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Author | Esson, C. L. | ||||
Title | A One Health approach to investigating the health and prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in snow leopards, sympatric wildlife, domestic animals and humans in the South Gobi Desert in Mongolia | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | PhD Thesis | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-242 | ||
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Abstract | The endangered Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits the high mountain regions through central Asia and is subjected to numerous threats including poaching for traditional Chinese medicine, retribution killing for preying on domestic stock, and habitat fragmentation. However the occurrence and impact of disease on snow leopard populations is unknown. As emerging infectious diseases of wildlife can be an insidious yet important cause of population decline due to mortality or reproductive failure, my study aimed initially to gain knowledge of pathogens circulating among wild and domestic hosts in this region. I used a broad One Health approach to survey a range of species to collect data on disease occurrence that would be useful in improving human and livestock health, as well as snow leopard conservation. This study is set in the Tost Mountains of the South Gobi Desert of Mongolia and was prompted due to the unexplained deaths of four snow leopards detected within a short timeframe during an ecological study by members of the Snow Leopard Trust. However, investigating disease occurrence in remote, rare and endangered species is a challenge due to inaccessibility of sites, difficulty of capture, and processing samples without facilities. A One Health approach uses multidisciplinary expertise such as ecological, medical and veterinary, to understand host, pathogen and environmental disease factors. This approach is especially useful for diseases that transfer between people, domestic animals and wildlife. As snow leopards are a rare and elusive species, my surveys were aimed at assessing pathogens circulating in snow leopards as well as in sympatric wild and domestic animals. I collected samples from the following hosts: snow leopards – the target species; rodents which are ubiquitous over the study area and are a suitable sentinel species; ibex which are a native ungulate and natural prey species of the snow leopard; domestic goats which are also a prey species of the snow leopard; free-ranging domestic dogs which interact with the goats. The local indigenous people interact with all these species including snow leopards, mostly via retribution killing. Water samples were also collected from waterholes and wells, which are communal meeting places as drinking sources for all species, hence enabling pathogen exchange. Samples collected included blood samples, faecal samples or rectal swabs and ectoparasites if present. These samples were transported to laboratories in Sweden and Belgium where I conducted diagnostic assays for zoonotic pathogens that are present in other regions of Mongolia and impact the health of humans and animals. I used enzyme- linked immune assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for pathogens including Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., Yersinia pestis and tick borne encephalitis virus. Serovars of Leptospira were elucidated using microscopic agglutination tests (MAT). The dog blood samples were also tested for canine distemper virus. Ticks, faeces, rectal swabs and water were tested for bacteria, Echinococcus, Giardia and Cryptosporidium using PCR and NGS. Health records for humans and animals in the region were not available so, in addition to testing animal samples, I used questionnaire surveys to obtain information on perceptions of the herders concerning health of their families, their domestic animals and wildlife. Questions also assessed preventative health management and treatments used. Over three field trips I caught and sampled twenty snow leopards, 177 rodents (8 species), 41 dogs and 270 goats. I also sampled 11 waterholes/wells, and preserved 18 ticks, hundreds of fleas and collected faecal samples from ibex. Most animals that were sampled and examined clinically appeared in good health, but the serosurvey revealed a moderate to high level of exposure to serious pathogens: C. burnetii, T. gondii and Leptospira spp. There were no published reports of human infections with these pathogens in the study area, which is likely due to a lack of testing. Snow leopards had the highest prevalence of C. burnetii antibodies (25%), followed by rodents (16%), dogs (10%) and goats (9.5%). Goats had the highest prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (90%), dogs (66%), snow leopards (20%) and rodents (16%). Rodents had the highest prevalence of Leptospira spp. (34%), followed by snow leopards (20%) and dogs (5%). Serovars interrogans Australis was identified in the rodents and snow leopards and interrogans Ictohaemorrhagiae was identified in the rodents and dogs. Other serovars were also present from the results of the ELISA but did not match those listed in the MAT panel, so could not be identified. Goats were not tested for infection with leptospirosis. Brucella was not identified in the goats even though it occurs at high prevalence in stock in the rest of Mongolia where it is a large health and economic concern. In rodents, the zoonotic Puumala and Seoul hantavirus were identified for the first time in Mongolia. Analysis of data from rodents showed the pathogens detected (C. burnetii, T.gondii, Hanta virus and Leptospira spp.) differed significantly in prevalence, with a strong year effect driven mainly by Leptospira, which increased in prevalence across the