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Author Ale, S., Shrestha, B., and Jackson, R. url 
  Title On the status of Snow Leopard Panthera Uncia (Schreber 1775) in Annapurna, Nepal Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Journal of Threatened Taxa Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue 6(3) Pages 5534-5543  
  Keywords Annapurna, Blue Sheep, Buddhism, camera-trapping, Himalayas, Mustang, sign-survey, Snow Leopard.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1407  
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Author Alexander, J. S., Gopalswamy, A. M., Shi, K., Riordan, P. url  doi
  Title Face Value: Towards Robust Estimates of Snow Leopard Densities Type Journal Article
  Year 2015 Publication Plos One Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Densities, Snow Leopard, Camera traps, Spatial Capture Recapture models  
  Abstract When densities of large carnivores fall below certain thresholds, dramatic ecological effects

can follow, leading to oversimplified ecosystems. Understanding the population status of

such species remains a major challenge as they occur in low densities and their ranges are

wide. This paper describes the use of non-invasive data collection techniques combined

with recent spatial capture-recapture methods to estimate the density of snow leopards

Panthera uncia. It also investigates the influence of environmental and human activity indicators

on their spatial distribution. A total of 60 camera traps were systematically set up during

a three-month period over a 480 km2 study area in Qilianshan National Nature Reserve,

Gansu Province, China. We recorded 76 separate snow leopard captures over 2,906 trapdays,

representing an average capture success of 2.62 captures/100 trap-days. We identified

a total number of 20 unique individuals from photographs and estimated snow leopard

density at 3.31 (SE = 1.01) individuals per 100 km2. Results of our simulation exercise indicate

that our estimates from the Spatial Capture Recapture models were not optimal to

respect to bias and precision (RMSEs for density parameters less or equal to 0.87). Our

results underline the critical challenge in achieving sufficient sample sizes of snow leopard

captures and recaptures. Possible performance improvements are discussed, principally by

optimising effective camera capture and photographic data quality.		  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1431  
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Author Alexander, J. S., Shi, K., Tallents, L. A., Riordan, P. url  doi
  Title On the high trail: examining determinants of site use by the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qilianshan, China Type Journal Article
  Year 2015 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Fauna & Flora International Pages 1-8  
  Keywords Camera Trap, China, Detection Probability, Occupancy Modelling, Panthera Uncia, Site use, Snow Leopard  
  Abstract Abstract There is a need for simple and robust techniques for assessment and monitoring of populations of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia to inform the de- velopment of action plans for snow leopard conservation. We explored the use of occupancy modelling to evaluate the influence of environmental and anthropogenic features on snow leopard site-use patterns. We conducted a camera trap survey across &#63284;&#63288;&#63280; km&#63282; in Gansu Province, China, and used data from &#63286;&#63280; camera traps to estimate probabilities of site use and detection using the single season occupancy model. We assessed the influence of three covariates on site use by snow leopards: elevation, the presence of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur and the presence of human disturb- ance (distance to roads). We recorded &#63287;&#63286; captures of snow leopards over &#63282;,&#63289;&#63280;&#63286; trap-days, representing a mean capture success of &#63282;.&#63286;&#63282; captures per &#63281;&#63280;&#63280; trap-days. Elevation had the strongest influence on site use, with the probability of site use increasing with altitude, whereas the influence of presence of prey and distance to roads was relatively weak. Our findings indicate the need for practical and robust tech- niques to appraise determinants of site use by snow leo- pards, especially in the context of the limited resources available for such work.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1433  
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Author Alexander, S., A., Zhang, C., Shi, K., Riordan, P. url 
  Title A granular view of a snow leopard population using camera traps in Central China Type Journal Article
  Year 2016 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue 197 Pages 27-31  
  Keywords Snow leopard Camera trap China Density Monitoring  
  Abstract Successful conservation of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) relies on the effectiveness of monitoring programmes. We present the results of a 19-month camera trap survey effort, conducted as part of a longterm study of the snow leopard population in Qilianshan National Nature Reserve of Gansu Province, China. Weassessed the minimumnumber of individual snowleopards and population density across different sampling periods using spatial capture–recapture methods. Between 2013–2014, we deployed 34 camera traps across an area of 375 km2, investing a total of 7133 trap-days effort. Weidentified a total number of 17–19 unique individuals

