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Author Alexander, J. S., Gopalswamy, A. M., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
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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Area Expedition Conference
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Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1431
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Author Taubmann, J., Sharma, K., Uulu, K Z., Hines, J. E., Mishra, C.
Title Status assessment of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia and other large mammals in the Kyrgyz Alay, using community knowledge corrected for imperfect detection Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Fauna & Flora International Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords Capra sibirica, local knowledge, Lynx lynx, occupancy modelling, Ovis ammon polii, Panthera uncia, Ursus arctos
Abstract The Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia occurs

in the Central Asian Mountains, which cover c.  million

km. Little is known about its status in the Kyrgyz Alay

Mountains, a relatively narrow stretch of habitat connecting

the southern and northern global ranges of the species. In

 we gathered information on current and past (,

the last year of the Soviet Union) distributions of snow leopards

and five sympatric large mammals across , km

of the Kyrgyz Alay.We interviewed  key informants from

local communities. Across  -km grid cells we obtained

, and  records of species occurrence (site

use) in  and , respectively. The data were analysed

using themulti-season site occupancy framework to incorporate

uncertainty in detection across interviewees and time

periods. High probability of use by snow leopards in the past

was recorded in .% of the Kyrgyz Alay. Between the two

sampling periods % of sites showed a high probability of

local extinction of snow leopard. We also recorded high

probability of local extinction of brown bear Ursus arctos

(% of sites) and Marco Polo sheep Ovis ammon polii

(% of sites), mainly in regions used intensively by people.

Data indicated a high probability of local colonization by

lynx Lynx lynx in % of the sites. Although wildlife has

declined in areas of central and eastern Alay, regions in

the north-west, and the northern and southern fringes

appear to retain high conservation value.
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1432
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Author Alexander, J. S., Shi, K., Tallents, L. A., Riordan, P.
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  km in Gansu Province, China, and used data from  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  captures of snow leopards over , trap-days, representing a mean capture success of . captures per  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 (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1433
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Author Alexander, J. S., Cusack, J. J., Pengju, C, Kun, S., Riordan, P.
Title Conservation of snow leopards: spill-over benefits for other carnivores? Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Oryx Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Fauna & Flora International Pages 1-5
Keywords China, conservation, Eurasian lynx, grey wolf, red fox, snow leopard
Abstract In high-altitude settings of Central Asia the

Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia has been recognized

as a potential umbrella species. As a first step in assessing

the potential benefits of snow leopard conservation for

other carnivores, we sought a better understanding of the

presence of other carnivores in areas occupied by snow leopards

in China’s Qilianshan National Nature Reserve. We

used camera-trap and sign surveys to examine whether

other carnivores were using the same travel routes as snow

leopards at two spatial scales. We also considered temporal

interactions between species. Our results confirm that other

carnivores, including the red fox Vulpes vulpes, grey wolf

Canis lupus, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and dhole Cuon alpinus,

occur along snow leopard travel routes, albeit with low detection

rates. Even at the smaller scale of our camera trap survey

all five carnivores (snow leopard, lynx, wolf, red fox and

dhole) were observed. Kernel density estimates suggested a

high degree of temporal overlap between the snow leopard

and the fox, and the snow leopard and the lynx, as indicated

by high overlap coefficient estimates. There is an opportunity

to consider protective measures at the local scale that would

benefit various species simultaneously. However, it should

also be recognized that snow leopard conservation efforts

could exacerbate human–wildlife conflicts through their protective

effect on other carnivore species.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1434
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Author Chen, P., Gao, Y., Lee, A. T. L., Cering, L., Shi, K., Clark, S. G.
Title Human–carnivore coexistence in Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) Nature Reserve, China: Patterns and compensation Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Biological Conservation Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 197 Pages 18-26
Keywords Conflict Compensation Human–carnivore coexistence Management Predation patterns Qomolangma Nature Reserve
Abstract Livestock depredation by large carnivores is frequently reported in Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) National Nature Reserve, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Seeking to minimize conflicts, we assessed depredation patterns and ways to upgrade the compensation program. We gathered 9193 conflict records over 2011–2013 to determine the extent and tempo-spatial patterns of the depredation.Weinterviewed 22 local officials and 94 residents to learn their views on depredations and to assess the adequacy of compensation. Data showed that wolves (Canis lupus), lynx (Lynx lynx), and snowleopards (Panthera uncia)were themajor livestock predators. Total livestock

loss accounted for 1.2% of the entire stockholding (n=846,707) in the region. Wolves and lynx tended to take sheep and goats,whereas snowleopards favored yaks and cattle in relation to their proportional abundance. Predation mostly occurred in March through July. Livestock depredation by all predators when combined was best explained by terrain ruggedness and density of small- and large-bodied livestock. Temporal and spatial predation patterns variedamong carnivores.Most respondents (74%) attributed depredation causes to an increase in carnivore abundance. Only 7% blamed lax livestock herding practice for predation losses. Five percent said that

