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Author Khanyari, M., Sanyal, O., Chandan, P., Bajaj, D., Sharma, C., Rana, M., Sharma, N., Bashir, T., Suryawanshi, K. pdf 
  Title A new dawn? Population baselines of snow leopards and other mammals of the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India Type Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Integrative Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) Issue Pages 1-10  
  Keywords camera trapping, Himalaya, Kishtwar, mammal, SECR, Snow leopard  
  Abstract Accurately assessing the status of threatened species requires reliable population estimates. Despite this necessity, only a small proportion of the global distribution range of the vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia) has been systematically sampled. The Indian section of the Greater Himalayas, which includes Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), harbours potential snow leopard habitat. Nevertheless, there has been limited ecological and conservation research focusing on species that are specific to KHANP, as well as limited research on the broader biodiversity of the Greater Himalayas. We used Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture (SECR) models to provide—to our knowledge—the first robust snow leopard population density and abundance estimates from KHANP. We also provide a Relative Abundance Index (RAI) for non‐volant mammals (excluding small rodents). Our study sampled three catchments within the Dachhan region of KHANP—Kibber, Nanth and Kiyar—using 44 cameras over a 45‐day period between May and June 2023. We identified four unique snow leopard individuals across 15 detections in nine camera locations. SECR analysis estimated a density of 0.50 snow leopards per 100 km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.86), corresponding to an abundance of four individual (4–9) adults. Camera trapping revealed a total of 16 mammal species, including the endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus). Marmots (Marmota caudata) had the highest RAI of 21.3 (±0.2). Although the estimated density and abundance of snow leopards in our study area had relatively wide 95% confidence intervals, our combined results of snow leopard densities and RAIs of prey species such as ibex and marmots indicate that KHANP is a potentially important area for snow leopards. Given the geopolitical history of Jammu and Kashmir in India, the region where KHANP is located, wildlife research remains a low priority. We hope our study encourages authorities to support further research. This study is an initial step towards evaluating the potential of KHANP as a conservation landscape under the Government of India's Project Snow Leopard.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1755  
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Author Gautam, P. pdf 
  Title Wild Cats of Nepal Type Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Booklet Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) Issue Pages  
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  Abstract Foreward – Nepal’s rich biodiversity owes to the fact that from 80m elevation of Birgunj (Terai) to 8850m of Sagarmatha all belongs to mere 200km strip of land. Thus within the belt lies all five biodiversity zones : Tropics, Subtropics, Temperate, Subalpine and Alpine. And the 13 cat species included in this book occupy all the zones, from Tigers in Tropics (below 1000m) to Snow Leopards in Alpine (above 5000m).  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1756  
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Author Moheb, Z., Fuller, T. K., Zahler, P. I. pdf 
  Title Snow Leopard – human conflict as a conservation challenge – a review Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Snow Leopard Reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 1 Issue Pages 11-24  
  Keywords Human wildlife conflict, conflict domains, mitigation schemes, Panthera uncia  
  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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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1708  
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Author Johansson, O., Agvaantseren, B., Jackson, R., Kachel, S., Kubanychbekov, Z., McCarthy, T., Mishra, C., Ostrowski, S., Kulenbekov, R., Rajabi, A. M., Subba, S. pdf 
  Title Body measurements of free-ranging snow leopards across their range Type Journal Article
  Year 2022 Publication Snow Leopard Reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 1 Issue Pages 1-6  
  Keywords Body mass, body size, carnivore, morphology, Panthera uncia  
  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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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1711  
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Author Pahuja, M., Sharma, R. K. pdf 
  Title Wild Predators, Livestock, and Free Ranging Dogs: Patterns of Livestock Mortality and Attitudes of People Toward Predators in an Urbanizing Trans-Himalayan Landscape Type Journal Article
  Year 2021 Publication Frontiers in Conservation Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 2 Issue 109 Pages 1-13  
  Keywords Canis lupus, human-wildlife relationships, human-wildlife conflict (HWC), livestock depredation, multiple use landscapes, Panthera uncia, pastoralism, urban wildlife  
  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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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1667  
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Author Khanyari, M., Dorjay, R., Lobzang, S., Bijoor, A., Suryawanshi, K. pdf 
  Title Co-designing conservation interventions through participatory action research in the Indian Trans-Himalaya Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Ecological Solutions and Evidence Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 4 Issue e12232 Pages 1-14  
  Keywords Changthang, co-design, community, conservation, participatory  
  Abstract 1. Community-based conservation, despite being more inclusive than fortress conservation, has been criticized for being a top-down implementation of external ideas brought to local communities for conservation's benefit. This is particularly true for Changpas, the pastoral people of Changthang in trans-Himalayan India who live alongside unique wildlife.

