Category: Journal Article

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Exceedingly low genetic diversity in snow leopards due to persistently small population size

Author: Solari, K. A., Morgan, S., Poyarkov, A. D., Weckworth, B., Samelius, G., Sharma, K., Ostrowski, S., Ramakrishnan, U., Kubanychbekov, Z., Kachel, S., Johansson, O., Lkhagvajav, P., Hemmingmoore, H., Alexandrov, D. Y., Bayaraa, M., Grachev, A., Korablev, M. P., Hernandez-Blanco, J. A., Munkhtsog, B., Rosenbaum, B., Rozhnov, V. V., Rajabi, A. M., Noori, H., Suryawanshi, K. R., Armstrong, E. E., Petrov, D. A.

Abstract: Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) serve as an umbrella species whose conservation benefits their high-elevation Asian habitat. Their numbers are believed to be in decline due to numerous anthropogenic threats; however, their conservation is hindered by numerous knowledge gaps. In particular, the dearth of genetic data, unique among all big cat species, hinders a full understanding of their population structure, historical population size, and current levels of genetic diversity. Here, we use whole-genome sequencing data for 41 snow leopards (37 newly sequenced) to offer insights into these unresolved aspects of snow leopard biology. Among our samples, we find evidence of a primary genetic divide between the northern and southern part of the range around the Dzungarian Basin—as previously identified using landscape models and fecal microsatellite markers—and a secondary divide south of Kyrgyzstan around the Taklamakan Desert. Most noteworthy, we find that snow leopards have the lowest genetic diversity of any big cat species, likely due to a persistently small population size throughout their evolutionary history rather than recent inbreeding. We also find that snow leopards have significantly less highly deleterious homozygous load compared to numerous Panthera species, suggesting effective purging during their evolutionary history at small population sizes. Without a large population size or ample standing genetic variation to help buffer them from any forthcoming anthropogenic challenges, snow leopard persistence may be more tenuous than currently appreciated.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1790

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Title: Next-­Generation Snow Leopard Population Assessment Tool: Multiplex-­ PCR SNP Panel for Individual Identification From Faeces

Author: Solari, K. A., Ahmad, S., Armstrong, E. E., Campana, M. G., Ali, H., Hameed, S., Ullah, J., Khan, B. U., Nawaz, M. A., Petrov, D. A.

Abstract: In recent years, numerous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel methods to genotype non-­ invasive faecal samples have been developed. However, none of these existing methods fit all of the criteria necessary to make a SNP panel broadly usable for conservation projects in any country—cost effective, streamlined lab protocol and user-­ friendly open-­ source bioinformatics protocols for panel design and analysis. Here, we present such a method and display its utility by developing a multiplex PCR SNP panel for conducting individual ID of snow leopards, Panthera uncia, from faecal samples. The SNP panel we present consists of 144 SNPs and utilises next-­ generation sequencing technology. We validate our SNP panel with paired tissue and faecal samples from zoo individuals, showing a minimum of 96.7% accuracy in allele calls per run. We then generate SNP data from 235 field-collected faecal samples from across Pakistan to show that the panel can reliably identify individuals from low-­ quality faecal samples of unknown age and is robust to contamination. We also show that our SNP panel has the capability to identify first-order relatives among sampled zoo individuals and provides insights into the geographic origin of samples. This SNP panel will empower the snow leopard research community in their efforts to assess local and global snow leopard population sizes. More broadly, we present a SNP panel development method that can be used for any species of interest for which adequate genomic reference data is available.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1789

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Title: Snow leopards, prey, and pastoralists: Understanding the impacts of climate change on human–wildlife coexistence in Central Asia

Author: Ghoddousi, A., Eggers, J., Kirchner, K., Cornu, L., Kholmatov, I., Kubanychbekov, Z., Mirzoev, M. N., Sultanbaeva, K., Zhumabai Uulu, K., Baumann, M., Michel, S., Rosen, T., Sharma, K., Hofman, M., Kuemmerle, T.

