scholarly journals Recovery of snow leopard Uncia uncia in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, Nepal

Oryx ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Som B. Ale ◽  
Pralad Yonzon ◽  
Kamal Thapa
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Mount Everest ◽  
Grazing Land ◽  
System A ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Hemitragus Jemlahicus ◽  
Himalayan Tahr ◽  
Snow Leopards

From September to November 2004 we conducted surveys of snow leopard Uncia uncia signs in three major valleys in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park in Nepal using the Snow Leopard Information Management System, a standardized survey technique for snow leopard research. We walked 24 transects covering c. 14 km and located 33 sites with 56 snow leopard signs, and 17 signs incidentally in other areas. Snow leopards appear to have re-inhabited the Park, following their disappearance c. 40 years ago, apparently following the recovery of Himalayan tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus and musk deer Moschus chrysogaster populations. Taken together the locations of all 73 recent snow leopard signs indicate that the species is using predominantly grazing land and shrubland/open forest at elevations of 3,000–5,000 m, habitat types that are also used by domestic and wild ungulates. Sagarmatha is the homeland of c. 3,500 Buddhist Sherpas with >3,000 livestock. Along with tourism and associated developments in Sagarmatha, traditional land use practices could be used to ensure coexistence of livestock and wildlife, including the recovering snow leopards, and ensure the wellbeing of the Sherpas.

scholarly journals Abundance of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its wild prey in Chhekampar VDC, Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. P. Devkota ◽  
T. Silwal ◽  
B. P. Shrestha ◽  
A. P. Sapkota ◽  
S. P. Lakhey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Religious Tradition ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Encounter Rate ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Blue Sheep ◽  
Himalayan Tahr ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Panthera Uncia

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is the striking symbol as well as an indicator of intact eco-regions of high mountains it inhabits. Despite the advancement in new methods, scholars argue that signs are still a reliable indicator for the purpose of habitat use study of snow leopards. The relative abundance of snow leopard and its major prey species such as blue sheep (Pseudois nayar) and Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in the Chhekampar Village Development Committee within the Tsum Valley of the Manaslu Conservation Area was determined by sign survey using Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) and block survey using Vantage Point Method, respectively. We also assessed human snow leopard conflict through household and key informant survey. The encounter rate of snow leopard signs were 3.57/km on an average, indicating low abundance, whereas prey species such as blue sheep and Himalayan tahr had 3.8 and 1.8 animals/km2, respectively. The livestock depredation rate was 1.29% with snow leopard accounting to only 0.32% of the total. Due to the low abundance of snow leopard but sufficient number of large-sized wild prey species, livestock predation by snow leopard was minimum, and therefore, the local people had positive perception towards snow leopard conservation. Though the present situation including the local religious tradition and social norms is supportive in conservation of snow leopard, it may not sustain unless incentive programs are encouraged timely.Banko Janakari, Vol. 27, No. 1, Page : 11-20

scholarly journals Factors contributing to a striking shift in human–wildlife dynamics in Hemis National Park, India: 22 years of reported snow leopard depredation

Oryx ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pushpinder S. Jamwal ◽  
Jigmet Takpa ◽  
Michael H. Parsons
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Government ◽  
Hunting Regulations ◽  
Government Records ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Free Ranging

AbstractHemis National Park of the Trans-Himalayas is home to a large population of the snow leopard Panthera uncia and increasing numbers of agro-pastoralists. To persist in this harsh terrain, farmers have to either farm livestock or hunt free-ranging, native ungulates. The availability of more livestock and fewer natural prey created a dynamic whereby snow leopards depredated livestock, followed by retaliatory killing of snow leopards. In 1992, to assist farmers and wildlife, the government enacted a cost-compensation scheme. Following a decade with marginally fewer depredation events, in 2002, two additional strategies were implemented: predator-proof holding pens and the Himalayan Homestay Programme. We assessed 22 years (1992–2013) of depredation data, comparing the periods before and after the additional initiatives. Government records showed that during 1992–2013, 1,624 livestock were depredated from 339 sites, with c. USD 15,000 paid as compensation. There were significantly more kills annually before (a mean of 41) than after (3.5) the initiatives, and mass killings (≥ 5 animals killed per attack) were significantly reduced from 5.5 to 0.5 events per year. Goats and sheep (57%) and horses (13%) comprised the majority of losses. The marked reduction in depredation occurred whilst regulations against hunting were being enforced, probably resulting in an increase in the number of wild prey as alternative food. We conclude that together, cost-compensation, tighter hunting regulations, improved holding pens and the Homestay Programme helped support the well-being of the community while aiding conservation efforts.

