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Johansson, O., Mishra, C., Lkhagvajav, P., Samelius, G., Alexander, J. S., Low, M. (2025). Snow leopard prey selection on the mountain-adapted ibex: seasonal switching between prime-aged males and newborn kids. Journal of Zoology, , 1–11.
Abstract: Predator–prey interactions occur within the context of relative prey abundance, the nutritional value of prey individuals, and their specific vulnerability to predation. Predation patterns can therefore be expected to vary between seasons, age and sex categories, with this variation important for understanding predator–prey ecology. We examined seasonal prey selection by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) on different age and sex categories of Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) using data collected from 150 kill sites. These were analysed in relation to known ibex population composition using Jacobs’ index, which estimates the strength and direction of prey preference or avoidance. Although solitary felids typically select prey of similar or smaller size than themselves, both male and female snow leopards selected for prime-aged ibex males (>5 years old), despite these being at least twice their body mass. Female ibex, yearlings and medium-sized males, which are similar in size to snow leopards, were preyed upon less than expected. In spring, snow leopards increased their prey selection of females and newborn kids, and reduced their selection of prime males. Our results suggest that the vulnerability of ibex to snow leopard predation is related to their agility in negotiating steep mountain terrain. We propose that the much larger body size of prime-aged ibex males reduces their ability to evade snow leopard ambushes on mountain slopes. In spring, the switch to predation on kids likely relates to the ease of hunting because of their lower agility, with a similar explanation for increased predation on females in late gestation. This seasonal switching between different prey categories, and the snow leopard’s specialisation to hunt in steep mountainous terrain, may impose limits on sexual size dimorphism commonly seen in other large felids. In contrast, the vulnerability of prime-aged ibex males to snow leopard predation may reflect a sexually selected handicap, imposed by high sexual size dimorphism.
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Koju, N. P., Gosai, K. R., Bashyal, B., Byanju, R., Shrestha, A., Buzzard, P., Beisch, W. B., Khanal, L. (2023). Seasonal Prey Abundance and Food Plasticity of the Vulnerable Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Lapchi Valley, Nepal Himalayas. Animals, 13(3182), 1–16.
Abstract: Conservation strategies for apex predators, like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), depend on a robust understanding of their dietary preferences, prey abundance, and adaptability to changing ecological conditions. To address these critical conservation concerns, this study presents a comprehensive evidence on prey availability and preferences for snow leopards in the Lapchi Valley in the Nepal Himalayas from November 2021 to March 2023. Field data were collected through the installation of twenty-six camera traps at 16 strategically chosen locations, resulting in the recording of 1228 events of 19 mammalian species, including domesticated livestock. Simultaneously, the collection of twenty snow leopard scat samples over 3800 m above sea level allowed for a detailed dietary analysis. Photo capture rate index and biomass composition analysis were carried out and seasonal prey availability and consumption were statistically analyzed. A total of 16 potential prey species for the snow leopard were documented during the study period. Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) was the most abundant prey species, but infrequent in the diet suggesting that are not the best bet prey for the snow leopards. Snow leopards were found to exhibit a diverse diet, consuming eleven prey species, with blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) being their most consumed wild prey and horses as their preferred livestock. The Pianka’s index of dietary niche overlap between the summer and winter seasons were 0.576, suggesting a pronounced seasonal variation in food preference corroborating with the prey availability. The scarcity of larger preys in winter is compensated by small and meso-mammals in the diet, highlighting the snow leopard’s capacity for dietary plasticity in response to the variation in resource availability. This research suggests for the utilization of genetic tools to further explore snow leopard diet composition. Additionally, understanding transboundary movements and conducting population assessments will be imperative for the formulation of effective conservation strategies.
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