Abstract: Fostering coexistence between people and wildlife requires understanding their interactions and how they might change in the future. Climate change potentially impacts coexistence by exacerbating resource scarcity, shifting land-use patterns or changing human–wildlife encounters. Assessing challenges and opportunities for coexistence under climate change is, therefore, a conservation priority. We focused on the Central Asian highlands to investigate the spatial interactions between the snow leopard, its prey, and pastoralists and to explore how climate change might affect these interactions. Our results reveal regionally diverging patterns, with a potential for increased human–snow leopard conflict in Tajikistan (4–17% higher distributional overlap), yet an increasing spatial separation of wildlife and pastoralists in Kyrgyzstan (11–26% lower overlap). As a result, even under the same climate change scenario, some landscapes will likely require conflict mitigation measures, while others will offer opportunities for restoring wildlife. This highlights the need for context-specificity to foster positive human–wildlife interactions under climate change.

URL:  https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1788

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Title: Understanding multiple pathways of the impacts of socio-­ economic shocks on large carnivores

Author: Murali, R., Adabaeva, A., AnMuralgulo, S., Arispe, R., Baumann, M., Ghoddousi, A., Hamidi, A. K., Jansen, M., Khalatbari, L., Khorozyan, I., Maillard, O., Muller, D., Munoz, A. R., Rosen, T., Rumiz, D., Soshin, A., Yusefi, G. H., Kummerle, T.

Abstract: 1. Large carnivores are ecologically, economically and socially important, but they are also among the most threatened species worldwide. These species face numerous threats, most importantly habitat transformation, prey depletion and hunting. All of these threats could be exacerbated by socio-­ economic shocks—such as financial crises, wars, pandemics or political regime shifts—that can cause sudden and
structural changes in social-­ ecological systems. However, the different pathways through which such shocks impact large carnivores are unclear.
2. Here, we used a social-­ ecological systems approach to build a conceptual framework that investigates these pathways. We used expert workshops and case-­ specific, narrative literature reviews to illustrate this framework for three cases: (1) impacts of economic sanctions on the Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) in Iran, (2) impacts of global commodity price shocks on the jaguar (Panthera onca) in Bolivia and (3) impacts of the collapse of the Soviet Union on the snow leopard (P. uncia) in Kyrgyzstan.
3. We found that conservation and agricultural institutions were crucial for carnivore conservation, despite the different nature of the shocks and the different socio-­ economic settings across cases. We identified linkages between carnivore conservation and the global economy at the levels of nations and communities,
which increased the vulnerability of carnivores to shocks.
4. Our cases highlighted the need to proactively create resilient institutions focused on local capacity building, enhancement of social stability and built on internal motivations for conservation, to secure the future of large carnivores in turbulent times.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1787

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Title: Community-Based Snow Leopard Monitoring through Mobile Technology

Author: Pratihast, A. K., Sharma, N., Cappello, C., Schlueter, J., van Eupen, M., Subedi, A., Tymofeiev, I., Kaupisch, K., Subedi, N.

Abstract: The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), a flagship species of high-altitude ecosystems, faces critical threats, including human-wildlife conflict driven by livestock depredation. We developed a community-based snow leopard monitoring system in Nepal’s Nar and Phu Valley, integrating mobile-based tools for data collection and conflict mitigation. Using the mobile app, local communities documented 483 snow leopard observations (e.g., footprints) between 2023 and 2024. Additionally, we found that the majority of the existing 91 livestock corrals lacked protection from predators. In response, we constructed eight predator-proof corrals to improve
livestock protection. A total of 21 herders filed applications to claim livestock loss compensation, demonstrating the utility of our app to facilitate conflict management efforts. The app usage rate has increased over the years, but challenges like limited mobile connectivity in remote areas and the need for continuous training and local engagement remain to improve its long term uptake. The findings contribute to strategies aimed at reducing human-snow leopard conflicts while fostering coexistence.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1786

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Title: Evaluating snow leopard population connectivity: is Kazakhstan a bridge for gene flow between the northern and southwestern range?

Author: Miroslav, P. K., Grachev, A. A., Poyarkov, A. D., Saparbayev, S. K., Hernandez-Blanco, J. A., Bespalov, S. V., Bespalov, M. V., Baidavletov, Y. R., Alexandrov, D. Y., Karnaukhov, A. S., Malykh, S. V., Munkhtsog, B., Bayaraa, M., Rozhnov, V. V.

