scholarly journals Visitors’ willingness to pay for snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Oryx ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 633-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice G. Schutgens ◽  
Jonathan H. Hanson ◽  
Nabin Baral ◽  
Som B. Ale
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Annapurna Conservation Area ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Logit Regression Model ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractThe 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 406 international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, between May and June 2014, to determine their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the 49% 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 59 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.

scholarly journals Status and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Api Nampa Conservation Area, Nepal

Oryx ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal Khanal ◽  
Laxman Prasad Poudyal ◽  
Bishnu Prasad Devkota ◽  
Rishi Ranabhat ◽  
Per Wegge
Keyword(s):  
Forest Products ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Encounter Rate ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Sign Surveys ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractThe 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. 200 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.

scholarly journals The Pack Hunter (Dhole): Received Little Scientific Attention

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 8-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambika Pd Khatiwada ◽  
KD Awasthi ◽  
Narayan Pd Gautam ◽  
Shant Raj Jnawali ◽  
Naresh Subedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Conservation Education ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
History Of ◽  
Scientific Attention ◽  
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

The dholes received little scientific attention due to the lower charisma factor than other larger carnivores found in the same areas like Tiger and Snow Leopard. This is the first study of dholes that was conducted in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), Nepal in 2010. Camera trapping, sign survey, interview and group discussion with local people were carried out to assess the presence/absence of dholes in KCA, conflict with humans and to know the history of dholes in the area. The camera trapping evidence (Three pictures of dholes caught on camera trap) confirmed the dhole presence in KCA. According to the Snow Leopard Conservation Sub-Committee (SLCC) report about 87.5% of livestock were killed by dholes only in Yamphudin. Conservation education and comprehensive carnivore conservation action plan is recommended for the conservation of dholes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5531The Initiation Vol.4 2011 8-13

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 Determinants of herder attitudes towards the Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia in Yushu Prefecture, China

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Hacker ◽  
Yunchuan Dai ◽  
Yifan Cheng ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Yuguang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Qinghai Province ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Financial Burdens ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Panthera Uncia

Abstract Yushu Prefecture in Qinghai Province provides some of the largest known stretches of habitat for the Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia in China. People living in these areas are dependent on agropastoralism. Support from local communities is necessary for effective long-term conservation action for snow leopards, but loss of livestock to snow leopards can create financial burdens that induce negative attitudes and encourage retaliatory killing. We assessed factors driving herders' attitudes towards snow leopards and their conservation. We found that herders had higher agreement with positive than with negative statements about snow leopards despite nearly half reporting livestock loss to snow leopards within the last 5 years. No retaliatory killing was reported. Herders with more years of formal education and fewer livestock losses were more likely to have positive attitudes whereas those with lower importance of snow leopards to their religion, fewer livestock losses, and fewer years of education were more likely to have negative attitudes. Understanding the multifaceted mechanisms responsible for positive views towards species is imperative for reaching conservation goals. Our findings ascribe to the importance of increased education and adherence to Tibetan beliefs in promoting conservation tolerance towards snow leopards in Qinghai Province, but also indicate a need for further research into the impact of livestock loss.

scholarly journals Willingness to Pay for Maintenance of a Nature Conservation Area: A Case of Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Ezebilo
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Income Group ◽  
High Income Group ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Planning And Design ◽  
Logit Regression Model

