Blue sheep strongly affect snow leopard relative abundance but not livestock depredation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Filla, Marc; Lama, Rinzin Phunjok; Ghale, Tashi Rapte; Filla, Tim; Heurich, Marco; Waltert, Matthias; Khorozyan, Igor

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02153

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 122 publications

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“…SEM results support the idea that snow leopard activity patterns stem from their preference for blue sheep as wild prey (Figure 5 ), which align with the behavioral response race theory (Sih, 1984 ). Therefore, our findings echo prior research that the presence of blue sheep is a critical biological factor determining snow leopard spatial utilization (Filla, Lama, Filla, et al, 2022 , Filla, Lama, Ghale, et al, 2022 ; Suryawanshi et al, 2021 ). Prey species employ various strategies to mitigate predation risk in numerous ways, such as reducing foraging time, selecting less risky areas or times for foraging, or enhancing vigilance in high‐risk zones (Chitwood et al, 2022 ; Makin et al, 2017 ).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…In summary, numerous factors influence large carnivore‐livestock interactions, including grazing practices (Maheshwari & Sathyakumar, 2020 ), grazing scale (Filla, Lama, Filla, et al, 2022 , Filla, Lama, Ghale, et al, 2022 ; Sueur et al, 2014 ), wild prey availability (Lu & Bullock, 2021 ; Thapa et al, 2021 ; Wilkinson et al, 2020 ), and community cultural context (Shao et al, 2021 ). A lack of ecological data may hinder the effectiveness of carnivore conservation strategies development (Li, Bleisch, et al, 2020 , Li, McShea, et al, 2020 ; Wang et al, 2014 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Snow leopards depend on wild ungulates such as blue sheep ( Pseudois nayaur ), ibex ( Capra sibirica ), and argali ( Ovis ammon ), among others, as their main prey (Johansson et al, 2015 ; Shao et al, 2021 ; Suryawanshi et al, 2017 ). The abundance and distribution of these ungulates decide the population dynamics and spatial patterns of snow leopards (Filla, Lama, Filla, et al, 2022 , Filla, Lama, Ghale, et al, 2022 ; Sharief et al, 2022 ). Increasing grazing activities pressure wild ungulates (Karimov et al, 2018 ; Lu et al, 2021 ), potentially affecting the predation efficiency of large carnivores such as the snow leopard indirectly (Ghoshal et al, 2017 ; Yang et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Free‐ranging livestock affected the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Shi

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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Long recognized as a threat to wildlife, particularly for large carnivores, livestock grazing in protected areas can potentially undermine conservation objectives. The interspecific interactions among livestock, snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and their wild prey in fragile Asian highland ecosystems have been a subject of debate. We strategically deployed 164 camera traps in the Wolong National Nature Reserve to systematically investigate the activities of snow leopards, their primary wild ungulate prey species, and free-ranging livestock. We found that snow leopard habitat use was influenced by both wild prey and livestock. Blue sheep served as the main wild prey that spatially attracted snow leopards and coexisted with yaks while free-ranging yaks significantly restricted snow leopard habitat use both temporally and spatially.This study challenges the conventional understanding that livestock indirectly impacts large carnivores by competing with and displacing wild prey. Our findings highlight that free-ranging yaks within the alpine canyon terrain could directly limit snow leopard habitat use, suggesting a potential risk of grazing in reducing apex predator distribution and jeopardizing their populations. Consequently, managing their coexistence in shared habitats requires a more nuanced approach. Furthermore, our research underscores the importance of further research efforts aimed at enhancing our comprehension of the complex interplay within animal communities and ecosystems. This knowledge will contribute to the development of informed, evidence-based conservation strategies and policies.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Free‐ranging livestock affected the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Shi

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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“…Both the ACA and DHR are similar in their habitat structure and wildlife diversity, and are part of the same conservation region in Nepal. Within this region Blue Sheep are a major keystone species (Aryal et al, 2014;Filla et al, 2021Filla et al, , 2022 and are the most frequently trophy-hunted animal (Aryal et al, 2015;DHR, 2019;NTNC, 2022). While both approaches to conservation have been successful at generating considerable revenue from tourism (DNPWC, 2012;DHR, 2019), it is likely that these different tourism activities (observation versus hunting) have different impacts on the behavioural profiles of focal wildlife species (Setsaas et al, 2007(Setsaas et al, , 2018Muposhi et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential impact of trophy hunting on vigilance and flight behaviour in Blue Sheep (Bharal: Pseudois nayaur)

Kandel

Ghimire

Silwal

et al. 2022

Global Ecology and Conservation

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Rare and unusual snow leopard encounters in the broadleaf forest of the Bhutanese Himalayas

Dorji,

Letro,

Yangden

et al. 2024

SLR

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The snow leopard Panthera uncia, a top predator in Central and South Asia, faces population declines due to habitat degradation, prey depletion, retaliatory killings, poaching, and climate change. In Bhutan, where the species is protected, we report two rare sightings in the Gedu regionʼs broadleaved and fir forests, at 2,708 masl and 3,839 masl, respectively, which are lower than the typical speciesʼ prime habitats in Bhutan. These findings suggest that this area may function as an important corridor or a potential range expansion beyond typical high-altitude habitats (3,000 to 5,800 masl). This discovery underscores the speciesʼ ecological adaptability and highlights the need for enhanced conservation strategies, including habitat connectivity mapping and local community education. Additionally, it highlights the importance of protecting and conserving habitats outside of protected areas for speciesʼ long-term persistence.

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Blue sheep strongly affect snow leopard relative abundance but not livestock depredation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Cited by 3 publications

References 122 publications

Free‐ranging livestock affected the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Free‐ranging livestock affected the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Potential impact of trophy hunting on vigilance and flight behaviour in Blue Sheep (Bharal: Pseudois nayaur)

Rare and unusual snow leopard encounters in the broadleaf forest of the Bhutanese Himalayas

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