2. Our main aim was to co-design conservation interventions through participatory action research. We worked with two Changpa communities, to understand the issues faced by them. Subsequently, we co-designed context-sensitive interventions to facilitate positive human–nature interactions. We did so by integrating the PARTNERS (Presence, Aptness, Respect, Transparency, Empathy, Responsiveness, Strategic Support) principles with the Trinity of Voice (Access, Standing and Influence).

3. In Rupsho, we facilitated focus group discussions (FGDs) led by the community. We found livestock depredation by wildlife was primarily facilitated by the weather. This led to co-designing of a new corral design, which was piloted with seven households, safeguarding 2385 pashmina goats and sheep. Approximating the value of each sheep/goat to be USD125, this intervention amounts to a significant economic protection of USD c. 42,500 for each household. This is along with intangible gains of trust, ownership and improved self-esteem.

4. In Tegazong, a restricted area adjoining the Indo-China border with no previous research records, we worked with 43 Changpa people to co-create research questions of mutual interest. Wildlife presence and reasons for livestock loss were identified as areas of mutual interest. The herders suggested they would record data in a form of their choice, for 6 months, while they live in their winter pastures. This participatory community monitoring revealed nutrition and hypothermia to be a key cause of livestock death. Subsequently, we delimited two previously untested interventions: lamb cribs and provisioning of locally sourced barley as a feed supplement. The wildlife monitoring recorded the first record of Tibetan Gazelle Procapra picticuadata, outside of their known distribution, in Tegazong.

5. We aim to highlight the benefits of co-designing projects with local communities that link research and conservation, while also discussing the challenges faced. Ultimately, such projects are needed to ensure ethical knowledge generation and conservation, which aims to be decolonial and inclusive.
 
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1727  
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Author Hellstrom, M., Kruger, E., Naslund, J., Bisther, M., Edlund, A., Hernvall, P., Birgersson, V., Augusto, R., Lancaster, M. L. pdf 
  Title Capturing environmental DNA in snow tracks of polar bear, Eurasian lynx and snow leopard towards individual identification Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Frontiers in Conservation Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 4 Issue 1250996 Pages 1-9  
  Keywords nuclear eDNA, snow, snow track, individual, polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), sampling protocol  
  Abstract Polar bears (Ursus maritimus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive large carnivores inhabiting snow-covered and remote areas. Their effective conservation and management are challenged by inadequate population information, necessitating development of novel data collection methods. Environmental DNA (eDNA) from snow tracks (footprints in snow) has identified species based on mitochondrial DNA, yet its utility for individual-based analyses remains unsolved due to challenges accessing the nuclear genome. We present a protocol for capturing nuclear eDNA from polar bear, Eurasian lynx and snow leopard snow tracks and verify it through genotyping at a selection of microsatellite markers. We successfully retrieved nuclear eDNA from 87.5% (21/24) of wild polar bear snow tracks, 59.1% (26/44) of wild Eurasian lynx snow tracks, and the single snow leopard sampled. We genotyped over half of all wild polar bear samples (54.2%, 13/24) at five loci, and 11% (9/44) of wild lynx samples and the snow leopard at three loci. Genotyping success from Eurasian lynx snow tracks increased to 24% when tracks were collected by trained rather than untrained personnel. Thirteen wild polar bear samples comprised 11 unique genotypes and two identical genotypes; likely representing 12 individual bears, one of which was sampled twice. Snow tracks show promise for use alongside other non-invasive and conventional methods as a reliable source of nuclear DNA for genetic mark-recapture of elusive and threatened mammals. The detailed protocol we present has utility for broadening end user groups and engaging Indigenous and local communities in species monitoring.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1738  
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Author Arias, M., Coals, P., Ardiantiono, Elves-Powell, J., Rizzolo, J. B., Ghoddousi, A., Boron, V., da Silva, M., Naude, V., Williams, V., Poudel, S., Loveridge, A., Payan, E., Suryawanshi, K., Dickman, A. pdf 
  Title Reflecting on the role of human-felid conflict and local use in big cat trade Type Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Conservation Science and Practice Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 6 Issue e13030 Pages 1-7  
  Keywords conflict, illegal trade, jaguar, leopard, lion, Panthera, snow leopard, tiger, wildlife crime  
  Abstract Illegal trade in big cat (Panthera spp.) body parts is a prominent topic in scientific and public discourses concerning wildlife conservation. While illegal trade is generally acknowledged as a threat to big cat species, we suggest that two enabling factors have, to date, been under-considered. To that end, we discuss the roles of human-felid conflict, and “local” use in illegal trade in big cat body parts. Drawing examples from across species and regions, we look at generalities, contextual subtleties, ambiguities, and definitional complexities. We caution against underestimating the extent of “local” use of big cats and highlight the potential of conflict killings to supply body parts.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1745  
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Author Johansson, O., Ullman, K., Lkhagvajav, P., Wiseman, M., Malmsten, J., Leijon, M. url 
  Title Detection and Genetic Characterization of Viruses Present in Free-Ranging Snow Leopards Using Next-Generation Sequencing Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Frontiers in Veterinary Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 7 Issue 645 Pages 1-9  
  Keywords snow leopard, free-ranging, virome, Mongolia, rectal swabs, next-generating sequencing, Panthera unica  
  Abstract Snow leopards inhabit the cold, arid environments of the high