from photographs (10–12 adults, five sub-adults and two cubs). The total number of individuals identified and estimated density varied across sampling periods, between 10–15 individuals and 1.46–3.29 snow leopards per 100 km2 respectively. We demonstrate that snow leopard surveys of limited scale and conducted over short sampling periods only present partial views of a dynamic and transient system.We also underline the challenges in achieving a sufficient sample size of captures and recaptures to assess trends in snow leopard population size and/or density for policy and conservation decision-making		  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1436  
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Author Allen, M. L., Rovero, F., Oberosler, V., Augugliaro, C., Krofel, M. pdf 
  Title Effects of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) on olfactory communication of Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul) in the Altai Mountains, Mongolia Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Behaviour Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-9  
  Keywords behaviour, camera trap, Mongolia, Otocolobus manul, Panthera uncia, scent marking.  
  Abstract Olfactory communication is important for many solitary carnivores to delineate territories and communicate with potential mates and competitors. Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul) are small felids with little published research on their ecology and behaviour, including if they avoid or change behaviours due to dominant carnivores. We studied their olfactory communication and visitation at scent-marking sites using camera traps in two study areas in Mongolia. We documented four types of olfactory communication behaviours, and olfaction (sniffing) was the most frequent. Pallas’s cats used olfactory communication most frequently at sites that were not visited by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and when they used communal scent-marking sites, they were more likely to use olfactory communication when a longer time had elapsed since the last visit by a snow leopard. This suggests that Pallas’s cats may reduce advertising their presence in response to occurrence of snow leopards, possibly to limit predation risk.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1721  
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Author Augugliaro, C., Paniccia, C., Janchivlamdan, C., Monti, I. E., Boldbaatar, T., Munkhtsog, B. url 
  Title Mammal inventory in the Mongolian Gobi, with the southeasternmost documented record of the Snow Leopard, Panthera uncia (Schreber, 1775), in the country Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Check List Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue 4 Pages 575-578  
  Keywords Camera trapping, desert, live trapping, mammal checklist, species richness, threatened species.  
  Abstract Studies on mammal diversity and distribution are an important source to develop conservation and management strategies.

The area located in southern Mongolia, encompassing the Alashan Plateau Semi-Desert and the Eastern Gobi Desert-Steppe ecoregions, is considered strategic for the conservation of threatened species. We surveyed the non-volant mammals in the Small Gobi-A Strictly Protected Area (SPA) and its surroundings, by using camera trapping, live trapping, and occasional sightings. We recorded 18 mammal species belonging to 9 families and 6 orders. Among them, 4 are globally threatened or near-threatened, 2 are included in the CITES Appendix I, and 2 are listed in the Appendix II. Moreover, we provide the southeasternmost record for the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in Mongolia, supported by photographic evidence. Our study highlights the importance of this protected area to preserve rare, threatened, and elusive species.		  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1486  
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Author Bohnett, E., Faryabi, S. P., Lewison, R., An, L., Bian, X., Rajabi, A. M., Jahed, N., Rooyesh, H., Mills, E., Ramos, S., Mesnildrey, N., Perez, C. M. S., Taylor, J., Terentyev, V., Ostrowski, S. pdf 
  Title Human expertise combined with artificial intelligence improves performance of snow leopard camera trap studies Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Global Ecology & Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 41 Issue e02350 Pages 1-13  
  Keywords Snow leopard, Artificial intelligence, Camera trap misclassification, individual ID, HotSpotter  
  Abstract Camera trapping is the most widely used data collection method for estimating snow leopard (Panthera uncia) abundance; however, the accuracy of this method is limited by human observer errors from misclassifying individuals in camera trap images. We evaluated the extent Whiskerbook (www.whiskerbook.org), an artificial intelligence (AI) software, could reduce this error rate and enhance the accuracy of capture-recapture abundance estimates. Using 439 images of 34 captive snow leopard individuals, classification was performed by five observers with prior experience in individual snow leopard ID (“experts”) and five observers with no such experience (“novices”). The “expert” observers classified 35 out of 34 snow leopard individuals, on average erroneously splitting one individual into two, thus resulting in a higher number than true individuals. The success rate of experts was 90 %, with less than a 3 % error in estimating the population size in capture-recapture modeling. However, the “novice” observers successfully matched 71 % of encounters, recognizing 25 out of 34 individuals, underestimating the population by 25 %. It was found that expert observers significantly outperformed novice observers, making statistically fewer errors (Mann Whitney U test P = 0.01) and finding the true number of individuals (P = 0.01). These differences were contrasted with a previous study by Johansson et al. 2020, using the same subset of 16 individuals from European zoos. With the help of AI and the Whiskerbook platform, “experts” were able to match 87 % of encounters and identify 15 out of 16 individuals, with modeled estimates of 16 ± 1 individuals. In contrast, “novices” were 63 % accurate in matching encounters and identified 12 out of 16 individuals, modeling 12 ± 1 individuals that underestimated the population size by 12 %. When comparing the performance of observers using AI and the Whiskerbook platform to observers performing the tasks manually, we found that observers using Whiskerbook made significantly fewer errors in splitting one individual into two (P = 0.04). However, there were also a significantly higher number of combination errors, where two individuals were combined into one (P = 0.01). Specifically, combination errors were found to be made by “novices” (P = 0.04). Although AI benefited both expert and novice observers, expert observers outperformed novices. Our results suggest that AI effectively reduced the misclassification of individual snow leopards in camera trap studies, improving abundance estimates. However, even with AI support, expert observers were needed to obtain the most accurate estimates.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1715  
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Author Durbach, I., Borchers, D., Sutherland, C., Sharma, K. url 
  Title Fast, flexible alternatives to regular grid designs for spatial capture–recapture. Type Research Article
  Year 2020 Publication Methods in Ecology and Evolution Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-13  
  Keywords camera trap, population ecology,sampling, spatial capture-recapture, surveys  
  Abstract Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods use the location of

