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Dhendup, T., Robinson, J. J., Sorger, G., Wangdi, S., Hacker, C., Yuguang, Z., Janecka, J. E. |
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Title |
Population genetic structure of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Bhutan and connectivity with regional populations |
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Journal Article |
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2025 |
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Global Ecology & Conservation |
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62 |
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e03860 |
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1-13 |
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Snow leopard, Population genetic structure, Connectivity, Bhutan, Non-invasive sampling, Microsatellites, Asia |
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Abstract |
Bhutan supports a globally important snow leopard (Panthera uncia) population, with recent surveys indicating an increase in population size. To better understand this population, a nationwide survey conducted from 2022 to 2023 combined camera-trapping and non-invasive genetic sampling of scat to estimate abundance and population connectivity. Among 184 collected scat samples, genetic analysis using eight microsatellite markers and the sex-determining region Y identified 21 unique individuals, with a sex ratio skewed towards females (two females per male). Measures of genetic diversity and population connectivity were collected through the genotyping of 21 additional microsatellite loci in 16 individuals. While moderate genetic diversity was observed (HO =0.466 ±0.039, HE =0.496 ±0.034), no distinct population clusters were detected in the sampled population. On a regional scale, snow leopards from Bhutan share the most connectivity with populations in Nepal and Tibet rather than Qinghai, China, with evidence of dispersal events from Bhutan into Nepal and Tibet, China. Bhutan’s role as a potential source population for Nepal and Tibet underscores the importance of maintaining connectivity across protected areas in the region. |
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SLN @ rakhee @ |
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1782 |
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