<p>Ecosystem services that are not traded on markets contribute to human wellbeing however their economic value is not well known and research is required to reveal it. This paper reports on a study of willingness to pay (WTP) for the maintenance of Mount Wilhelm by urban residents and socio-economic factors influencing it. The possibility of developing an ecotourism strategy that could generate benefits for local are discussed. The data were obtained from questionnaire and personal interviews of residents of Kundiawa, which is the capital of Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logit regression model. The results showed that 92% of the respondents were willing to pay for maintenance of Mount Wilhelm and they would pay an average of 7.4 Papua New Guinea Kina (US$ 2.5) each year. The respondents who belonged to high income group had the highest WTP, followed by those who were willing to give out part of their land for conservation. Approximately 62% of the respondents would pay ≥10 Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK), which is equivalent to the amount charged as access fee to Mount Wilhelm by the locals living around it. The willingness to pay ≥10 PGK was influenced by income, education, importance of forests and willingness to give up land for conservation. The findings will contribute to land use planning and design of nature-based recreation that meets societal demands.</p>

scholarly journals Large carnivores and low diversity of optimal prey: a comparison of the diets of snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus in Sarychat-Ertash Reserve in Kyrgyzstan

Oryx ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kubanychbek Jumabay-Uulu ◽  
Per Wegge ◽  
Charudutt Mishra ◽  
Koustubh Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Canis Lupus ◽  
Tien Shan ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Competition For Food ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Ovis Ammon ◽  
Tien Shan Mountains ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractIn the cold and arid mountains of Central Asia, where the diversity and abundance of wild ungulates are generally low, resource partitioning among coexisting carnivores is probably less distinct than in prey-rich areas. Thus, similar-sized carnivores are likely to compete for food. We compared the summer diets of snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus in Sarychat-Ertash Reserve in the Tien-Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan, based on analysis of genetically confirmed scats. Abundances of the principal prey species, argali Ovis ammon and Siberian ibex Capra sibirica, were estimated from field surveys. The diets consisted of few species, with high interspecific overlap (Pianka's index = 0.91). Argali was the predominant prey, with > 50% frequency of occurrence in both snow leopard and wolf scats. This was followed by Siberian ibex and marmots Marmota baibacina. Being largely unavailable, remains of livestock were not detected in any of the scats. In the snow leopard diet, proportions of argali and ibex were in line with the relative availabilities of these animals in the Reserve. This was in contrast to the diet of wolf, where argali occurred according to availability and ibex was significantly underrepresented. The high diet overlap indicates that the two predators might compete for food when the diversity of profitable, large prey is low. Competition may be more intense in winter, when marmots are not available. Hunting of argali and ibex outside the Reserve may be unsustainable and therefore reduce their abundances over time. This will affect both predators negatively and intensify competition for food. Reduction in ibex populations will directly affect the snow leopard, and the wolf is likely to be indirectly affected as a result of increased snow leopard predation of argali.

scholarly journals Status of the mountain ungulate prey of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in the Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi, Mongolia

Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lkhagvasumberel Tumursukh ◽  
Kulbhushansingh R. Suryawanshi ◽  
Charudutt Mishra ◽  
Thomas M. McCarthy ◽  
Bazartseren Boldgiv
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Demographic Surveys ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Ovis Ammon ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractThe availability of wild prey is a critical predictor of carnivore density. However, few conservation programmes have focused on the estimation and monitoring of wild ungulate populations and their trends, especially in the remote mountains of Central Asia. We conducted double-observer surveys to estimate the populations of ibex Capra sibirica and argali Ovis ammon in the mountainous regions of Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi province, Mongolia, which is being considered for designation as a Nature Reserve. We also conducted demographic surveys of the more abundant ibex to examine their sex-ratio and the survival of young during 2012–2013. The estimated ibex population remained stable in 2012 and 2013 and the estimated argali population increased from 108 in 2012 to 230 in 2013. The biomass of wild ungulates was c. 6% that of livestock. Mortality in young ibex appeared to increase after weaning, at the age of 12 months. We estimated the population of wild ungulates was sufficient to support 14–18 adult snow leopards Panthera uncia. The adult snow leopard population in our study area during 2012–2013, estimated independently using camera-trap-based mark–recapture methods, was 12–14. Based on our results we identify the Tost Local Protected Area as an important habitat for the conservation of these ungulates and their predator, the Endangered snow leopard, and recommend elevation of its status to a Nature Reserve.

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