detectors (camera traps, hair snares and live-capture traps) and the

locations at which animals were detected (their spatial capture

histories) to estimate animal density. Despite the often large expense

and effort involved in placing detectors in a landscape, there has been

relatively little work on how detectors should be located. A natural

criterion is to place traps so as to maximize the precision of density

estimators, but the lack of a closed-form expression for precision has

made optimizing this criterion computationally demanding. 2. Recent

results by Efford and Boulanger (2019) show that precision can be well

approximated by a function of the expected number of detected

individuals and expected number of recapture events, both of which can

be evaluated at low computational cost. We use these results to develop

a method for obtaining survey designs that optimize this approximate

precision for SCR studies using count or binary proximity detectors, or

multi-catch traps. 3. We show how the basic design protocol can be

extended to incorporate spatially varying distributions of activity

centres and animal detectability. We illustrate our approach by

simulating from a camera trap study of snow leopards in Mongolia and

comparing estimates from our designs to those generated by regular or

optimized grid designs. Optimizing detector placement increased the

number of detected individuals and recaptures, but this did not always

lead to more precise density estimators due to less precise estimation

of the effective sampling area. In most cases, the precision of density

estimators was comparable to that obtained with grid designs, with

improvement in some scenarios where approximate CV(¬D) < 20% and density

varied spatially. 4. Designs generated using our approach are

transparent and statistically grounded. They can be produced for survey

regions of any shape, adapt to known information about animal density

and detectability, and are potentially easier and less costly to

implement. We recommend their use as good, flexible candidate designs

for SCR surveys when reasonable knowledge of model parameters exists. We

provide software for researchers to construct their own designs, in the

form of updates to design functions in the r package oSCR.		  
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  Call Number Serial 1618  
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Author Henschel, P.; Ray, J. url 
  Title Leopards in African Rainforests: Survey and Monitoring Techniques Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords forest leopards; african rainforests; survey; monitoring techniques; lope reserve; gabon; central africa; congo; zaire; field testing; populations; wild meat; relative abundance; density; live-trapping; presence and absense surveys; ad-hoc survey; bushmeat; systematic survey; monitoring; individual identification; tracks; Discriminant Function Analysis; genotyping; scat; Hair; Dna; remote photography; camera trapping; capture rates; Trailmaster; Camtrakker; bait; duikers; pigs; elephant; bongo; okapi; human hunters; 5300  
  Abstract Monitoring Techniques Forest leopards have never been systematically surveyed in African forests, in spite of their potentially vital ecological role as the sole large mammalian predators in these systems. Because leopards are rarely seen in this habitat, and are difficult to survey using the most common techniques for assessing relative abundances of forest mammals, baseline knowledge of leopard ecology and responses to human disturbance in African forests remain largely unknown. This technical handbook sums up the experience gained during a two-year study of leopards by Philipp Henschel in the Lop‚ Reserve in Gabon, Central Africa, in 2001/2002, supplemented by additional experience from carnivore studies conducted by Justina Ray in southwestern Central African Republic and eastern Congo (Zaire) . The main focus of this effort has been to develop a protocol that can be used by fieldworkers across west and central Africa to estimate leopard densities in various forest types. In developing this manual, Henschel tested several indirect methods to assess leopard numbers in both logged and unlogged forests, with the main effort devoted to testing remote photography survey methods developed for tigers by Karanth (e.g., Karanth 1995, Karanth & Nichols 1998; 2000; 2002), and modifying them for the specific conditions characterizing African forest environments. This handbook summarizes the results of the field testing, and provides recommendations for techniques to assess leopard presence/absence, relative abundance, and densities in African forest sites. We briefly review the suitability of various methods for different study objectives and go into particular detail on remote photography survey methodology, adapting previously developed methods and sampling considerations specifically to the African forest environment. Finally, we briefly discuss how camera trapping may be used as a tool to survey other forest mammals. Developing a survey protocol for African leopards is a necessary first step towards a regional assessment and priority setting exercise targeted at forest leopards, similar to those carried out on large carnivores in Asian and South American forests.  