mountains of South and Central Asia. These living conditions likely

affect the abundance and composition of microbes with the capacity to

infect these animals. It is important to investigate the microbes that

snow leopards are exposed to detect infectious disease threats and

define a baseline for future changes that may impact the health of this

endangered felid. In this work, next-generation sequencing is used to

investigate the fecal (and in a few cases serum) virome of seven snow

leopards from the Tost Mountains of Mongolia. The viral species to which

the greatest number of sequences reads showed high similarity was

rotavirus. Excluding one animal with overall very few sequence reads,

four of six animals (67%) displayed evidence of rotavirus infection. A

serum sample of a male and a rectal swab of a female snow leopard

produced sequence reads identical or closely similar to felid

herpesvirus 1, providing the first evidence that this virus infects snow

leopards. In addition, the rectal swab from the same female also

displayed sequence reads most similar to feline papillomavirus 2, which

is the first evidence for this virus infecting snow leopards. The rectal

swabs from all animals also showed evidence for the presence of small

circular DNA viruses, predominantly Circular Rep-Encoding

Single-Stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses and in one case feline anellovirus.

Several of the viruses implicated in the present study could affect the

health of snow leopards. In animals which are under environmental

stress, for example, young dispersing individuals and lactating females,

health issues may be exacerbated by latent virus infections.
 
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  Call Number Serial 1612  
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Author Khanyari, M., Suryawanshi, K. R., Milner-Gulland, E. J., Dickinson, E., Khara, A., Rana, R. S., Vineer, H. R., Morgan, E. R. pdf 
  Title Predicting Parasite Dynamics in Mixed-Use Trans-Himalayan Pastures to Underpin Management of Cross-Transmission Between Livestock and Bharal Type Journal Article
  Year 2021 Publication Frontiers in Veterinary Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 8 Issue 714241 Pages 1 - 21  
  Keywords disease, Trans-Himalaya, livestock, nematodes, bharal, model, ungulates, grazing  
  Abstract The complexities of multi-use landscapes require sophisticated approaches to addressing disease transmission risks. We explored gastro-intestinal nematode (GINs) infections in the North India Trans-Himalayas through a socio-ecological lens, integrating parasite transmission modelling with field surveys and local knowledge, and evaluated the likely effectiveness of potential interventions. Bharal (blue sheep; Pseudois nayaur), a native wild herbivore, and livestock share pasture year-round and livestock commonly show signs of GINs infection. While both wild and domestic ungulates had GINs infections, egg counts indicated significantly higher parasite burdens in bharal than livestock. However, due to higher livestock densities, they contributed more to the total count of eggs and infective larvae on pasture. Herders also reported health issues in their sheep and goats consistent with parasite infections. Model simulations suggested that pasture infectivity in this system is governed by historical pasture use and gradually accumulated larval development during the summer, with no distinct short-term flashpoints for transmission. The most effective intervention was consequently predicted to be early-season parasite suppression in livestock using temperature in spring as a cue. A 1-month pause in egg output from livestock could lead to a reduction in total annual availability of infective larvae on pasture of 76%, potentially benefitting the health of both livestock and bharal. Modelling suggested that climate change over the past 33 years has led to no overall change in GINs transmission potential, but an increase in the relative influence of temperature over precipitation in driving pasture infectivity. Our study provides a transferable multi-pronged approach to investigating disease transmission, in order to support herders’ livelihoods and conserve wild ungulates.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1673  
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