WildAID are now
in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and
to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the
well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking
to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat
and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based
support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals,
and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world
where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.
SPECIES SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PROG.
SNOW LEOPARD
An Elusive Carnivore
There is
growing consensus that species are disappearing at rates never
before witnessed on the planet. The diversity of species is
necessary for the normal functioning of ecosystem and the biosphere.
A first priority is to resolve the problem of disappearing species –
Snow leopard – and its threatened habitat on both scientific and
political agendas as a major conservation issue. At present the
important factors enhancing in the declining trend of the animal
seems to be the imbalance between prey and predator with respect to
their biological functioning in the food chain. This involves the
study of prey-predator relationship in particular and other factors
that contribute in the declining trend of the cat.
Prey predation
balance is on the verge of collapse in major areas of Kashmir. Our
wild animals are innocuous and harmless; these wild innocents pose a
threat neither to man nor to beast. Beasts of prey like the leopard
keep in check the population of herbivorous animals who cause much
damage to crops. But if such herbivorous animals are killed for any
excuse - protection of standing crops or commercial profits of
poaching, leopard have to fall back on human beings and domestic
cattle.
Snow leopard is an elusive cat
with a potential range of approximately 2.4 million km2
in the arid mountain tracts of Central Asia, the Trans-Himalaya and
the Himalaya. Even though it has a relatively large global range, it
has gone extinct locally at many places and at present are
distributed in fragmented populations spread over less than 1.6
million km2. A coarse, but best possible estimate of its
global population is 3,500 - 7,500 animals. In India, it ranges over
some 75,000 km2, yet number only 200 to 600. Because of
this precarious status, the snow leopard is included in the Schedule
I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and as ‘endangered’
in the IUCN’s Red List.
Snow leopard prefers rugged mountain tracts with abundant prey and
stalking cover. However, in much of the Tibetan plateau and
Mongolia, snow leopard occurs in open, rolling habitats where shrubs
and outcrops offer cover for stalking of abundant prey. The primary
prey species of snow leopard in its range are bharal (Pseudois
nayaur) and ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), although others such as
urial (Ovis vignei), argali (Ovis ammon), markhor (Capra falconeri),
wild goat (Capra agegrus) and marmot (Marmota spp.) may also be
important locally. Estimates suggest that each snow leopard needs
approximately 20 to 30 adult bharal annually. Other estimates
suggest that snow leopards need ca. 730 kg of meat annually from
their large prey species such as bharal, and other smaller ones such
as domestic sheep, goats, marmots and birds. Snow leopard
distribution and status in the wild may be adversely impacted by low
prey density, leading to increased depredation on domestic stock,
thus causing conflicts with resident herders.
While a limited number of studies have yielded modest information on
snow leopard ecology, even less information on population status
across the range is available. The population and range figures
above are largely educated guesses, however, snow leopard most
certainly occurs in small and isolated populations, thus increasing
the threat of the extinction. Information on population status and
structure is however very important to determine viability of
populations. The reason for the lack of information on populations
of snow leopard is because of the elusive nature of the species and
the harsh habitat that it occupies. Snow leopard tends to move, bed
and mark along linear geographical features such as crests, major
ridgelines, at the base of cliffs and in gullies. Monitoring for
signs along these features is the best possible way at present of
estimating snow leopard population trends in an area . This practice
is however not in wide use at present. Use of genetic tools and
camera trapping are other viable alternatives for gathering
information on snow leopard abundance but are expensive.
The fact that the snow leopard
has a wide distribution in the Trans-Himalaya and that it is the
apex predator in most of this region enables the species to be used
as a ‘flagship species’ and an ‘umbrella species’ to guide
conservation efforts in the region.