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor Wildlife Conservation Society  
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  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 515 Serial 382  
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Author Jackson, R.; Roe, J. url 
  Title Preliminary Observations On Non-Invasive Techniques for Identifying Individual Snow Leopards and Monitoring Populations Type Conference Article
  Year 2002 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords snow; leopard; monitoring; population; uncia; non; invasive; photo; camera; trap; traps; 4970  
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  Notes Abastract OnlyTitle, Monographic: Proceedings of the Snow Leopard Survival SummitPlace of Meeting: Seattle,WA Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 483 Serial 469  
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Author Jackson, R.; Roe, J.; Wangchuk, R.; Hunter, D. url 
  Title Camera-Trapping of Snow Leopards Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Cat News Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 42 Issue Spring Pages 19-21  
  Keywords camera trapping; snow; snow leopards; snow leopard; snow-leopards; snow-leopard; leopards; leopard; felids; tigers; tiger; techniques; surveys; survey; information; factor; marking; behavior; Ahlborn; Jackson; habitat; status; range; census; India; Hemis; High; national; national park; National-park; park; Ladakh; leh  
  Abstract Solitary felids like tigers and snow leopards are notoriously difficult to enumerate, and indirect techniques like pugmark surveys often produce ambiguous information that is difficult to interpret because many factors influence marking behavior and frequency (Ahlborn & Jackson 1988). Considering the snow leopard's rugged habitat, it is not surprising then that information on its current status and occupied range is very limited. We adapted the camera-trapping techniques pioneered by Ullas Karanth and his associates for counting Bengal tigers to the census taking of snow leopards in the Rumbak watershed of the India's Hemis High Altitude National Park (HNP), located in Ladakh near Leh (76ø 50' to 77ø 45' East; 33ø 15' to 34ø 20'North).  
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  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1017 Serial 475  
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Author Jackson, R.; Roe, J.; Wangchuk, R.; Hunter, D. url 
  Title Surveying Snow Leopard Populations with Emphasis on Camera Trapping: A Handbook Type Book Whole
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-73  
  Keywords snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; survey; conservation; populations; population; camera; camera trapping; trapping; Chinese  
  Abstract This handbook provides an introduction to snow leopard population survey techniques, followed by a detailed account of camera trapping methods.During the 2002 through 2004 winter field seasons, the Snow Leopard Conservancy experimented with infrared camera trapping techniques to define a methodology suitable for the high altitude environment.

In 2001 and 2002, much of our time was spent familiarizing ourselves with various infrared camera traps, their operation and setup, and comparing the effectiveness of different models and sensor types. We placed infrared camera traps along frequently used travel corridors at or near scent-sprayed rocks (rock scents) and scrape sites within 16 km2 sampling cells between January and March in 2003 and 2004. A total of 66 and 49 captures of snow leopards were tallied during 2003 and 2004, resulting in an overall capture success of 8.91 and 5.63 individuals per 100 trap-nights, respectively. Capture probabilities ranged from 0.33 to 0.46. Density estimates ranged from 8.49 ± 0.22 individuals per 100 km2 in 2003 to 4.45 ± 0.16 in 2004, with the disparity between years largely attributed to different trapping densities. Snow leopard abundance estimates were calculated using the computer program CAPTURE.		  
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  Publisher The Snow Leopard Conservancy Place of Publication Sonoma, California Editor  
  Language Chinese Summary Language Original Title  
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  Notes Chinese translation. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1015 Serial 473  
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Author Jackson, R.; Roe, J.; Wangchuk, R.; Hunter, D. url 
  Title Surveying Snow Leopard Populations with Emphasis on Camera Trapping: A Handbook Type Book Whole
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-73  
  Keywords snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; populations; population; camera; camera trapping; trapping  
  Abstract This handbook provides an introduction to snow leopard population survey techniques, followed by a detailed account of camera trapping methods.During the 2002 through 2004 winter field seasons, the Snow Leopard Conservancy experimented with infrared camera trapping techniques to define a methodology suitable for the high altitude environment.