three year study period. Toxoplasma gondii differed slightly in prevalence among rodent species. There was no significant difference in prevalence of interaction of pathogens among years or rodent species. Poor health was detected in goats with 10 out of the 14 goats tested via haematology and biochemistry being anaemic with haematocrits less than 20%. Haematology and biochemistry values for the other animal species appeared normal. I established haematology and biochemistry reference tables for two rodent species – red-cheeked ground squirrels and jerboas. Water samples were negative for serious pathogens. Fleas were negative for Yersinia pestis. However, ticks were positive for several genera of potential zoonoses, including Anaplasma, Bacillus, Coxiella, Clostridia, Francisella, Rickettsia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Yersinia. Faecal samples were also positive for genera of potentially zoonotic bacteria including those listed above plus Bacteroides, Bordetella, Campylobacter and Enterococcus. Results from the two questionnaire surveys revealed the main reported illness in people were colds and flu. However, the local doctor also reported hepatitis as common. She also said that the local people contracted brucellosis whereas I did not identify this pathogen in their livestock. The herders thought their main loss of stock was from predation, with wolves identified as the main predator and snow leopards as the second. Other causes of stock loss perceived as important were adverse climatic conditions such as drought or severe winters while infectious disease was not a concern. Results from these surveys also highlighted gaps in health care for humans and livestock, especially around vaccination and parasite treatments. In summary, I found that snow leopards and other wild and domestic animals within the study area tested positive for previous exposure to several important zoonotic pathogens. These pathogens were likely circulating among species via contamination of pasture and via predation and have potential to cause illness and reproductive loss. However, I detected no adverse effects on the health of the animals due to infection with these pathogens, and observed no related mortality or illness during my field trips. Hence the deaths of the four snow leopards that were the impetus for my study have not been explained, and monitoring and surveillance of this population should continue. My findings on wildlife and domestic animal pathogens have relative importance to improving productivity of livestock and the health of the nomadic herders. I recommend improving the health of goats through vaccination and anti-parasite programmes, which will improve their fecundity and survival and thus increase herder income. These programmes will also have flow-on effects to improve the health of the native ungulates that share the grazing areas by decreasing the risk of pathogen transfer between them and also to the snow leopards that prey on them. Demonstrating the importance of herd health may also help mitigate herder wildlife conflict as increased productivity could decrease the perceived importance of predation on herd numbers. Coxiella burnetii and Leptospires spp are a likely cause of illness in people, despite the lack of reported diagnoses. As rodents had a moderate prevalence of all pathogens tested and inhabit the gers of the local people, it is important to raise awareness of the risk of pathogen transfer to people via rodent excrement contaminating stored food and eating utensils. Risk of human exposure to pathogens during goat slaughter can also be reduced via improved hygiene practices. By identifying pathogens with broad host ranges in a variety of species in this remote mountainous region, my study provides the basis for understanding health risks to wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Consideration of likely transmission routes for pathogens between species can inform current recommendations to improve health, productivity and hence conservation, of the endangered snow leopard – The Ghost of the Mountain. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1744 | ||
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Author | Hanson, J. H., Schutgens, M., Lama, R.P., Aryal, A., Dhakal, M. | ||||
Title | Local attitudes to the proposed translocation of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Fauna & Flora International | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-7 | ||
Keywords | Attitudes, blue sheep, human&wildlife conflict, Panthera uncia, Pseudois nayaur, Sagarmatha National Park, snow leopard, translocation | ||||
Abstract | Translocations are an important tool for the conservation of biodiversity, but although ecological feasibility studies are frequently conducted prior to implementation, social feasibility studies that consider how local communities perceive such projects are less common. The translocation of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, has been proposed, to reduce livestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia by providing an alternative prey base in addition to the small population of Himalayan thar Hemitragus jemlahicus. This study used systematic sampling, a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative interviews within the Park to provide data on the social viability of the proposed translocation. Quantitative analysis revealed moderate levels of support but qualitative analysis suggested that there are significant concerns about the proposal. In addition,multiple regression analysis found that women and livestock owners were significantly less supportive, although the model had low explanatory power. Potential crop damage and competition for forage were frequently cited as concerns, especially amongst those with a high level of dependence on natural resources. Given the mixed response to the proposed translocation of blue sheep to the Everest region, alleviating the reservations of local residents is likely to be key to any further consultation, planning or implementation. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1475 | ||
