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 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 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 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 The snow leopard in Xinjiang, China

Oryx ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
George B. Schaller ◽  
Li Hong ◽  
Talipu ◽  
Ren Junrang ◽  
Qiu Mingjiang
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Arid Region ◽  
Entire Range ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Eastern Tibet ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Effective Conservation

Snow leopards live in the mountains of Central Asia, their range stretching from Afghanistan to Lake Baikal and eastern Tibet. They are endangered throughout their range, being hunted as predators of man's livestock and for their skin. Much of the snow leopard's range lies in China, but not enough is known about its status there for effective conservation. As part of a project to assess China's high-altitude wildlife resources the authors conducted a survey in Xinjiang—a vast arid region of deserts and mountains. Although the snow leopard and other wildlife have declined steeply in Xinjiang in recent decades, the cat still persists and one area has the potential to become one of the best refuges for the species in its entire range. Its future in Xinjiang, however, depends on well-protected reserves, enforcement of regulations against killing the animal, and proper management of the prey species.

scholarly journals The status of snow leopards Panthera uncia, and high altitude use by common leopards P. pardus, in north-west Yunnan, China

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Buzzard ◽  
Xueyou Li ◽  
William V. Bleisch
Keyword(s):  
Species Conservation ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
West China ◽  
North West ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
South West ◽  
The Status ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractThe Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia is a flagship species of mountainous Asia and a conservation priority. China is the most important country for the species’ conservation because it has the most potential habitat and the largest population of snow leopards. North-west Yunnan province in south-west China is at the edge of the snow leopard's range, and a biodiversity hotspot, where three major Asian rivers, the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween, flow off the Tibetan plateau and cut deep valleys through the Hengduan Mountains. The snow leopard's status in north-west Yunnan is uncertain. We conducted interviews and camera-trapping surveys to assess the species’ status at multiple sites: two east of the Yangtze River and two between the Yangtze and Mekong Rivers. Thirty-eight herders/nature reserve officials interviewed claimed that snow leopards were present, but in 6,300 camera-trap days we did not obtain any photographs of snow leopards, so if the species is present, it is rare. However, we obtained many photographs of potential prey, such as blue sheep Pseudois nayaur, as well as photographs of common leopards Panthera pardus, at high elevations (3,000–4,500 m). More study is necessary in Yunnan and other areas of south-west China to investigate the status and resource overlap of snow leopards and common leopards, especially as climate change is resulting in increases in common leopard habitat and decreases in snow leopard habitat.

scholarly journals Status and conservation of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, Tibet

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 590-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengju Chen ◽  
Yufang Gao ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Qiong Pu ◽  
Cering Lhaba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
National Nature Reserve ◽  
The Status ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Religious Reasons ◽  
Panthera Uncia

AbstractLittle is known about the status of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, located on the northern aspect of Mount Everest in Tibet. To address this, during May–September 2014 we conducted line transects, camera trapping, household interviews, and socioeconomic statistics analysis. We surveyed 14 transects and located 287 putative snow leopard signs, with a mean density of 1.9 sign sites km–1, 3.8 signs km–1, and 1.4 scrapes km–1. We set 41 camera traps and recorded a minimum of seven individual snow leopards. Our results were comparable to snow leopard abundance estimates for neighbouring protected areas in Nepal. Semi-structured interviews with 46 (59%) households found that local people were generally supportive of snow leopard conservation, for a variety of economic, legislative, and religious reasons. The socio-economic situation in the Reserve underwent dramatic changes between 2000 and 2014. The human population increased by 28.9%, the livestock population decreased by 9.9%, the number of tourists in 2014 was 6.8 times greater than in 2005, and the local gross domestic product underwent an annual increase of 15%. We discuss the current threats to snow leopards, and recommend that more rigorous, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary research be undertaken to provide an evidential basis for the formulation of effective conservation policies and programmes.

scholarly journals Identifying Priority Landscapes for Conservation of Snow Leopards in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoaib Hameed ◽  
Jaffar ud Din ◽  
Hussain Ali ◽  
Muhammad Kabir ◽  
Muhammad Younas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Actual Distribution ◽  
Maxent Model ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Diurnal Range ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Habitat Suitability Map ◽  
Snow Leopards ◽  
Gilgit Baltistan

