that distinguishes between human-wildlife impacts on one hand, and human-conservation conflicts on the other, this paper presents data from Annapurna Conservation Area and Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal, each with different models of conservation governance. Using systematic sampling, quantitative information from 705 households was collected via questionnaires, while 70 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants for cross-methods triangulation. 7.7% of households reported conflicts with snow leopard conservation in the previous 12 months, primarily due to damage to livelihoods; these were significantly higher in the Annapurna region. 373 livestock were reported lost by households to snow leopards in the previous 12 months, representing 3.4% of total livestock owned and US$ 132,450 in financial value. Livestock losses were significantly lower in the Everest area. In linear regression models, total household livestock losses to all sources best explained conflicts with snow leopard conservation and household livestock losses to snow leopards but the models for the former dependent variable had very low explanatory power. Conservation in general, and large carnivore conservation in particular, should distinguish carefully between impacts caused by coexistence with these species and conflicts with conservation actors and over the methods and interventions used to conserve carnivores, especially where these negatively impact local livelihoods. In addition, livestock husbandry standards are highlighted again as an important factor in the success of carnivore conservation programmes.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1679
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Author Filla, M., Lama, R. P., Filla, T., Heurich, M., Balkenhol, N., Waltert, M., Khorozyan, I.
Title Patterns of livestock depredation by snow leopards and effects of intervention strategies: lessons from the Nepalese Himalaya Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Wildlife Research Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages
Keywords Annapurna, co-existence, conservation biology, highland communities, human–wildlife conflict, large carnivore, livestock depredation, Panthera uncia, prey selection, snow leopard.
Abstract Context: Large carnivores are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, and their protection is among the main goals of biodiversity conservation. The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits high-mountain landscapes where livestock depredation drives it into conflicts with local people and poses an obstacle for its conservation.

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the livestock groups most vulnerable to depredation, target them in implementation of practical interventions, and assess the effectiveness of intervention strategies for conflict mitigation. We present a novel attempt to evaluate intervention strategies for particularly vulnerable species, age groups, time, and seasons.

Methods: In 2020, we conducted questionnaire surveys in two regions of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal (Manang, n = 146 respondents and Upper Mustang, n = 183). We applied sample comparison testing, Jacobs’ selectivity index, and generalised linear models (GLMs) to assess rates and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of depredation, reveal vulnerable livestock groups, analyse potential effects of applied intervention strategies, and identify husbandry factors relevant to depredation.

Key results: Snow leopard predation was a major cause of livestock mortality in both regions (25.4–39.8%), resulting in an estimated annual loss of 3.2–3.6% of all livestock. The main intervention strategies (e.g. corrals during night-time and herding during daytime) were applied inconsistently and not associated with decreases in reported livestock losses. In contrast, we found some evidence that dogs, deterrents (light, music playing, flapping tape, and dung burning), and the use of multiple interventions were associated with a reduction in reported night-time depredation of yaks.