The snow leopard faces multiple
threats in the Himalayan region, from habitat degradation, loss of
prey, the trade in pelts, parts and live animals, and conflict with
humans, primarily pastoralists. Consequently, the populations are
considered to be in decline and the species is listed as Endangered
in the IUCN’s Red List. As a ‘flagship’ and ‘umbrella’ species the
snow leopard can be a unifying biological feature to raise awareness
of its plight and the need for conservation, which will benefit
other facets of
Himalayan biodiversity as well. Thus, many researchers and
conservationists have advocated landscape-scale approaches to
conservation within a regional context, rather than focusing on
individual protected areas. This regional strategy for WAID’s snow
leopard awareness program is built on such an approach. The
following were identified as important regional issues:
international trade in snow
leopards and parts;
the human-snow leopard
conflict;
the need for a landscape
approach to conservation to provide large spatial areas that can
support demographically and ecologically viable snow leopard
metapopulations;
research on snow leopard
ecology to develop long-term, science-based conservation
management plans; and
The snow leopard is a handsome
animal with a thick coat of silvery fur marked with black spots.
The underbelly and chest are white and the fur is longer to
protect it from the snow beneath. It has stocky limbs and huge
paws, which give it a stable grip on the slippery snow-covered
ground and rocky ridges. A Snow Leopard can be 7 feet long; this
includes its 3-foot tail. It is usually 2 feet tall and weighs
between 25 and 40 Kg.
Snow Leopards are good climbers and stalkers. They are normally
found alone except for small groups of a mother Snow Leopard
with her cubs. Cubs usually become independent after a year of
living with their mothers. A mother leopard normally has 1-3
cubs. Snow Leopards are the primary predator in high altitude
areas and stalk and hunt wild sheep, mountain goats, deer,
rabbits, hares, marmots, and birds such as pheasant and
partridges. Snow Leopards usually hunt in twilight or at night
and sleep through the day therefore minimizing their chances of
being seen.
It is distinguished from Panther [ Panthera pardus ] by its soft
wooly coat, larger black spots, short and wide skull having high
orbits and long thick tail which acts as a balancing organ when
animal negotiates steep cliffs. The animal makes regular
seasonal migrations.
Country
Potential Habitat
(sq.kms)
Population
Estimates
Afghanistan
80,000
unknown
Bhutan
10,000
100
China
400,000
2,000- 2,500
India
95,000
500
Mongolia
130,000
1,000
Nepal
30,000
300-500
Pakistan
80,000
300
Russia
130,000
120
Kazakhstan
71,000
100-120
Kyrgyz Republic
126,000
650
Tajikistan
78,000
< 200-300
Uzbekistan
14,000
< 50
Unfortunately the snow leopard’s charismatic appeal does not extend
to the people who live and eke out a livelihood in the same, often
desolate, habitat. Across the Himalayas snow leopards are hunted for
their highlyprized pelts and bones and persecuted because they prey
on domestic livestock, in part a consequence of a declining prey
base. In many areas the fragile alpine habitat of snow leopards are
also becoming degraded and fragmented as a consequence of
intensifying grazing pressure from increasing numbers of livestock.
Almost all of the range countries have expressed concern about the
threats that are contributing towards the decline of snow leopard
populations, and have taken steps to protect them. However, because
of their secretive habits in inaccessible and remote habitats,
virtually nothing is known about the ecology and behavior of snow
leopards, regional nature of this strategic plan.
Some countries had more
experiences and successes at implementing various activities than
others. To take advantage of these experiences, this strategy will
facilitate a dialog
among the eIEN's and partners to share experiences—both successes
and failures— that can lead to better conservation and regional
cooperation; a process that will be sustained
through a formalized working group. Other organizations working in
snow leopard conservation in the region should come in close
collaborations and partnerships to further the overall goal of
conserving the snow leopards in the Himalayan Mountains.
International Trade : The
international trade in snow leopards and snow leopard parts is
considered an important cross-cutting theme that has to be addressed
on a region-wide scale. An emerging demand for pelts as a major
issue,as was a market for snow leopard cubs by collectors,zoos, and
menageries.
Human-Snow Leopard Conflict : Conflict with people due to
livestock depredation by snow leopards is seen as a major threat.