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Author | Holt, C. D. S., Nevin, O. T., Smith, D., Convery, I. | ||||
Title | Environmental niche overlap between snow leopard and four prey species in Kazakhstan | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Elsevier | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 48 | Pages | 97-103 | |
Keywords | SDM, MaxEnt, Management, Conservation, Dispersal, Distribution | ||||
Abstract | The snow leopard Panthera uncia has declined due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and human persecution. Predator distribution is heavily dependent on prey species availability and distribution. With increasing pressures from farming practices encroaching into native species range and persecution of snow leopards in response to livestock depredation, it is vital to assess current predator and prey species distribution to highlight sensitive areas of overlap for protection. This study uses MaxEnt, a presence-only Species Distribution Model (SDM) to assess snow leopard and four prey species habitat suitability along the southern and eastern borders of Kazakhstan using environmental data. This area is considered an important corridor between snow leopard populations in the north and south of their range. Each of the five SDM's produced models of �good� discriminating abilities. We then compared the potential niche overlap between snow leopard and four prey species using ENMTools to highlight areas of important niche overlap within the corridor. The results indicated a very high degree of overlap between snow leopard and Siberian ibex and high degrees Capra sibirica with red deer Cervus elaphus, argali Ovis ammon and urial Ovis orientalis. The snow leopard population in this region is also found to be using forested areas below 2500 m, much lower than recorded in other areas of their range. The results highlight areas needed for protection but also pose additional conservation questions regarding the importance of prey species to transitory individuals. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1472 | ||
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Author | Johansson, O., Koehler, G., Rauset, G. R.< Samelius, G., Andren, H., Mishra, C., Lhagvarsuren, P., McCarthy, T., Low, M. | ||||
Title | Sex specific seasonal variation in puma and snow leopard home range utilization | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Ecosphere | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 9 | Issue | 8 | Pages | 1-14 |
Keywords | Cougar, female choice, LoCoH, mating tactics, Panthera Uncia, Puma concolor, spacing pattern, territoriality | ||||
Abstract | Territory size is often larger for males than for females in species without biparental care. For large solitary carnivores, this is explained by males encompassing a set of female territories to monopolize their reproduction during mating (area maximization). However, males are expected to behave more like females outside of breeding, with their area utilization being dependent on the range required to secure food resources (area minimization). To examine how male and female solitary carnivores adjust their spatial organization during the year as key resources (mates and prey) change, we radio‐collared 17 pumas (Puma concolor; nine males and eight females) and 14 snow leopards (Panthera uncia; seven males and seven females) and estimated home range size and overlap on two temporal scales (annual vs. monthly). Contrary to expectation, we found no evidence that males monopolized females (the mean territory overlap between females and the focal male during the mating season was 0.28 and 0.64 in pumas and snow leopards, respectively). Although male�male overlap of annual home ranges was comparatively high (snow leopards [0.21] vs. pumas [0.11]), monthly home range overlaps were small (snow leopards [0.02] vs. pumas [0.08]) suggesting strong territoriality. In pumas, both males and females reduced their monthly home ranges in winter, and at the same time, prey distribution was clumped and mating activity increased. In snow leopards, females showed little variation in seasonal home range size, following the seasonal stability in their primary prey. However, male snow leopards reduced their monthly home range utilization in the mating season. In line with other studies, our results suggest that female seasonal home range variation is largely explained by changes in food resource distribution. However, contrary to expectations, male territories did not generally encompass those of females, and males reduced their home ranges during mating. Our results show that male and female territorial boundaries tend to intersect in these species, and hint at the operation of female choice and male mate guarding within these mating systems. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1471 | ||
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Author | Karnaukhov, A. S., Malykh, S. V., Korablev, M. P., Kalashnikova, Y. M., Poyarkov, A. D., Rozhnov, V. V. | ||||
Title | Current Status of the Eastern Sayan Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Grouping and Its Nutritive Base | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Biology Bulletin | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 45 | Issue | 9 | Pages | 1106-1115 |
Keywords | Panthera uncia, Bol� shoi Sayan, Munku-Sardyk, Tunkinskie Gol� tsy, distribution area, molecular genetic analysis, modeling of potential habitats | ||||
