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Author (up) Jackson, R., Hillard, D. url 
  Title Non-invasive Monitoring to Support Local Stewardship of Snow Leopards and Their Prey: Annual progress report summary Type Report
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-6  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Under this grant awarded by The Leonard X. Bosack and Bette M. Kruger Foundation through the auspices of Cat Action Treasury, SLC set out to accomplish the following outcomes in our Stewardship Program:

As of July 1, 2003 we completed the following major activities:

* Tested and compared different remote sensor and camera configurations to determine which is most reliable at “capturing” passing snow leopards;

* Investigated sampling strategies and camera trap placement with respect to snow leopard travel patterns and marking behavior;

* Compared different survey methods: direct (non-invasive capture of photos and DNA material contained in hairs), and indirect (sign transects and presence/absence surveys under the standard SLIMS protocol);

* Assessed the attitude of local people toward snow leopards, wolves and other wildlife as well as their perceptions of benefits and costs associated with the Hemis National Park, in order to craft more effective conservation and park management measures.

These activities mesh with SLC’s ongoing program of predator-proofing livestock corrals in settlements of the Hemis National Park, as well as outside protected areas (including Zanskar, Lingshed and Kanji. For each village’s corrals that are improved, we estimate that five or more snow leopards are saved from retaliatory killing by shepherds who lose valuable livestock.

Our program in assisting villagers to gain supplementary income from tourism-related activities is gaining strength, with trainings in 10 settlements this spring. SLC brought staff of KCC, the Khangchenjunga Conservation Committee, a local NGO based in Sikkim to assist in the skills training and to exchange ideas and experiences from other areas.

Following on from the groundwork laid during the first Bosack-Kruger grant to SLC, we launched a major initiative in collaboration with the Mountain Institute, the Himalayan Homestay program. Funding for this is being provided by UNESCO.

For further information on these and other snow leopard conservation efforts, see our newly designed web-page.

The following paragraphs summarize our accomplishments to date, supported by this grant. For detailed information, please consult the following reports, which are being mailed under separate cover:

1) “Local People’s Attitudes toward Wildlife Conservation in Hemis National Park with Special Reference to the Conservation of Large Predators” (prepared by Rodney Jackson, Rinchen Wangchuk and Jigmet Dadul)

2) “Non-Invasive Monitoring to Support Stewardship of Snow Leopards and Their Prey:

Evaluation of Remote Camera Traps for Censusing Snow Leopards” (prepared by Rodney Jackson and Jerry Roe).
 