Prey Behavior Leads to Predator: A Case Study of the Himalayan Tahr and the Snow Leopard in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Som B. Ale ◽  
Joel S. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Vigilance Behavior ◽  
Prey Behavior ◽  
Himalayan Tahr ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Large Predators

Rare, elusive predators offer few sightings, hindering research with small sample sizes and lack of experimentation. While predators may be elusive, their prey are more readily observed. Prey respond to the presence of a predator, and these fear responses may have population- and community-level consequences. Anti-predator behaviors, such as vigilance, allow us to sidestep the difficulty of direct field studies of large predators by studying them indirectly. Here we used a behavioral indicator, the vigilance behavior of the Himalayan tahr, the snow leopard's main local prey, to reveal the distribution and habitat use of snow leopards in the Mt. Everest region of Nepal. We combined techniques of conventional field biology with concepts of foraging theory to study prey behavior in order to obtain insights into the predator's ecology. The Himalayan tahr's vigilance behavior correlates with the distribution of snow leopard signs. Tahr actually led us to six sightings of snow leopards. We conclude that behavioral indicators provided by prey offer a valuable tool for studying and monitoring stealthy and rare carnivores.

scholarly journals The spatial structure of а snow leopard population (Panthera uncia, Felidae, Carnivora) in east Kyrgyzstan

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 17-28
Author(s):  
Victor S. Lukarevskiy ◽  
Alexander P. Vereshchagin ◽  
Svyatoslav V. Lukarevskiy
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Tien Shan ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Marking Activity ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Panthera Uncia

The distribution of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia uncia (Shreber, 1775) across its geographic range is associated exclusively with the mountain landscapes. The most important factor in maintaining the integrity and viability of a population is its structure.Our studies were conducted in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and covered most of the range of snow leopard in East Kyrgyzstan. Each territory was surveyed through series of routes. The main methods used in field research were: searching for traces of vital activity, conducting short trail surveys, and using the SLIMS (Snow Leopard Information Management System) technique.In order to study the spatial structure of the snow leopard population, we conducted individual DNA-based identification and GPS registration of bioassays collected from all individuals inhabiting this territory.  Biological samples (tissue, fur, and excrement) were obtained following the protocols for collecting bioassays. A total of 146 samples (2 of wool, 2 of tissue, and 142 of excrement) were collected in nature in the Central Tien Shan Mts within Kyrgyzstan (in the Sarychat-Ertash Reserve, and in the area of the Kainar River).Snow leopard DNA was identified in 70 samples. A total of 21 individual snow leopards (8 females and 13 males) were identified. All females of a local population of the Sarychat-Ertash Reserve, with the exception of one, were directly related to each other. The same is true for most of males (11 of 13). Two females were accompanied by kittens. All females settled near the maternal site, while almost all males, which were born there, move away. There is a direct correlation between population density and marking activity.

scholarly journals Status of Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia) in Humla District, Western Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 49-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Khatiwada ◽  
Y Ghimirey
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Scientific World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Vantage Points

This study was carried out in the Humla District, West Nepal during April - May 2007. The Snow Leopard Information Management System, SLIMS (second order survey technique) developed by International Snow Leopard Trust was used to determine the status of snow leopard in the area. Altogether, 13 transects (total length of 6.76 km) were laid down in the major two blocks of Humla. A total of 45 snow leopard's Signs (32 scrapes, 11 feces, 1 urine mark and 1 pugmark) were recorded. Fixed-point count from method was used for blue sheep survey from appropriate vantage points. Interviews were conducted to find out relevant information on livestock depredation patterns and locals perception towards snow leopard. Out of 12 households surveyed in the area, 60% of herders lost livestock due to snow leopards. A total of 16 animals were reportedly lost due to snow leopards in 2007. High retaliatory killing and poaching are the major threat to the species in the area. Therefore, long-run survival of the species seems uncertain in the area. Habitat disturbance and over grazing have disturbed the prey species and ultimate impact on snow leopard. More awareness and income generation programs are needed to make the locals aware about the role of predator in the ecosystem. Key words: Snow leopard; Prey species; Status; Humla; Conflict. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3825 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.49-52

scholarly journals Co-occurrence of snow leopard Panthera uncia, Siberian ibex Capra sibirica and livestock: potential relationships and effects

Oryx ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Rovero ◽  
Claudio Augugliaro ◽  
Rasmus Worsøe Havmøller ◽  
Claudio Groff ◽  
Fridolin Zimmermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Altai Mountains ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Wild Ungulate ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractUnderstanding 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 494 detections of wild mammals and 912 of domestic ungulates, dogs and humans. Snow leopards and Siberian ibex were recorded 14 and 33 times, respectively. Co-occurrence modelling showed that livestock had a higher estimated occupancy (0.65) than ibex, whose occupancy was lower in the presence of livestock (0.11) than in its absence (0.34–0.35 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.