Abstract | A field survey of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) habitats was carried out in the southeastern part of the Eastern Sayan Mountains (Okinskii and Tunkinskii districts of the Republic of Buryatia and the Kaa- Khemskii district of Tuva Republic). Seven or eight adult snow leopards were observed as constant inhabitants of the Tunkinskie Gol'tsy, Munku-Sardyk, and Bol'shoi Sayan mountain ridges. The presence of eight snow leopards was confirmed using DNA-based analyses of scats collected in 2014 – 2016. The main prey species of the snow leopard in Eastern Sayan is the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), but its abundance has steadily decreased over the past 20 years. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) and the wild boar (Sus scrofa), which were some of the most numerous ungulates in the survey area, are replacing the Siberian ibex in the snow leopard's diet. In addition, the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) is also of importance to the snow leopard's diet. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1482 | ||
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Author | Khanal, G., Poudyal, L. P., Devkota, B. P., Ranabhat, R., Wegge, P. | ||||
Title | Status and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Api Nampa Conservation Area, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Fauna & Flora International | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-8 | ||
Keywords | Api Nampa Conservation Area, bharal, Nepal, Panthera uncia, Pseudois nayaur, snow leopard | ||||
Abstract | The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance, distribution and prey species is a prerequisite for its conservation. In October-November 2014 we assessed the distribution of the snow leopard in the recently established Api Nampa Conservation Area in the Nepal Himalayas. Within selected blocks we conducted sign surveys and counted the number of bharal Pseudois nayaur, its principal wild prey, along transects totalling 106 km.We recorded 203 putative snow leopard signs at an encounter rate of 1.91 signs/km. Generalized linear models of the number of signs detected per transect showed that elevation had a positive influence and human activities a negative influence on sign encounter rate; prey abundance had only a weak positive influence on sign encounter rate. Within the effectively surveyed area of c. 2002 km2, we counted 527 bharal at an estimated density of 2.28 animals/km2. Recruitment of bharal was low, estimated at 48 kids/100 adult females, most likely a result of poor or overgrazed rangeland. We estimate the total number of bharal in this conservation area to be .>1,000, a prey base that could sustain 6-9 snow leopards. Based on our field observations, we identified human disturbance and habitat degradation associated with extraction of non-timber forest products, livestock grazing, and poaching as the main threats to the snow leopard. Standardized sign surveys, preferably supplemented by sampling with remote cameras or with genetic analysis of scats would provide robust baseline information on the abundance of snow leopards in this conservation area. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1473 | ||
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Author | Lama, R. P., Ghale, T. R., Suwal, M. K., Ranabhat, R., Regmi, G. R. | ||||
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. | ||||
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1470 | ||
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Author | Maheshwari, A., Niraj, S. K | ||||
Title | Monitoring illegal trade in snow leopards: 2003e2014 | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Elsevier | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1 -6 | ||
Keywords | Snow leopard, Illegal trade, Central and southern Asia, Conservation | ||||
Abstract | Illegal trade in snow leopards (Panthera uncia) has been identified as one of the major threats to long-term survival of the species in the wild. To quantify severity of the threats to dwindling snow leopard population, we examined market and questionnaire surveys, and information from the published and unpublished literature on illegal trade and poaching of snow leopards.We collected information from 11 of the 12 snow leopard range counties in central and southern Asia, barring Kazakhstan, and reported 439 snow leopards (88 records) in illegal trade during 2003e2014, which represents a loss of approximately 8.4%e10.9% snow leopard population (assuming mid-point population of 5240 to minimum population of 4000 individuals) in a period of 12 years. Our data suggested a 61% decadal increase in snow leopard trade during 2003e2012 compared with 1993e2002, while taking the note of significant strengthening of wildlife enforcement and crime control network in the decades of 2000s and 2010s. We found 50% prosecution rate of snow leopard crimes resulting in only 20% conviction rate globally. Many limitations e.g., secretive nature of illegal trade, ill developed enforcement mechanism, poor and passive documentation of snow leopards' seizures, restricted us to reflect actual trend of snow leopards' illegal trade. Even on a conservative scale the present situation is alarming and may detrimental to snow leopard conservation. We propose an effective networking of enforcement efforts and coordination among the law enforcement agencies, efficient collection of data and data management, and sharing of intelligence in snow leopard range countries, could be useful in curbing illegal trade in snow leopards in central and southern Asia. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1466 | ||
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Author | Mei, S., Alexander, J. S., Zhao, X., Cheng, C., Lu, Z. | ||||