In 2001 and 2002, much of our time was spent familiarizing ourselves with various infrared camera traps, their operation and setup, and comparing the effectiveness of different models and sensor types. We placed infrared camera traps along frequently used travel corridors at or near scent-sprayed rocks (rock scents) and scrape sites within 16 km2 sampling cells between January and March in 2003 and 2004. A total of 66 and 49 captures of snow leopards were tallied during 2003 and 2004, resulting in an overall capture success of 8.91 and 5.63 individuals per 100 trap-nights, respectively. Capture probabilities ranged from 0.33 to 0.46. Density estimates ranged from 8.49 ± 0.22 individuals per 100 km2 in 2003 to 4.45 ± 0.16 in 2004, with the disparity between years largely attributed to different trapping densities. Snow leopard abundance estimates were calculated using the computer program CAPTURE.		  
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  Publisher The Snow Leopard Conservancy Place of Publication Sonoma, California Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Notes English version. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1016 Serial 474  
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Author Jackson, R.; Roe, J.; Wangchuk, R.; Hunter, D. url 
  Title Estimating Snow Leopard Population Abundance Using Photography and Capture-Recapture Techniques Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2006 Publication Wildlife Society Bulletin Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 34 Issue 3 Pages 772-781  
  Keywords abundance; camera trapping; capture rates; dentistry; identification; India; photography; snow leopard; Uncia uncia  
  Abstract Conservation and management of snow leopards (Uncia uncial) has largely relied on anecdotal evidence and presence-absence data due to their cryptic nature and the difficult terrain they inhabit. These methods generally lack the scientific rigor necessary to accurately estimate population size and monitor trends. We evaluated the use of photography in capture-mark-recapture (CMR) techniques for estimating snow leopard population abundance and density within Hemis National Park, Ladakh, India. We placed infrared camera traps along actively used travel paths, scent-sprayed rocks, and scrape sites within 16-30 kmý sampling grids in successive winters during January and March 2003-2004. We used head-on, oblique, and side-view camera configurations to obtain snow leopard photographs at varying body orientations. We calculated snow leopard abundance estimates using the program CAPTURE. We obtained a total of 66 and 49 snow leopard captures resulting in 8.91 and 5.63 individuals per 100 trap nights during 2003 and 2004, respectively. We identified snow leopards based on the distinct pelage patters located primarily on the forelimbs, flanks, and dorsal surface of the tail. Capture probabilities ranged from 0.33 to 0.67. Density estimates ranged from 8.49 (SE+0.22) individuals per 100 kmý in 2003 to 4.45 (SE+0.16) in 2004. We believe the density disparity between years is attributable to different trap density and placement rather than to an actual decline in population size. Our results suggest that photographic capture-mark-recapture sampling may be a useful tool for monitoring demographic patterns. However, we believe a larger sample size would be necessary for generating a statistically robust estimate of population density and abundance based on CMR models.  
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  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 912 Serial 476  
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Author Jiang, Z. url 
  Title Snow leopards in the Dulan International Hunting Ground, Qinghai, China Type Report
  Year 2005 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-8  
  Keywords snow; snow leopards; snow leopard; snow-leopards; snow-leopard; leopards; leopard; International; hunting; Qinghai; China; project; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; trust; program; surveys; survey; mountains; mountain; province; transect; study; area; transects; pug; pug marks; pug-marks; marks; scrapes; scrape; density; densities; wild; ungulates; ungulate; region; camera; environment; photo; capture; population; population size; population-size; Animals; Animal; 20; livestock; Human; attitudes; attitude; tibetan; 30; nature; reserve; uncia; Uncia uncia; Uncia-uncia; species; snow line; snow-line; endemic; alpine; central; Central Asia; asia; countries; country; fox; range; areas; Xinjiang; inner; Inner-Mongolia; Mongolia; Tibet; gansu; Sichuan; habitat; protection; nature reserves; reserves; cat; populations; domestic; laws; law; field; field surveys; field survey; field-surveys; field-survey; Kunlun; distribution; survival; status; Data; conservation  
  Abstract From March to May, 2006œªwe conducted extensive snow leopard surveys in the Burhanbuda Mountain Kunlun Mountains, Qinghai Province, China. 32 linear transect of 5~15 km each, which running through each vegetation type, were surveyed within the study area. A total of 72 traces of snow leopard were found along 4 transects (12.5% of total transects). The traces included pug marks or footprints, scrapes and urine marks. We estimated the average density of wild ungulates in the region was 2.88ñ0.35 individuals km-2(n=29). We emplaced 16 auto2 trigger cameras in different environments and eight photos of snow leopard were shot by four cameras and the capture rate of snow leopard was 71.4%. The minimum snow leopard population size in the Burhanbuda Mountain was two, because two snow leopards were phototrapped by different cameras at almost same time. Simultaneously, the cameras also shot 63 photos of other wild animals, including five photos are unidentified wild animals, and 20 photos of livestock. We evaluated the human attitudes towards snow leopard by interviewing with 27 Tibetan householders of 30 householders live in the study area. We propose to establish a nature reserve for protecting and managing snow leopards in the region. Snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is considered as a unique species because it lives above the snow line, it is endemic to alpines in Central Asia, inhabiting in 12 countries across Central Asia (Fox, 1992). Snow leopard ranges in alpine areas in Qinghai, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Gansu and Sichuan in western China (Liao, 1985, 1986; Zhou, 1987; Ma et al., 2002; Jiang & Xu, 2006). The total population and habitat of snow leopards in China are estimated to be 2,000~2,500 individuals and 1,824,316 km2, only 5% of which is under the protection of nature reserves. The cat's current range is fragmented (Zou & Zheng, 2003). Due to strong human persecutions, populations of snow leopards decreased significantly since the end of the 20th century. Thus, the