Conclusions and implications: We suggest conducting controlled randomised experiments for quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of dogs, deterrents, and the use of multiple interventions, and widely applying the most effective ones in local communities. This would benefit the long-term co-existence of snow leopards and humans in the Annapurna region and beyond.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1684
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Author Alexander, J. S., Bijoor, A., Gurmet, K., Murali, R., Mishra, C., Suryawanshi, K. R.
Title Engaging women brings conservation benefits to snow leopard landscapes Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Environmental Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1 - 7
Keywords community conservation; gender; large carnivores; snow leopard; women
Abstract Protection of biodiversity requires inclusive and gender-responsive programming. Evidence of success in engaging women in large carnivore conservation remains scarce, however, although women play an important role in caring for livestock at risk of predation and could contribute to large-carnivore conservation. We aimed to assess the performance of an income-generation and skills-building programme for women in Spiti Valley (India) that sought to engage women in local conservation action. Annual programme monitoring together with a one-time survey of attitudes, perceptions and social norms in eight communities exposed to the conservation programme and seven ‘control’ communities revealed: a keen interest and increasing levels of women’s participation over 7 years of programme operation; participant reports of multiple programme benefits including additional personal income, social networking and travel opportunities; and more positive attitudes towards snow leopards among programme participants than among non-participants in the control communities. Women from programme communities recorded in their diaries 33 self-directed conservation actions including improving livestock protection and preventing wildlife poaching. These results show a way forward to purposively engage women in conservation programming towards achieving sustainable and equitable outcomes in efforts to promote carnivore–human coexistence.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1689
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Author Hanson, J. H., Schutgens, M., Baral, N., Leader-Williams, N.
Title Assessing the potential of snow leopard tourism-related products and services in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Tourism Planning & Development Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-20
Keywords Eco-certified products; ecotourism; conservation enterprise; large carnivores; tourism impacts; South Asia
Abstract Conservation Enterprise is increasingly promoted to support the conservation of species and landscapes through incentives, such as ecotourism, including in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), Nepal. Yet the elusive behaviour of snow leopards here limits opportunities for conservation enterprise, particularly those linked to conventional ecotourism forms. Furthermore, the potential to explicitly link local snow leopard-friendly livestock production systems with the tourist market in the area, via eco-certified livestock products, has not been investigated. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the interest, from supply and demand perspectives, in introducing snow leopard ecotourism services and eco-certified products into the ACA tourist market. Questionnaire data were gathered from 406 tourists and 403 local residents. Our results, of interest to managers and researchers alike, show that there is potential to generate funds and support for both snow leopard conservation and community development, and add to the literature on utilising enterprise initiatives as conservation tools.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1696
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Author Parker, B. G., Khanyari, M., Ambarli, H., Buuveibaatar, B., Kabir, M., Khanal, G., Mirzadeh, H. R., Onon, Y., Farhadinia, M. S.
Title A review of the ecological and socioeconomic characteristics of trophy hunting across Asia Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-16
Keywords Asia; conservation spending; communities; other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM); revenue sharing; trophy hunting; socioeconomics.
Abstract The continuing debates about trophy hunting should be underpinned by an understanding of at least the basic characteristics of the practice (e.g. species, quotas, areas, prices). Whilst many countries in Asia have established trophy hunting programmes of considerable importance to conservation and local livelihoods, there remains some ambiguity over the extent of trophy hunting in Asia as its basic characteristics in each country have not been compiled. In this study, we compile information on various ecological and socioeconomic characteristics of trophy hunting of mammals for countries across Asia by reviewing published and unpublished literature, analysing trade data, and obtaining contributions from in-country contacts. Across Asia, established trophy hunting programmes exist in at least 11 countries and target at least 30 species and one hybrid (incl., five Vulnerable and one Endangered species). Trophy hunting in these countries varies markedly in areas (e.g. >1 million km2 in Kazakhstan, 37% of country, vs. 1325 km2 in Nepal, <1% of country) and annual offtakes (e.g. Kazakhstan: 4500 individuals from 4 of 5 trophy species; Pakistan: 229 from 4 of 7; Mongolia: 155 from 6 of 9; Tajikistan: 126 from 3 of 6; Nepal: 22 from 3 of the 4 that are trophy hunted in practice). Permit prices also vary across species and countries, with domestic and international hunters sometimes charged different rates. Hunters from the USA appear overwhelmingly prominent among international clients. National legislations typically mandate a proportion of trophy hunting revenue to accrue locally (range: 40–100%). We provide five key recommendations for research to inform trophy hunting policy in Asia: (1) Ecological impact assessments; (2) Socioeconomic impact assessments; (3) Evaluations of the contributions of trophy hunting to conservation spending; (4) Evaluations of the contributions of trophy hunting to the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework; (5) Further examinations of perceptions of trophy hunting.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1714
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Author Thapa, K., Rayamajhi, S.
Title Anti-predator strategies of blue sheep (naur) under varied predator compositions: a comparison of snow leopard-inhabited valleys with and without wolves in Nepal Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Wildlife Research Abbreviated Journal
Volume (down) Issue Pages 1-9
Keywords Annapurna conservation area, antipredator behavior, blue sheep (Naur), predation, prey predator traits, snow leopard, trade-off, wolf.
Abstract In Nepal, naur are usually the staple wild prey for the snow leopard, a solitary stalker hunter, and in some cases, for the wolf who hunts in a pack. We assumed that naur would adapt their anti-predatory responses to the presence of chasing and ambushing predators in the Manang Valley, where there are snow leopards and wolves, and in the Nar Phu valley, an area where there is only the snow leopard.

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine if there were differences in anti-predator strategies (vigilance, habitat selection and escape terrain) of naur in two valleys over two seasons, spring and autumn.

Methods. In spring 2019, we conducted a reconnaissance survey on the status of the naur and its habitat in the Manang and Nar Phu valleys of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. In spring and autumn 2020 and 2021, we observed 360 focal naur individuals (180 individuals in each valley), using the vigilance behaviour methodology to examine the behaviour of the naur.

Key results. There was little difference in the size of the naur groups between the Manang and Nar Phu valleys. The naur were twice as vigilant in Manang (15%), where there are snow leopards and wolves, as they were in Nar Phu (9%), with only snow leopards. The distance from the naur to escape cover was significantly shorter in Manang than in Nar Phu valley. Naur used significantly more rolling terrain in Nar Phu than in Manang. Conclusions. The return of wolves to the Manang valley may have resulted in an increase in the level of naur vigilance. Most likely, the wolves in Manang have already had an effect on the female-to-young-ratio, and this effect will possibly have important consequences for the naur population, as well as at the ecosystem level in the future. Other key determining factors, such as the climate crisis and changes in local resources, could have a significant impact on the naur population, indicating the need for more research. Implications. The findings of this study would provide valuable baseline information for the design of a science-based conservation strategy for conservation managers and scientists on naur, snow leopards and wolves.
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Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1732
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