Pahuja, M., Sharma, R. K. (2021). Wild Predators, Livestock, and Free Ranging Dogs: Patterns of Livestock Mortality and Attitudes of People Toward Predators in an Urbanizing Trans-Himalayan Landscape. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 2(109), 1–13.
Abstract: Livestock depredation by large carnivores is a significant source of conflicts over predators and an important conservation and economic concern. Preventing livestock loss to wild predators is a substantial focus of human-carnivore conflict mitigation programs. A key assumption of the preventive strategy is reduction in the livestock losses leading to a positive shift in the attitudes toward predators. Therefore, it is important to quantify the true extent of livestock mortality caused by wild predators and its influence on attitudes of the affected communities. We examined seasonal and spatial patterns of livestock mortality and factors influencing people’s attitudes toward wild predators i.e., snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and wolves (Canis lupus chanco) and free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in a Trans-Himalayan urbanizing landscape in India. We used systematic sampling to select the survey households and implemented a semi- structured questionnaire to respondents. The sampled villages (n = 16) represent a mosaic of urban and agricultural ecosystems within a radius of 40 km of Leh town. In 2016–2017, 93% of the sampled households lost livestock to predators, accounting for 0.93 animals per household per year. However, of the total events of livestock mortality, 33% were because of weather/natural events, 24% by snow leopards, 20% because of disease, 15% because of free-ranging dogs and 9% because of wolves. The annual economic loss per household because of livestock mortality was USD 371, a substantial loss given the average per capita income of USD 270 in the region. Of the total loss, weather/natural events caused highest loss of USD 131 (35%), followed by snow leopards USD 91 (25%), disease USD 87 (24%), free ranging dogs USD 48 (13%), and wolves USD 14 (4%). Despite losing a considerable proportion of livestock (33 %) to wild predators, respondents showed a positive attitude toward them but exhibited neutral attitudes toward free-ranging dogs. Gender emerged as the most important determinant of attitudes toward wild predators, with men showing higher positive attitude score toward wild predators than women. Our findings highlight the context specific variation in human-wildlife interactions and emphasize that generalizations must be avoided in the absence of site specific evidence.
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Moheb, Z., Fuller, T. K., Zahler, P. I. (2022). Snow Leopard – human conflict as a conservation challenge – a review. Snow Leopard Reports, 1, 11–24.
Abstract: Human conflict with large carnivores continues to be a great conservation challenge, and conflict with snow leopards (Panthera uncia) has been studied to understand causes and propose mitigation schemes. While the nature of snow leopard-human conflict is similar in most cases, reported studies have been case- and area-specific with mitigation strategies not necessarily based on a synthesis of relevant literature. We reviewed snow leopard literature published from 1970-2020 to identify the main drivers of human-snow leopard conflict (HSLC) and describe conservation and conflict mitigation strategies commonly employed. Based on 47 relevant peer-reviewed articles, review papers, book chapters, project reports, and other grey literature, we identified four major conflict domains: livestock management-related, socio-economic/human-related, ecological, and policy-related. Most articles suggested more than one conflict mitigation scheme. Three conflict mitigation domains – preventive, supportive, and compensatory – were widely reflected in the snow leopard-human conflict literature. The most commonly reported mitigation schemes included: 1) building or predator-proofing corrals; 2) training shepherds and improving livestock guarding; 3) livestock insurance schemes; 4) compensation for livestock predation; 5) capacity building, education, and awareness programs; and 6) improved breeding and use of guard dogs. Future management efforts need to tailor their approach depending on cultural, economic, and ecological circumstances.
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Johansson, O., Agvaantseren, B., Jackson, R., Kachel, S., Kubanychbekov, Z., McCarthy, T., Mishra, C., Ostrowski, S., Kulenbekov, R., Rajabi, A. M., Subba, S. (2022). Body measurements of free-ranging snow leopards across their range. Snow Leopard Reports, 1, 1–6.
Abstract: We provide body measurements of snow leopards collected from 55 individuals sampled in five of the major mountain ranges within the species distribution range; the Altai, Hindu Kush, Himalayas, Pamirs and Tien Shan mountains. Snow leopards appear to be similarly sized across their distribution range with mean body masses of 36 kg and 42 kg for adult females and adult males, respectively. In contrast to other large felids, we found little variation in body size and body mass between the sexes; adult males were on average 5% longer and 15% heavier than adult females.
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Aizin B.M. (1974). Distribution, number and seasonal behavioral patterns of Panthera uncia Scheber in Kyrgyzstan (Vol. Vol. 1.).
Abstract: In Kyrgyzstan, snow leopard can be met almost in all mountain ridges (Kok-Kiya, Atbasha, Kyrgyz, Terskey, Kungei, Talas, Chatkal, Alai, Zaalai), where it keeps to alpine meadow, woodless rock and snowfield zones. The number of snow leopard does not exceed 1,500 animals. Seven to 10 animals are annually caught for the needs of zoo-export.
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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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Allabergenov E. (1991). Predator that will never attack a man (Vol. 1 207 (7. 896)).
Abstract: Irbis is a very endangered species in Uzbekistan. The article provides a brief description of the snow leopard appearance and distribution. Reasons for reduction of snow leopard population is reduction of ungulate populations it preys on ibex and wild sheep and anthropogenic disturbance. Hunting for snow leopard is prohibited everywhere.
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Begg, T. (1978). Nutritional bone disease in the snow leopard. In L. Blomqvist (Ed.), International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, Vol. 1 (Vol. 1, pp. 104–107). Helsinki: Helsinki Zoo.
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Bekenov A.B. (1989). Uncia uncia Schreber, 1776 (Vol. Part1. Vertebrate animals.).
Abstract: There is one subspecies U.u.uncia in Kazakhstan. It is distributed in the Tien Shan, Djungar Ala-Tau, Tarbagatai, Saur, South Altai, and preys mainly on ibex, roe deer, argali, and marmots. Its litter consists of one to five cubs (normally two three). Female bears once in two years.
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Blomqvist, L. (1978). The Snow Leopard, Panthera uncia, in Captivity and the 1977 World Register. Int.Ped.Book of Snow Leopards, 1, 22–34.
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Blomqvist, L. (1978). Snow leopard register (1978). In L. Blomqvist (Ed.), International Pedigree Book of Snow Leopards, Vol.1 (Vol. 1, pp. 132–140). Helsinki: Helsinki Zoo.
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