Title | Common leopard and snow leopard co-existence in Sanjiangyuan,Qinghai, China | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Cat News | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | 67 | Pages | 18-20 | |
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Abstract | The snow leopard Panthera uncia, classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is distributed across the mountainous areas of 12 countries in South and Central Asia. The common leopard Panthera pardus, also classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, has the widest geographic distribution among all wild cats and inhabits many countries of Africa and Asia. The common leopard is much bigger than the snow leopard. Sightings of both species in the same location have recently been reported from the Autonomous Region of Tibet and Sichuan, China. We conducted a camera trap survey to verify the presence of these large carnivores using camera traps in Niandu and Yunta villages of Qinghai province, China. In both areas camera trap stations captured both species, identifying seven adult snow leopard and four adult common leopard individuals. Our study provides the first photographic evidence of common leopard presence in Qinghai province and confirms the co-existence of snow leopards and common leopards in the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve. A more detailed study will be conducted to investigate the distribution and interaction of the two species along Tongtianhe and Zhaqu rivers, Qinghai province, in order to enhance efforts for their long-term conservation. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1468 | ||
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Author | Mijiddorj, T. N., Alexander, J. S., Samelius, G. | ||||
Title | Livestock depredation by large carnivores in the South Gobi, Mongolia | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Wildlife Research | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | A-J | ||
Keywords | co-existence, livestock, pastoralism | ||||
Abstract | Context. Livestock depredation is a major conservation challenge around the world, causing considerable economical losses to pastoral communities and often result in retaliatory killing. In Mongolia, livestock depredation rates are thought to be increasing due to changes in pastoral practices and the transformation of wild habitats into pasture lands. Few studies have examined the interactions between humans and carnivores and even fewer have considered how recent changes in pastoral practices may affect depredation rates. Aim. This study aimed to assess the influence of herding practices on self-reported livestock losses to snow leopards and wolves in two communities in South Gobi, Mongolia. Methods. In total, 144 herder households were interviewed and an information-theoretic approach was used to analyse the factors influencing self-reported livestock losses to snow leopards and wolves. Key results. The majority of self-reported losses to both snow leopards and wolves occurred when herds were left unattended in the pastures. The economic loss associated with livestock losses to snow leopards and wolves amounted to an average loss of US$825 per herder and year. The number of livestock owned by a household and the frequency of shifting campsite had the strongest influence on livestock losses to snow leopards and wolves. Other determinants of livestock losses included frequency of visiting the soum (county) centre. Implications. On the basis of the findings, we make recommendations for mitigating the conflict with large carnivores, with focus on guiding future herding practices. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1469 | ||
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Author | Rovero, F., Augugliaro, C., Havmoller, R. W., Groff, C., Zimmerman, F., Oberosler, V., Tenan, S. | ||||
Title | Co-occurrence of snow leopard Panthera uncia, Siberian ibex Capra sibirica and livestock: potential relationships and effects | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-7 | ||
Keywords | Altai mountains, camera trapping, human� wildlife conflict, Mongolia, occupancy, occurrence interactions, Siberian ibex, snow leopard | ||||
Abstract | Understanding the impact of livestock on native wildlife is of increasing conservation relevance. For the Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia, wild prey reduction, intensifying human�wildlife conflicts and retaliatory killings are severe threats potentially exacerbated by the presence of livestock. Elucidating patterns of co-occurrence of snow leopards, wild ungulate prey, and livestock, can be used to assess the compatibility of pastoralism with conservation. We used camera trapping to study the interactions of livestock, Siberian ibex Capra sibirica and snow leopards in a national park in the Altai mountains, Mongolia. We obtained  detections of wild mammals and  of domestic ungulates, dogs and humans. Snow leopards and Siberian ibex were recorded  and  times, respectively. Co-occurrence modelling showed that livestock had a higher estimated occupancy (.) than ibex, whose occupancy was lower in the presence of livestock (.) than in its absence (.�. depending on scenarios modelled). Snow leopard occupancy did not appear to be affected by the presence of livestock or ibex but the robustness of such inference was limited by uncertainty around the estimates. Although our sampling at presumed snow leopard passing sites may have led to fewer ibex detections, results indicate that livestock may displace wild ungulates, but may not directly affect the occurrence of snow leopards. Snow leopards could still be threatened by livestock, as overstocking can trigger human�carnivore conflicts and hamper the conservation of large carnivores. Further research is needed to assess the generality and strength of our results. |