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  Notes Submitted to: The Leonard X. Bosack and Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation; submitted by the Snow Leopard Conservancy Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ Serial 1337  
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Author (up) Jain, N.; Wangchuk, R.; Jackson, R. url 
  Title An Assessment of CBT and Homestay Sites in Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh Type Report
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-14  
  Keywords assessment; Himachal; himachal pradesh; Himachal-Pradesh; United; Organization; survey; Report; activities; activity; mountain; Tmi; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; Snow Leopard Conservancy; leopard; Ladakh; States; India; Himalayan; program; conservation; local; livelihood; asia  
  Abstract The survey described in this report builds upon prior CBT activities undertaken by The Mountain Institute (TMI) in partnership with the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) in Ladakh, supported by a grant from UNESCO (with co-financing from SLC). Under the evolving concept of “Himalayan Homestays”, initially developed and tested in Ladakh, it is proposed that activities be expanded to selected states in India in a strategic and effective way. Himalayan Homestays are part of a larger integrated program to link snow leopard conservation with local livelihoods in Asia.  
  Address  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Supported by: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1019 Serial 483  
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Author (up) Karanth, K.U., Nichols, J.D., Seidensticker, J., Dinerstein, E., David Smith, J.L., McDougal, C., Johnsingh, A.J.T., Chundawat, R.S., Thapar, V. url 
  Title Science deficiency in conservation practice: the monitoring of tiger populations in India Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication Animal Conservation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 6 Issue Pages 141-146  
  Keywords population monitoring, sampling, tiger, pugmark, census, pugmark census  
  Abstract Conservation practices are supposed to get refined by advancing scientific knowledge. We study this phenomenon in the context of monitoring tiger populations in India, by evaluating the ‘pugmark census method’ employed by wildlife managers for three decades. We use an analytical framework of modern animal population sampling to test the efficacy of the pugmark censuses using scientific data on tigers and our field observations. We identify three critical goals for monitoring tiger populations, in order of increasing sophistication: (1) distribution mapping, (2) tracking relative abundance, (3) estimation of absolute abundance. We demonstrate that the present census-based paradigm does not work because it ignores the first two simpler goals, and targets, but fails to achieve, the most difficult third goal. We point out the utility and ready availability of alternative monitoring paradigms that deal with the central problems of spatial sampling and observability. We propose an alternative sampling-based approach that can be tailored to meet practical needs of tiger monitoring at different levels of refinement.  
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  Publisher The Zoological Society of London Place of Publication United Kingdom Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ Serial 1307  
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Author (up) Kreuzberg-Mukhina, E.; Esipov A.V.; Bykova, E.A.; Vashetko, E.V.; Aromov, B. url 
  Title Development of the national Action Plan for the conservation of Snow Leopard in Uzbekistan. Report: 1-51 Type Report
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 1-51 Issue Pages 1-52  
  Keywords development; national; action; plan; conservation; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; Uzbekistan; Report; Chatkal nature reserve; nature; reserve; Hissar nature reserve; Islt; project; strategy; biology; status; factor; conservation measures; conservation measure  
  Abstract This document is the final report on the ISLT Project “Development of national Action plan for the conservation of Snow Leopard in Uzbekistan” and a Conservation Strategy for the Snow leopard in Uzbekistan. It includes biology and current status, limiting factors, existing and necessary conservation measures.  
  Address  
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  Publisher Place of Publication Uzbekistan Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Institute of Zoology, Chatkal nature reserve, Hissar nature reserve. Final Report on the ISLT project. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 969 Serial 594  
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Author (up) Kyes, R.; Chalise, M.K. url 
  Title Snow Leopard Study Summary 2003, Langtang National Park, Nepal Type Report
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-7  
  Keywords snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; study; Langtang; national; national park; National-park; park; Nepal; project; International; international snow leopard trust; International-Snow-Leopard-Trust; trust; program  
  Abstract  
  Address  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Project funded by International Snow Leopard Trust Small Grants Program. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 1071 Serial 606  
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Author (up) Lui, C.-guang; Zheng, C.-wu; Ren, J.-rang url 
  Title Research Foods and Food Sources About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 31 Issue Pages 154-159  
  Keywords research; foods; food; snow; snow leopard; snow-leopard; leopard; panthera; panthera uncia; Panthera-uncia; uncia; Chinese; deer; kiang; argali; Qinghai; gansu; Sichuan; Comparative; congruence; species; distribution; variation  
  Abstract During 1984-1987, 1992-1995, and 1998-2001, the author researched snow leopard, white lipped deer, kiang, and argali in Qinghai, Gansu, Xingiang, and Sichuan. He collected 644 snow leopard droppings, and analyzed kinds of foods and sources from perch. Snow leopard's foods include most main foods, main foods, comparative foods and lesser foods. Studied one another

index of faunistic congruence of foods species that from various distribution and variation both perch vertical variety and foods of snow leopard.
 