snow leopards are under the protection of international and domestic laws. From March to May, 2006, we conducted two field surveys in Zhiyu Village, Dulan County in Burhanbuda Mountain, Kunlun Mountains, China to determine the population, distribution and survival status of snow leopards in the area. The aim of the study was to provide ecologic data for snow leopard conservation.		  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Project funded by International Snow Leopard Trust Small Grants Program. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1068 Serial 493  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Kashkarov, E. url 
  Title THE SNOW LEOPARD OF KIRGIZIA: NATIONAL SHAME OR NATIONAL PRIDE Type Journal Article
  Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 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.		  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1454  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Koju. N. P, , Bashyal, B., Pandey, B. P., Shah, S. N., Thami, S. ,Bleisch, W. V. url 
  Title First camera-trap record of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-4  
  Keywords Camera trap, corridor, Gaurishankar Conser- vation Area, Nepal, Panthera uncia, prey abundance, transboundary, snow leopard  
  Abstract The snow leopard Panthera uncia is the flagship species of the high mountains of the Himalayas. There is po- tentially continuous habitat for the snow leopard along the northern border of Nepal, but there is a gap in information about the snow leopard in Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Previous spatial analysis has suggested that the Lamabagar area in this Conservation Area could serve as a transbound- ary corridor for snow leopards, and that the area may con- nect local populations, creating a metapopulation. However, there has been no visual confirmation of the species in Lamabagar. We set !! infrared camera traps for " months in Lapchi Village of Gaurishankar Conservation Area, where blue sheep Pseudois nayaur, musk deer Moschus leucogaster and Himalayan tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus, all snow leopard prey species, had been observed. In November #$!% at &,!$$ m, ' km south-west of Lapchi Village, one camera recorded three images of a snow leopard, the first photographic evidence of the species in the Conservation Area. Sixteen other species of mammals were also recorded. Camera-trap records and sightings indicated a high abun- dance of Himalayan tahr, blue sheep and musk deer. Lapchi Village may be a potentially important corridor for snow leopard movement between the east and west of Nepal and northwards to Quomolongma National Park in China. However, plans for development in the region present in- creasing threats to this corridor. We recommend develop- ment of a transboundary conservation strategy for snow leopard conservation in this region, with participation of Nepal, China and international agencies.  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1622  
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Author Lama, R. P., Ghale, T. R., Suwal, M. K., Ranabhat, R., Regmi, G. R. url 
  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 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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1470  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author McCarthy, K.; Fuller, T.; Ming, M.; McCarthy, T.; Waits, L.; Jumabaev, K. url 
  Title Assessing Estimators of Snow Leopard Abundance Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2008 Publication Journal of Widlife Management Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 72 Issue 8 Pages 1826-1833  
  Keywords abundance; camera,capture-recapture,density,index,predator:prey ratios,techniques,Tien Shan,Uncia; leopard; SaryChat; sign surveys; Slims; snow; snow-leopard; snow leopard; Tomur  
  Abstract The secretive nature of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) makes them difficult to monitor, yet conservation efforts require accurate and precise methods to estimate abundance. We assessed accuracy of Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) sign surveys by comparing them with 4 methods for estimating snow leopard abundance: predator:prey biomass ratios, capture-recapture density estimation, photo-capture rate, and individual identification through genetic analysis. We recorded snow leopard sign during standardized surveys in the SaryChat Zapovednik, the Jangart hunting reserve, and the Tomur Strictly Protected Area, in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan and China. During June-December 2005, adjusted sign averaged 46.3 (SaryChat), 94.6 (Jangart), and 150.8 (Tomur) occurrences/km. We used

counts of ibex (Capra ibex) and argali (Ovis ammon) to estimate available prey biomass and subsequent potential snow leopard densities of 8.7 (SaryChat), 1.0 (Jangart), and 1.1 (Tomur) snow leopards/100 km2. Photo capture-recapture density estimates were 0.15 (n = 1 identified individual/1 photo), 0.87 (n = 4/13), and 0.74 (n = 5/6) individuals/100 km2 in SaryChat, Jangart, and Tomur, respectively. Photo-capture rates