AbstractPakistan’s total estimated snow leopard habitat is about 80,000 km2 of which about half is considered prime. However, this preliminary demarcation was not always in close agreement with the actual distribution—the discrepancy may be huge at the local and regional level. Recent technological developments like camera trapping and molecular genetics allow for collecting reliable presence records that could be used to construct realistic species distribution based on empirical data and advanced mathematical approaches like MaxEnt. Current study followed this approach to construct accurate distribution of the species in Pakistan. Moreover, movement corridors, among different landscapes, were also identified through the circuit theory. The habitat suitability map, generated from 384 presence points and 28 environmental variables, scored the snow leopard’s assumed range in Pakistan, from 0 to 0.97. A large shear of previously known range represented low-quality habitat, including areas in lower Chitral, Swat, Astore and Kashmir. Conversely, Khunjerab, Misgar, Chapursan, Qurumber, Broghil, and Central Karakoram represented high-quality habitats. Variables with higher contribution in the MaxEnt model were precipitation of driest month (34%), annual mean temperature (19.5%), mean diurnal range of temperature (9.8%), annual precipitation (9.4%) and river density (9.2). The validation texts suggest a good model fit, and strong prediction power.The connectivity analysis revealed that the population in the Hindukush landscape appears to be more connected with the population in Afghanistan as compared to other populations in Pakistan. Similarly, the Pamir-Karakoram population is better connected with China and Tajikistan, while the Himalayan population was with the population in India.Current study allows for proposing three model landscapes to be considered under GSLEP agenda as regional priority areas, to safeguard safeguard future of the species in the long run. These landsacpes fall in mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Hindu Kush and Karakoram-Pamir, respectively. We also identified gaps in existing protected areas network, and suggest new protected areas in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan to protect critical habitats of snow leopard in Pakistan.

scholarly journals Conservation of snow leopards: spill-over benefits for other carnivores?

Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine S. Alexander ◽  
Jeremy J. Cusack ◽  
Chen Pengju ◽  
Shi Kun ◽  
Philip Riordan
Keyword(s):  
Red Fox ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Snow Leopard ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Eurasian Lynx ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Sign Surveys ◽  
Snow Leopards

AbstractIn high-altitude settings of Central Asia the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia has been recognized as a potential umbrella species. As a first step in assessing the potential benefits of snow leopard conservation for other carnivores, we sought a better understanding of the presence of other carnivores in areas occupied by snow leopards in China's Qilianshan National Nature Reserve. We used camera-trap and sign surveys to examine whether other carnivores were using the same travel routes as snow leopards at two spatial scales. We also considered temporal interactions between species. Our results confirm that other carnivores, including the red fox Vulpes vulpes, grey wolf Canis lupus, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and dhole Cuon alpinus, occur along snow leopard travel routes, albeit with low detection rates. Even at the smaller scale of our camera trap survey all five carnivores (snow leopard, lynx, wolf, red fox and dhole) were observed. Kernel density estimates suggested a high degree of temporal overlap between the snow leopard and the fox, and the snow leopard and the lynx, as indicated by high overlap coefficient estimates. There is an opportunity to consider protective measures at the local scale that would benefit various species simultaneously. However, it should also be recognized that snow leopard conservation efforts could exacerbate human–wildlife conflicts through their protective effect on other carnivore species.

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE — A CASE-BASED APPROACH

2012 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 1250007 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÜRGEN EICHBERGER ◽  
ANI GUERDJIKOVA
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Technology Learning ◽  
The Public ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Technological Adaptation ◽  
Long Run

We present a model of technological adaptation in response to a change in climate conditions. The main feature of the model is that new technologies are not just risky, but also ambiguous. Pessimistic agents are thus averse to adopting a new technology. Learning is induced by optimists, who are willing to try out technologies about which there is little evidence available. We show that both optimists and pessimists are crucial for a successful adaptation. While optimists provide the public good of information which gives pessimists an incentive to innovate, pessimists choose the new technology persistently in the long-run which increases the average returns for the society. Hence, the optimal share of optimists in the society is strictly positive. When the share of optimists in the society is too low, innovation is slow and the obtained steady-state is inefficient. We discuss two policies which can potentially alleviate this inefficiency: Subsidies and provision of additional information. We show that if precise and relevant information is available, pessimists would be willing to pay for it and consequently adopt the new technology. Hence, providing information might be a more efficient policy, which is both self-financing and results in better social outcomes.

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