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  Notes Full text available in Chinese. Periodical: Journal of Shaanxi Normal University (Natural Science Edition) Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 877 Serial 626  
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Author (up) Lukarevskiy V.S. url 
  Title Peculiarities of communicative behavior of leopard, irbis, lynx, and caracal Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 200  
  Keywords Felidae; communicative behavioral; leopard; snow leopard; Lynx; caracal.; 7600; Russian  
  Abstract It gives the description of communicative behavioral system (visual, olfactory and vocal elements) for two groups of large Felidae species such as leopard-irbis and lynx-caracal. General and specific behavioral regularities are given.  
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  Notes Full text available in RussianJournal Title: Mammals of Russia and neighbouring countries. Proceedings of the conference. Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 738 Serial 627  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Mallon, D. url 
  Title An early record of snow leopard in Myanmar Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication Cat News Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 39 Issue Autumn Pages 24  
  Keywords snow leopard, Myanmar  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ Serial 1253  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) McCarthy, T. url 
  Title Snow Leopard Survival Strategy Type Book Whole
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords snow; leopard; strategy; survival; conservation; network; poaching; community; community-based; Pra; participatory; rural; assessment; threat; threats; leopards; trafficking; Slss; 5150  
  Abstract The Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS) is a blueprint to guide the work of organizations and individuals working to conserve the endangered snow leopard. The SLSS was drafted in a collaborative fashion and includes the input of more than 65 of the world's leaders in snow leopard research and conservation. Implementation of the SLSS is overseen by the Snow Leopard Network (SLN), a partnership of organizations and individuals from government and private sectors who work together for the effective conservation of the snow leopard, its prey, and its natural habitat to the benefit of people and biodiversity  
  Address  
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  Publisher International Snow Leopard Trust; Snow Leopard Network Place of Publication Seattle, WA Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor McCarthy, T. and C.G. Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Author, Subsidiary: Allen, P.; Chapron, G.; Fox, J.; Jackson, R.; Mishra, C.; Theile, S.Date of Copyright: 2003 Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 500 Serial 664  
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Author (up) McCarthy, T.M.; Chapron, G. url 
  Title Snow Leopard Survival Strategy Type Miscellaneous
  Year 2003 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords snow leopard; survival; threats; conservation; action; research; 5350  
  Abstract I. SNOW LEOPARD: REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND STATUS

This Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS) was undertaken to provide comprehensive conservation and research guidelines to ensure a range-wide coordinated effort in the fi ght to save the endangered snow leopard and had the following specific goals:  Assess and prioritize threats to snow leopard survival on a geographic basis.

 Defi ne and prioritize conservation, education, and policy measures appropriate to alleviate threats.

 Prioritize subjects for snow leopard research and identify viable or preferred research methods.

 Build a network of concerned scientists and conservationists to facilitate open dialogue and cross-border cooperation.

 Gain consensus on a fundamental Snow Leopard Survival Strategy document that will be made available to the range states to aid conservation planning at national and local levels.

The highly participatory process started with a survey of specialists designed to gather information on perceived threats to snow leopards, appropriate actions to address threats, knowledge gaps, protected area status, policy and law issues, impediments to achieving conservation of snow leopards, and cultural relevance of snow leopards. Drafts of a Strategy were circulated and then the Snow Leopard Survival Summit was convened in Seattle, USA from 21-26 May 2002 and was attended by 58 of the specialists to debate issues and refi ne the Strategy. This SLSS document is the end product of that process. Background on the snow leopard The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a member of the Felidae subfamily Pantherinae and on the basis of morphology and behavior it is placed alone in a separate genus. They are found in 12 countries across Central Asia (China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia). China contains as much as 60% of the snow leopard's potential habitat. Inaccessible and difficult terrain, along with the secretive nature of this rare cat helps account for the fact that large parts of its range have yet to be surveyed. Between 4,500 and 7,350 snow leopards are thought to occur within a total potential habitat area of 1,835,000 km2. Snow leopards are generally solitary and mating usually occurs between late January and midMarch, and one to five cubs are born after a gestation period of 93 to 110 days, generally in June or July. Snow leopards are closely associated with the alpine and subalpine ecological zones, preferring broken, rocky terrain with vegetation that is dominated by shrubs or grasses. Home range size and shape is not well known. The home range size of five snow leopards in prime habitat in Nepal ranged from 12 to 39 km2, with substantial overlap between individuals and sexes. In Mongolia, where food resources may be scarcer, home ranges of both males and females exceeded 400 km2. Snow leopards are opportunistic predators capable of killing prey up to three times their own weight. They will also take small prey such as marmot or chukar partridge. In general, their most commonly taken prey consists of wild sheep and goats

