Range contraction of snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Abstract

Snow Leopard ( Panthera uncia ) is native to mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, where it occurs from 3,000–4500 m elevation. The species is enlisted as “Endangered” by IUCN and its populations are reportedly declining. In the current study, we compared the past and current distribution ranges of the species using spatial analysis. We used Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) software to reconstruct and quantify its past distribution range and compare with its current one. Snow leopard was found more widely distributed in the past having a distribution range of approximately 10.47 million km 2 against the current 3.20 million km 2 . Range contraction of the species approximates 69%. A total of 719 terrestrial protected areas of Asia (out of total 7209) had this species in the past whereas at current, only 311 protected areas support this species. The results emphasize escalating conservation efforts to save its remaining distribution range.

Historical and current distribution ranges and loss of mega-herbivores and carnivores of Asia

“…The location data on historical distribution/occurrence of the ten target megafaunal species were collected from published and unpublished literature, our sources included journal articles, books, research thesis, newspaper articles, and personal communications with reputable scientists. Historic location data on the distribution of focal species were collected as described by Mahmood et al (2019) . Data on ecological parameters were also collected including vegetation type, altitude, etc., when available.…”

“…Data on ecological parameters were also collected including vegetation type, altitude, etc., when available. The articles or records having weak evidence and location data were excluded from the analysis to remove bias and only those sources and records were considered having accurate location data of target species ( Mahmood et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Location data were then imported into google earth software and saved as KML (keyhole Markup Language) files which were then converted into Shapefiles in QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) software ( Mahmood et al, 2019 ). The output was a vector layer having a known historical distribution of focal species (blue dots; Fig.…”

“…Using toggle editor in QGIS software we filled gaps in distribution ranges of species based on previously existing historical maps and ecological factors. During filling gaps in distribution maps the inclusion criteria were if we lacked information related to the historical presence/distribution of a species in an area surrounded by known historical presence and there was no apparent ecological barrier or difference with the surroundings, we considered it as part of the historical distribution range ( Mahmood et al, 2019 ).…”

Investigation of the population area of snow leopard in the Central Tian-Shan Mountains

“…Geoinformation technology and digital identification research methods have been used as powerful tools of sophisticated research on analyzing the population area of these animals, their prey-resources, migration mobility and other biological features. Geoinformation systems, remote sensing and geospatial data processing software applications allow to solve a wide range of research tasks that allow developing digital maps with areal of the snow leopard [6,7].…”