(photos/100 trap-nights) were 0.09 (SaryChat), 0.93 (Jangart), and 2.37 (Tomur). Genetic analysis of snow leopard fecal samples provided minimum population sizes of 3 (SaryChat), 5 (Jangart), and 9 (Tomur) snow leopards. These results suggest SLIMS sign surveys may be affected by observer bias and environmental variance. However, when such bias and variation are accounted for, sign surveys indicate relative abundances similar to photo rates and genetic individual identification results. Density or abundance estimates based on capture-recapture or ungulate biomass did not agree with other indices of abundance. Confidence in estimated densities, or even detection of significant changes in abundance of snow leopard, will require more effort and better documentation.		  
  Address  
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 881 Serial 653  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author McCarthy, T.; Murray, K.; Sharma, K.; Johansson, O. url 
  Title Preliminary results of a long-term study of snow leopards in South Gobi, Mongolia Type Journal Article
  Year 2010 Publication Cat News Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Autumn Issue 53 Pages 15-19  
  Keywords snow leopard, Mongolia, monitor, population, Panthera, Snow Leopard Trust, Snow Leopard Conservation Fund, South Gobi, ecology, radio collar, GPS-satellite collar, home range, camera trapping, fecal genetics, occupancy modeling  
  Abstract Snow leopards Panthera uncia are under threat across their range and require urgent conservation actions based on sound science. However, their remote habitat and cryptic nature make them inherently difficult to study and past attempts have provided insufficient information upon which to base effective conservation. Further, there has been no statistically-reliable and cost-effective method available to monitor snow leopard populations, focus conservation effort on key populations, or assess conservation impacts. To address these multiple information needs, Panthera, Snow Leopard Trust, and Snow Leopard Conservation Fund, launched an ambitious long-term study in Mongolia’s South Gobi province in 2008. To date, 10 snow leo-pards have been fitted with GPS-satellite collars to provide information on basic snow leopard ecology. Using 2,443 locations we calculated MCP home ranges of 150 – 938 km2, with substantial overlap between individuals. Exploratory movements outside typical snow leopard habitat have been observed. Trials of camera trapping, fecal genetics, and occupancy modeling, have been completed. Each method ex-hibits promise, and limitations, as potential monitoring tools for this elusive species.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ Serial 1151  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Ming, M. url 
  Title Camera trapping on snow leopards in the Muzat Valley, Reserve, Xinjiang, P.R. China (October-December 2005) Type Report
  Year 2006 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-5  
  Keywords behavior; camera trapping; China; feces; ibex; infrared trapping cameras; livestock; population size; snow leopard; Tomur; transect; Xinjiang  
  Abstract The main purpose of this work was to study the use of infrared trapping cameras to estimate Snow Leopard population size in a specific study area. This is the first time a study of this nature has taken place in China. During 71 days of field work, a total of 36 cameras were set up in Muzat Valley adjacent to the Tomur Nature Reserve in Xinjiang Province. We expended approximately 2094 trap days total. At least 32 pictures of Snow Leopards, 22 pictures of other wild species and 72 pictures of livestock were taken in the Muzat Valley. Meanwhile, 20 transects were run and 31 feces sample were collected. We also observed the behavior of ibex for 77.3 hours and found a total of approximately 264 ibexes in the research area.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 970 Serial 682  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Ming, M.; Chundawat R.S.; Jumabay, K.; Wu, Y.; Aizeizi, Q.; Zhu, M.H. url 
  Title Camera trapping of snow leopards for the photo capture rate and population size in the Muzat Valley of Tianshan Mountains Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Acta Theriologica Sinica Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 52 Issue 4 Pages 788-793  
  Keywords behavior; camera trapping; capture; China; Chinese; density; feces; fox; ibex; infrared trapping cameras; livestock; photo; population; research; reserve; sign; snow leopard; survey; Tianshan Mountains; Tomur; transect; Uncia uncia; Xinjiang  
  Abstract The main purpose of this work was to study the use of infrared trapping cameras to estimate snow leopard Uncia uncia population size in a specific study area. This is the first time a study of this nature has taken place in China. During 71 days of field work, a total of 36 cameras were set up in five different small vales of the Muzat Valley adjacent to the Tomur Nature Reserve in Xinjiang Province, E80ø35' – 81ø00' and N42ø00' – 42ø10', elevation 2'300 – 3'000 m, from 18th October to 27th December 2005. We expended approximately 2094 trap days and nights total (c. 50'256 hours). At least 32 pictures of snow leopards, 22 pictures of other wild species (e.g. chukor, wild pig, ibex, red fox, cape hare) and 72 pictures of livestock were taken by the passive Cam Trakker (CT) train monitor in about 16 points of the Muzat Valley. The movement distance of snow leopard was 3-10 km/day. And the capture rate or photographic rate of snow leopard was 1.53%. Meanwhile, 20 transects were run and 31 feces sample were collected. According to 32 photos, photographic rate and sign survey after snowing on the spot, were about 5-8 individuals of snow leopards in the research area, and the minimum density of snow leopard in Muzat Valley was 2.0 – 3.2 individuals/100 km2. We observed the behavior of ibex for 77.3 hours, and found about 20 groups and a total of approximately 264 ibexes in the research area.  