predation was the result of livestock population increases, while 11% had no idea. The compensation scheme was found to be flawed in all aspects—predation verification, application procedure, compensation standard, operational resource allocation, making payment, and other problems. To enhance management for human–carnivore coexistence, we recommend a problem-oriented, integrated, adaptive approach that targets the complex social context of the conflict and addresses the interconnected functions of decision-making process.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1435
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Author Alexander, S., A., Zhang, C., Shi, K., Riordan, P.
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 (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1436
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Author Michel, S., Michel, T. R., Saidov, A., Karimov, K., Alidodov, M., Kholmatov, I.
Title Population status of Heptner’s markhor Capra falconeri heptneri in Tajikistan: challenges for conservation Type Journal Article
Year Publication Flora & Fauna International Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-8
Keywords Capra falconeri, CITES, community-based wildlife management, conservancies, hunting, markhor, sustainable use
Abstract Heptner’s markhor Capra falconeri heptneri is an Endangered wild goat occurring in disjunct populations in southern Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Surveys to determine the total population in Tajikistan were conducted during February–April 2012. A total of 1,018 animals were observed. In most areas, which include state protected areas and family- and communitybased

conservancies, markhor populations are stable or increasing. Threats include illegal hunting, habitat degradation, competition with livestock and disease transmission. To motivate conservancies economically to protect markhor populations, trophy hunting should be permitted to accommodate the sustainable use of markhor, with revenues distributed in a transparent and equitably shared manner.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1437
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Author Valdez, R., Michel, S., Subbotin, A., Klich, D.
Title Status and population structure of a hunted population of Marco Polo Argali Ovis ammon polii (Cetartiodactyla, Bovidae) in Southeastern Tajikistan Type Journal Article
Year Publication Mammalia Abbreviated Journal
Volume 80 Issue 1 Pages 49-57
Keywords Pamirs; status; sustainable use; Tajikistan; trophy hunting.
Abstract Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii), listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List, were surveyed using vehicles during three summers and three consecutive winters to determine the status and population structure of the subspecies in a hunted population in southeastern Pamirs, Tajikistan. A total of 8649, 8392, and 7663 sheep were observed in each winter survey with densities of 5.42,

4.91, and 4.49 argalis/km2, respectively. The differences in numbers observed in different years were probably due principally to differing dates of surveys among years. The high ratios of lamb for every 100 ewe (53, 38, and 49 during the winter surveys, and 60, 45, and 58 during the summer

surveys) and high percentages (45%–50%) of mature females during winter indicate that offspring recruitment is sufficient to maintain a stable population. The significant

increase in the abundance of Marco Polo sheep in the Tajikistan Pamirs compared with that of previous population surveys may probably be attributed to low numbers of domestic livestock during the winter, low human population density, unfenced and widespread wild sheep habitats,

and rigorous patrolling to limit poaching. The small number (45) of hunting permits has a minimal impact on the male sheep sector. Tajikistan now supports more argali than any other country
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Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1438
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Author Wu, D., Maming, R., Xu, G., Zhu X., Buzzard, P.
Title Relationship between ibex and snow leopard about food chain and population density in Tian Shan Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Selevinia Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 186-190
Keywords diet, ibex, snow leopard
Abstract Many studies have demonstrated that ibex (Capra sibirica) are the most frequently eaten prey of snow

leopards (Panthera uncia) in Xinjiang, the west of China. Thus, an understanding of interactions between these species may have significant management and conservation of implications for both. In this study, we provide information on ibex grouping and density over a 24 month period in the Tian Shan of Xinjiang, China. We then use ibex density to estimate the density of snow leopards. We observed ibex primarily in ewe-lamb groups (N=880), but ibex sexual segregation and grouping changed seasonally with more mixed-sex groups during the winter rut. We observed the most ibex in April 2014 and 2015 with an average of (2422 ± 119 ibex). Over the 1643 km2 study area we then estimated an ibex density of 154 ± 23 ibex /100 km2 from which we estimated a density of 1.31~2.58 snow leopards/100 km2.
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Notes Approved no
Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1439
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Author Alexander, J., S., Gopalaswamy, A., M., Shi, K., Hughes, J., Riordan, P.
Title Patterns of Snow Leopard Site Use in an Increasingly Human-Dominated Landscape Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-15
Keywords
Abstract Human population growth and concomitant increases in demand for natural resources pose threats to many wildlife populations. The landscapes used by the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and their prey is increasingly subject to major changes in land use. We aimed to assess the influence of 1) key human activities, as indicated by the presence of mining and livestock herding, and 2) the presence of a key prey species, the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), on probability of snow leopard site use across the landscape. In Gansu Province, China, we conducted sign surveys in 49 grid cells, each of 16 km2 in size, within a larger area of 3392 km2. We analysed the data using likelihood-based habitat occupancy models that explicitly account for imperfect detection and spatial auto-correlation between survey transect segments. The model-averaged estimate of snow leopard occupancy was high [0.75 (SE 0.10)], but only marginally higher than the naïve estimate (0.67). Snow leop- ard segment-level probability of detection, given occupancy on a 500 m spatial replicate, was also high [0.68 (SE 0.08)]. Prey presence was the main determinant of snow leopard site use, while human disturbances, in the form of mining and herding, had low predictive power. These findings suggest that snow leopards continue to use areas very close to such disturbances, as long as there is sufficient prey. Improved knowledge about the effect of human activity on large carnivores, which require large areas and intact prey populations, is urgently needed for conservation planning at the local and global levels. We highlight a number of methodological considerations that should guide the design of such research.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number (up) SLN @ rakhee @ Serial 1440
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