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No silver bullet? Snow leopard prey selection in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal
Kamal Thapa1, Natalie Schmitt2, Narendra M B Pradhan3
1Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry Kritipur Nepal.
Ecology and Evolution
|December 23, 2021
Summary
Snow leopards in Nepal
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Wildlife Management
Background:
- Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) face prey scarcity in some regions.
- Understanding prey preference is crucial for snow leopard conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate snow leopard prey preference in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA).
- To assess the impact of domestic and wild prey availability on snow leopard diet.
- To estimate snow leopard population density and prey biomass in the KCA.
Main Methods:
- Fecal genetic sampling to identify snow leopard scat and individuals.
- Macro- and microscopic analysis of scat for dietary composition.
- Direct observation of prey species (blue sheep and livestock) and habitat assessment.
Main Results:
- 73 out of 88 scat samples confirmed as snow leopard, identifying 19 individuals.
- Estimated snow leopard population density of 3.9 individuals/100 km².
- Snow leopard diet comprised 49% wild prey and 45% domestic livestock, influenced by lower wild prey biomass (78 kg/km²) compared to other regions.
Conclusions:
- Lower wild prey availability in the KCA drives snow leopards to prey on domestic livestock.
- Conservation strategies must include improved livestock protection and community engagement.
- Promoting ecotourism and citizen science can aid long-term snow leopard monitoring and conservation.
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