  Address  
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  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes In Chinese Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 971 Serial 683  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Ming, M.; Yun, G.; Bo, W. url 
  Title Chinese snow leopard team goes into action Type Journal Article
  Year 2008 Publication Man & the Biosphere Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 54 Issue 6 Pages 18-25  
  Keywords Chinese; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; action; China; country; countries; number; snow leopards; snow-leopards; leopards; survey; research; recent; Xinjiang; ecology; tracking; Animal; field; Kunlun; camera; capture; Animals; survival  
  Abstract China, the world's most populous country, also contains the largest number of Snow Leopards of any country in the world. But the survey and research of the snow leopard had been very little for the second half of the 20th century. Until recent years, the members of Xinjiang Snow Leopards Group (XSLG/SLT/XFC) , the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences have been tracking down the solitary animal. The journal reporter does a face-to-face interview with professor Ma Ming who is a main responsible expert of the survey team. By the account of such conversation, we learn the achievements, advances and difficulty of research of snow leopards in the field, Tianshan and Kunlun, Xinjiang, the far west China, and we also know that why the team adopt the infrared camera to capture the animals. Last but not least professor talked about the survival menace faced by the Snow Leopards in Xinjiang.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication China Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes In Chinese; Edited by this magazine <Man & the Biosphere> Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 978 Serial 685  
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Ming, M., Munkhtsog, B., McCarthy, T., McCarthy, K. url 
  Title Monitor ing of Population Density of Snow Leopard in X injiang Type Journal Article
  Year 2011 Publication Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 27 Issue 1 Pages 79-83  
  Keywords Uncia uncia; snow leopard; monitoring method; trace; infrared camera; relative intensity  
  Abstract The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a very rare species in China. The survey of traces of snow leopard in Kunlun, Altay and Tianshan is them a instep of the Project of Snow Leopard in X injiang supported by the International Snow Leopard Trust ( SLT) and the Xinjiang Conservation Fund (XCF). During the field survey from 2004 to 2010, the Xinjiang Snow Leopard Group ( XSLG) spent about 270 days in over 20 different places, covering over 150 transects totaling nearly 190 km, and found 1- 3 traces per kilometer. The traces of snow leopard recorded include dung, odor, chains of footprints, scraping, paw nail marks, lying mark, fur, urine, bloodstain, leftover of prey corpse, roaring and others. Based on tracer image analyses, the XSLG got to know primarily scopes of the domains, distribution and relative density of the snow leopard in these areas. Then the group began to take infrared photos, conducted survey of food sources of the leopards, investigated fur market and paths of trading, and cases of killing, and carry out civil survey through questionnaire, non government organization community service and research on conflicts between grazing and wild life protection. A total of 36 infrared came ras were laid out, working a total of about 2 094 days or 50 256 hours. A total 71 rolls of film were collected and developed, includ ing 32 clear pictures of snow leopards, thus making up a shooting rate or capture rate of 1.53%. It was ascertained that in Tomur Peak area, there were 5- 8 snow leopards roaming within a range of 250 km2, forming a population density of 2&#56256;&#56321;0- 3&#56256;&#56321;2 per 100 km2. After compar ing the various monitoring results, the advantages and limitations of different monitoring methods have been discussed.  
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  Language Chinese Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ Serial 1303  
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Author Oberosler, V., Tenan, S., Groff, C., Krofel, M., Augugliaro, C., Munkhtsog, B., Rovero, F. pdf 
  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 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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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1662  
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