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Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1465 | ||
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Author | Schutgens, M. G., Hanson, J. H., Baral, N., Ale, S. B. | ||||
Title | Visitors’ willingness to pay for snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | Oryx | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1 - 10 | ||
Keywords | Carnivore conservation, contingent valuation, economic valuation, existence value, Panthera uncia, snow leopard, threatened species, wildlife policy | ||||
Abstract | The Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia experiences persecution across its habitat in Central Asia, particularly from herders because of livestock losses. Given the popularity of snow leopards worldwide, transferring some of the value attributed by the international community to these predators may secure funds and support for their conservation. We administered contingent valuation surveys to  international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, between May and June , to determine their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the %of visitors who stated they would pay a snow leopard conservation fee in addition to the existing entry fee, the mean amount that they were willing to pay was USD  per trip. The logit regression model showed that the bid amount, the level of support for implementing the Action Plan, and the number of days spent in the Conservation Area were significant predictors of visitors’ willingness to pay. The main reasons stated by visitors for their willingness to pay were a desire to protect the environment and an affordable fee. A major reason for visitors’ unwillingness to pay was that the proposed conservation fee was too expensive for them. This study represents the first application of economic valuation to snow leopards, and is relevant to the conservation of threatened species in the Annapurna Conservation Area and elsewhere. |
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Address | http://snowleopardnetwork.org/bibliography/Schutgensetal_2018.pdf | ||||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1467 | ||
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Author | Shrestha, B., Aihartza, J., Kindlmann | ||||
Title | Diet and prey selection by snow leopards in the Nepalese Himalayas | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2018 | Publication | PLoS ONE | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | Issue | Pages | 1-18 | ||
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Abstract | Visual attractiveness and rarity often results in large carnivores being adopted as flagship species for stimulating conservation awareness. Their hunting behaviour and prey selection can affect the population dynamics of their prey, which in turn affects the population dynamics of these large carnivores. Therefore, our understanding of their trophic ecology and foraging strategies is important for predicting their population dynamics and consequently for developing effective conservation programs. Here we concentrate on an endangered species of carnivores, the snow leopard, in the Himalayas. Most previous studies on snow leopard diet lack information on prey availability and/or did not genetically check, whether the identification of snow leopard scats is correct, as their scats are similar to those of other carnivores. We studied the prey of snow leopard in three Himalayan regions in Nepal (Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), Lower Mustang (LM) and Upper Manang (UM) in the Annapurna Conservation Area, during winter and summer in 2014�2016. We collected 268 scats along 139.3 km linear transects, of which 122 were genetically confirmed to belong to snow leopard. Their diet was identified by comparing hairs in scats with our reference collection of the hairs of potential prey. We determined prey availability using 32�48 camera-traps and 4,567 trap nights. In the SNP, the most frequent prey in snow leopard faeces was the Himalayan tahr in both winter and summer. In LM and UM, its main prey was blue sheep in winter, but yak and goat in summer. In terms of relative biomass consumed, yak was the main prey everywhere in both seasons. Snow leopard preferred large prey and avoided small prey in summer but not in winter, with regional differences. It preferred domestic to wild prey only in winter, and in SNP. Unlike most other studies carried out in the same area, our study uses genetic methods for identifying the source of the scat. Studies solely based on visual identification of samples may be strongly biased. Diet studies based on frequency of occurrence of prey tend to overestimate the importance of small prey, which may be consumed more often, but contribute less energy than large prey. However, even assessments based on prey biomass are unlikely to be accurate as we do not know whether the actual size of the prey consumed corresponds to the average size used to calculate the biomass eaten. For example, large adults may be too difficult to catch and therefore mostly young animals are consumed, whose weight is much lower. We show that snow leopard consumes a diverse range of prey, which varies both regionally and seasonally. We conclude that in order to conserve snow leopards it is also necessary to conserve its main wild species of prey, which will reduce the incidence of losses of livestock. |
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Publisher | Place of Publication | Editor | |||
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Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | SLN @ rakhee @ | Serial | 1476 | ||
Permanent link to this record |