(including blue sheep, Asian ibex, markhor, and argali). Adult snow leopards kill a large prey animal every 10-15 days, and remained on the kill for an average of 3-4 days, and sometimes up to a week. Predation on livestock can be significant, which often results in retribution killing by herders. Snow Leopards are listed as Endangered on the

IUCN Red List in that they do not meet the standards of Critically Endangered but are projected to decline by 50% or more over next 3 generations due to potential levels of exploitation (trade in pelts/bones and conflict with

livestock), and due to declining: 1) area of occupancy, 2) extent of occurrence, and 3) quality of habitat (prey depletion). They appear in Appendix I of both CITES and the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of

Wild Animals (CMS). Snow Leopards are protected nationally over most of its range, with the probable exception of Afghanistan. However, in some countries the relevant legislation may not always be very effective, e.g. because penalties are too low to function as deterrent, or they contain some significant loopholes.

II. THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

Regional Assessment

This document attempts to list and discuss the threats, conservation actions and information needs pertinent to snow leopard survival. However, these vary substantially across the vast extent of snow leopard range, so no prescription will be universally applicable. We used a regional approach and for purposes of grouping areas where conditions may be similar, we looked at geography, political boundaries, cultural/religious influences, and rural livelihoods. Within that framework we defined four broad regions:

 Himalaya (HIMLY),

 Karakorum/Hindu Kush (KK/HK),

 Commonwealth of Independent States and W. China (CISWC),

 The Northern Range of Russia, Mongolia and N. China (NRANG) SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY

Threats to Snow Leopard Survival

A key component of the SLSS process was to identify threats to long-term snow leopard survival across their range. The following list is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders in Asia and the expert group at the SLSS Summit. Threats are grouped into four broad categories 1) Habitat and Prey related, 2) Direct Killing of Snow Leopards, 3) Policy and Awareness, and 4) Other Issues.

List of Threats

Category 1: Habitat and Prey Related

1.1 Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation

1.2 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Illegal Hunting

1.3 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Legal Hunting

1.4 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Competition with Livestock

1.5 Reduction of Natural Prey due to Disease

1.6 Fencing that Disrupts Natural Migration

Category 2: Direct Killing or Removal of Snow Leopards

2.1 Killing of Snow Leopards in Retribution for Livestock depredation

2.2 Poaching Snow Leopards for Trade in Hides or Bones

2.3 Museum Collection of Live Animals

2.4 Traditional Hunting of Snow Leopards

2.5 Secondary Poisoning and Trapping of Snow Leopards

2.6 Diseases of Snow Leopards

Category 3: Policy and Awareness

3.1 Lack of Appropriate Policy

3.2 Lack of Effective Enforcement

3.3 Lack of Trans-boundary Cooperation

3.4 Lack of Institutional Capacity

3.5 Lack of Awareness among Local People

3.6 Lack of Awareness among Policy Makers

Category 4: Other Issues

4.1 War and Related Military Activities

4.2 Climate Change

4.3 Human Population Growth and Poverty (indirect threat)

Potential Actions to Address Threats

Several methods are identified and elaborated in this document and they include:

 Grazing Management: Promote livestock grazing practices that reduce impacts on native wildlife, in particular snow leopard prey species.

 Wildlife-based Ecotourism: Establishing wildlife based tourism that provides jobs and financial benefits to local people will add economic value to wildlife and create incentives to protect the resource.

 Cottage Industry: Provide income generation opportunities for communities in snow leopard habitat through handicraft manufacture and marketing opportunities with direct and transparent linkages to wildlife conservation via contracts that provides positive incentives for compliance.

 Ungulate Trophy Hunting Programs: Establish or restructure trophy hunting programs that are sustainable, well monitored and provide return to local people as an incentive to protect ungulates. Community co-management of hunting program should be encouraged where ever appropriate.