Abstract: The number of studies on snow leopard (Panthera uncia) ecology has surged dramatically over the past few decades. However, despite this increase, many essential aspects of the species biology, which are critical for shaping effective conservation and management strategies, remain poorly understood. A particularly crucial area of research is the population connectivity and genetic structure of snow leopards across their naturally fragmented range. In our study, we focused on the Dzungarian region, specifically Kazakhstan, which has been repeatedly identified as a potentially significant area of connectivity between the southwestern and northern portions of the snow leopard range. We analyzed 54 sequences of mtDNA control region and 73 individual microsatellite multilocus genotypes of snow leopards from Russia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan to recognize both historical and recent signatures of gene flow between the major fragmented regions of the species’ distribution. Our results confirm the Dzungarian region’s role as a crucial area of connectivity between the core and northern populations, thereby providing empirical support for prior habitat- and connectivity-model predictions. However, we did not find clear evidence to unambiguously identify whether Kazakhstan or Chinese Xinjiang serves as the primary corridor linking these two fragmented parts of the snow leopard range. Further research efforts are needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of population connectivity in this focal region. Considering the Dzungarian region’s potential to support gene flow between the two major portions of the snow leopard range, conservation strategies should prioritize the preservation of habitats that can function as “stepping stones” to facilitate migration between the Tian Shan and the northern populations in Mongolia and Russia.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1785

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Title: Snow Leopards: What’s Next?

Author: Lovari, S., Ferretti, F.

Abstract: In 2003–2023, the number of papers on snow leopards has grown by a 20‐fold increase. An important missing topic has been the variation of ecological parameters because of the ongoing meteorological change and the relevant effects on leopard food resources, i.e. distribution and numbers of wild herbivores. Also, information on prey populations from camera‐traps set for leopards requires caution: in fact, meso-large carnivores and herbivores use the habitat differently. Questionnaire methodology deserves attention, too.

URL:  https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1784

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Title: Searching for a needle in a haystack: Population estimation of snow leopards in the western Mongolian Altai by means of camera-trapping

Author: Augugliaro, C., Atzeni, L., Rovero, F., Rosembaum, B., Munkhtsog, B., Monti, I. E., Ciaramella, D., Christe, P., Zimmermann, F.

Abstract: Apex carnivores such as the snow leopard are notoriously difficult to monitor, and gathering abundance data presents technical and analytical challenges. Such information is scarce for the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), which is threatened by habitat degradation, decline of wild prey, and retaliatory killing. With this study, we fill a knowledge gap by conducting camera-trapping surveys in two national parks (NPs) and one Strictly Protected Area (SPA) in previously under-surveyed habitats in the western Mongolian Altai. We report low detection rates in the two NPs, respectively 14 detections in the Silkhem-B (513 km2) and two detections in Tavan Bogd (720 km2), preventing us from adopting spatial capture-recapture frameworks (SCR). In the Khork Serkhe SPA, we surveyed an area of 811 km2 and tested the effect of elevation on the density parameter (D) and explored relationships between the encounter probability (λ0) and the ranging parameter (σ) with behavioral, topographical, and biotic covariates. We also evaluated the effect of topography in determining movements across activity centers. We obtained 32 detection events of 10 adult snow leopards. Snow leopard density (95 % CI) estimates from the first two top models were 0.93 (0.45–1.8) and 0.92 (0.48–1.9) individuals/100 km2. Density from the best models was weakly dependent on elevation. Baseline encounter probability varied with the behavioral response covariate (bk), indicating changes in detection probability after initial capture, and activity centers were influenced by ruggedness. This study represents an additional effort toward establishing robust density data for the elusive and threatened snow leopard, confirming previous observations of low densities in the Westernmost Altai Mountains. By providing site-specific population estimates in this area, it contributes to the PAWS initiative, enhancing our understanding of snow leopard population densities and distribution in this critical part of their range.

Please find details below of a new article added to our Bibliography:

Title: Population genetic structure of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Bhutan and connectivity with regional populations

Author: Dhendup, T., Robinson, J. J., Sorger, G., Wangdi, S., Hacker, C., Yuguang, Z., Janecka, J. E.

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.

URL: https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1782

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Title:  Snow leopard prey selection on the mountain-adapted ibex: seasonal switching between prime-aged males and newborn kids

Author:  Johansson, O., Mishra, C., Lkhagvajav, P., Samelius, G., Alexander, J. S., Low, M.

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.

URL:  https://snowleopardnetwork.org/b/show.php?record=1781