scholarly journals Tahr in a Nepal National Park

Oryx ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. B. Green
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
National Park ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Continuous Distribution ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Hemitragus Jemlahicus ◽  
Himalayan Tahr ◽  
The Himalaya ◽  
Land Use Practices ◽  
Traditional Land Use

The Himalayan tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus occurs along the southern flanks of the Himalaya, from the Pir Panjal Range in northern India eastwards through Nepal to Sikkim, between 1500m and 5200m. It is also reported as being ‘not uncommon’ at 1500–2100m in southwest Bhutan. It is the only one of the three surviving tahr species that is not endangered. In Nepal its formerly continuous distribution has been disrupted by traditional land-use practices, which are spreading due to the increasing human population, and some hunting. Schaller mapped 14 populations known to occur in Nepal, but many more undoubtedly exist.

scholarly journals Status, Distribution and Potential Habitat of Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), and Conflict Areas with Livestock in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bikram Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
National Park ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Total Potential ◽  
Sagarmatha National Park ◽  
Hemitragus Jemlahicus ◽  
Himalayan Tahr ◽  
Habitat Variables

Study on status, distribution and potential habitat of Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), and conflict areas with livestock in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal was carried out from 21th June to 14th July 2004 in Sagarmatha National Park, which is important for conservation of this animal, pastureland and snow leopard. The numbers of tahr sighted, their age/sex, and distance to escape terrain and habitat variables were collected from five scan points and four transects. Grazing pasturelands were identified by field visits and questionnaire survey. Maps of potential habitat suitability and areas of spatial overlap with livestock were prepared by using geographical information system (GIS). A total population of 205 tahrs within 11 groups was estimated in the park. Tahrs were recorded at various altitudes ranging from 3685 to 4380 m with a mean elevation of 4059.18 m. The male groups were found at higher elevation than female groups, and the latter had larger group sizes. The overall mean group size was 18.7 with 45 being the largest group. Normally more number of tahrs were found on smooth terrain of vegetated surface on southern aspects. All observations ranged from 50 to 200 m distances from a escape terrain. An analysis on potential habitat of the tahr revealed the occurrences of 56442.5 ha of land surface in the protected area of which summer habitat covers 29483.25 ha, winter habitat with 4064.0 ha and overlapping areas of summer and winter accounts amounts to 22895.25 ha. The present analysis showed 17.43% of the total potential areas of the Himalayan tahr is under conflict inside the park. <i>Nepal Journal of Science and Technology</i> Vol. 7, 2006

scholarly journals Issues and Opportunities Associated with Trophy Hunting and Tourism in Khunjerab National Park, Northern Pakistan

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wajid Rashid ◽  
Jianbin Shi ◽  
Inam ur Rahim ◽  
Shikui Dong ◽  
Hameeda Sultan
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Mass Tourism ◽  
Trophy Hunting ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Snow Leopards

Trophy hunting and mass tourism are the two major interventions designed to provide various socioeconomic and ecological benefits at the local and regional levels. However, these interventions have raised some serious concerns that need to be addressed. This study was conducted in Khunjerab National Park (KNP) with an aim to analyze comparatively the socioeconomic and ecological impacts of trophy hunting and mass tourism over the last three decades within the context of sustainability. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders and household interviews were conducted to collect data on trophy hunting and mass tourism, and on local attitudes towards these two interventions in and around KNP. The results revealed that 170 Ibex (Capra sibirica) and 12 Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) were hunted in the study area over the past three decades, and trophy hunting was not based on a sustainable harvest level. Trophy hunting on average generated USD 16,272 annual revenue, which was invested in community development. However, trophy hunting has greatly changed the attitudes of local residents towards wildlife: a positive attitude towards the wild ungulates and strongly negative attitude towards wild carnivores. In addition, trophy hunting has reduced the availability of ungulate prey species for Snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and consequently, Snow leopards have increased their predation on domestic livestock. This has, in turn, increased human–snow leopard conflict, as negative attitudes towards carnivores result in retaliatory killing of Snow leopards. Furthermore, according to official record data, the number of tourists to KNP has increased tremendously by 10,437.8%, from 1382 in 1999 to 145,633 in 2018. Mass tourism on average generated USD 33,904 annually and provided opportunities for locals to earn high incomes, but it caused damages to the environment and ecosystem in KNP through pollution generation and negative impacts on wildlife. Considering the limited benefits and significant problems created by trophy hunting and mass tourism, we suggest trophy hunting should be stopped and mass tourism should be shifted to ecotourism in and around KNP. Ecotourism could mitigate human–Snow leopard conflicts and help conserve the fragile ecosystem, while generating enough revenue incentives for the community to protect biodiversity and compensate for livestock depredation losses to Snow leopards. Our results may have implications for management of trophy hunting and mass tourism in other similar regions that deserve further investigation.

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