 Reducing Poaching and Trade in Snow Leopard Parts:

Determine location, nature and extent of snow leopard poaching for trade and bring pressure, both legal and educational, to limit same.

 Reducing Livestock Depredation by Snow Leopards:

Encourage livestock husbandry practices that reduce depredation by snow leopards and other predators.

 Animal Husbandry: Provide training in animal husbandry and veterinary care to improve monetary return at lower stock levels, limit exposure to predation, and reduce impacts on pasture and rangelands.

 Conservation Education and Awareness: Raise awareness of snow leopard conservation issues, concerns, need for action, legal matters, etc, through variety of media among different audiences.

III. RESEARCH AND INFORMATION NEEDS

During the process of listing the threats to snow leopards and the required conservation actions, a set of information needs was also identified. Hence, the list below encompasses the knowledge required to carry-out urgent conservation actions.

Master List of Information Needs

R.1 Snow leopard distribution and “hot spots”

R.2 Snow leopard migration and dispersal routes

R.3 Snow leopard population size

R.4 Snow leopard population trends and factor responsible for changes

R.5 Protected Area coverage extent and representation of habitats (gap analysis)

R.6 Agents of habitat degradation and relative impacts

R.7 Snow leopard prey relationships

R.8 Prey species distribution and “hot spots”

R.9 Prey population baseline and trends

R.10 Dynamics of illegal ungulate hunting (sources, local need, uses, trade, etc.)

R.11 Dynamics of legal ungulate harvest and baseline statistics (sex/age, effort, trophy size, etc.)

R.12 Wild ungulate livestock interactions (competition)

R.13 Ungulate disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment

R.14 Snow leopard poaching levels

R.15 Illegal trade in wildlife parts market demand, sources and routes, value, etc.

R.16 Livestock depredation rates

SNOW LEOPARD SURVIVAL STRATEGY | xi

R.17 Livestock depredation causes

R.18 Grazing pressure and range conditions

R.19 Snow leopard disease type, areas of occurrence, prevalence, virulence, treatment

R.20 Snow leopard home-range size and habitat use

R.21 Snow leopard social structure and behavior

R.22 Snow leopard population genetics

R.23 Snow leopard food habits

R.24 Snow leopard relationship to other predators

R.25 Economic valuation of snow leopards

R.26 Snow leopard monitoring techniques development/improvement

R.27 Socio-economic profiling of herder communities in snow leopard habitat

R.28 Methods to alleviate impacts of war

R.29 Livestock and human population status and trends

R.30 Analysis of existing policies and laws

R.31 Human attitudes to snow leopards

IV. COUNTRY ACTION PLANNING

The SLSS should be seen as a tool to aid in the development of country-specifi c Action Plans. In general Action

Planning leaders should review the SLSS and then:

 Analyze the problems and choose the proper scale,

 Identify the key stakeholders and integrate them into the planning process at the beginning, (i.e. ensure a broadly participatory process),

 Choose a multi-level approach if the problems and stakeholders are particularly diverse,

 Seek to identify achievable and appropriate actions,

 Build monitoring of results into the Plan.

The Action Planning process need not be done in a vacuum. The Snow Leopard Network (see below), can provide much needed assistance in terms of expertise and advice during the planning process. Collectively, the SLN membership has experience in nearly every area of snow leopard related conservation, research, education, and policy. They can be approached for assistance through the International Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside

Ave. N., Suite 325, Seattle, Washington, 98103, USA, on their website http://www.snowleopard.org/sln/ or via email at <info@snowleopard.org>.

V. TAKING THE SLSS FORWARD

A key outcome of the SLSS Workshop was the creation of the Snow Leopard Network (SLN). The SLN is a partnership of organizations and individuals from government and private sector who work together for the effective conservation of the snow leopard, its prey, and their natural habitat to the benefi t of people and biodiversity.

The initial members of the SLN are the specialist who worked together on the SLSS. Carrying the SLSS forward was the impetus for developing the Network.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher International Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Network Place of Publication Seattle, USA Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number SLN @ rana @ 520 Serial 668  
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