WAID will investigate the patterns of conflict and depredation
across the Himalayas and develop mitigation strategies. While these
mitigation strategies can be country or region specific,there is
scope to learn from each other and implement successful models more
widely, with appropriate adaptations, across the region. Prey is a
fundamental requirement for predators. Thus, snow leopard existence
depends on the presence of an adequate prey base,especially of the
larger montane ungulates.
Unfortunately there is a perception among herders that the wild
ungulates compete with domestic livestock for forage. Therefore,
establish a research program to investigate the relationship between
wild ungulates and domestic livestock to determine the extent of
competition for forage between these species. The results should
have regional value in conservation planning, especially with the
possible need for grazing exclusion zones and awareness campaigns
among the herders.
Landscapes : Because snow
leopards live at low densities and require large spatial areas,
conserving a large population will require extensive spatial areas;
a strategy that can be best achieved through a landscape approach to
conservation. Thus, the choice of priority areas becomes an
important factor in a regional conservation strategy.
seeking human
survival through wildlife protection...
eIEN South Asia
Western Himalaya Kashmir
WildAID KASHMIR
allowing threatened species to recover safe levels in Kashmir
esrokashmir.org
HOME
Welcome at
WAID
eIEN South Asia
Western Himalaya Kashmir
WildAID are now in Kashmir to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animal and people. Small, but effective, seeking to prevent further destruction of Kashmir's Wildlife and its habitat and level the playing field by infusing resources and broad-based support into campaigns to protect wildlife, captive-held animals, and biodiversity wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. WildAID Kashmir esro Kashmir Chapter sharing a vision of a world where wildlife and wild places are truly protected.
SPECIES SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PROG.
SNOW LEOPARD
An Elusive Carnivore
There is growing consensus that species are disappearing at rates never before witnessed on the planet. The diversity of species is necessary for the normal functioning of ecosystem and the biosphere. A first priority is to resolve the problem of disappearing species – Snow leopard – and its threatened habitat on both scientific and political agendas as a major conservation issue. At present the important factors enhancing in the declining trend of the animal seems to be the imbalance between prey and predator with respect to their biological functioning in the food chain. This involves the study of prey-predator relationship in particular and other factors that contribute in the declining trend of the cat.
Prey predation balance is on the verge of collapse in major areas of Kashmir. Our wild animals are innocuous and harmless; these wild innocents pose a threat neither to man nor to beast. Beasts of prey like the leopard keep in check the population of herbivorous animals who cause much damage to crops. But if such herbivorous animals are killed for any excuse - protection of standing crops or commercial profits of poaching, leopard have to fall back on human beings and domestic cattle.
Snow leopard is an elusive cat with a potential range of approximately 2.4 million km2 in the arid mountain tracts of Central Asia, the Trans-Himalaya and the Himalaya. Even though it has a relatively large global range, it has gone extinct locally at many places and at present are distributed in fragmented populations spread over less than 1.6 million km2. A coarse, but best possible estimate of its global population is 3,500 - 7,500 animals. In India, it ranges over some 75,000 km2, yet number only 200 to 600. Because of this precarious status, the snow leopard is included in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and as ‘endangered’ in the IUCN’s Red List.
Snow leopard prefers rugged mountain tracts with abundant prey and stalking cover. However, in much of the Tibetan plateau and Mongolia, snow leopard occurs in open, rolling habitats where shrubs and outcrops offer cover for stalking of abundant prey. The primary prey species of snow leopard in its range are bharal (Pseudois nayaur) and ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), although others such as urial (Ovis vignei), argali (Ovis ammon), markhor (Capra falconeri), wild goat (Capra agegrus) and marmot (Marmota spp.) may also be important locally. Estimates suggest that each snow leopard needs approximately 20 to 30 adult bharal annually. Other estimates suggest that snow leopards need ca. 730 kg of meat annually from their large prey species such as bharal, and other smaller ones such as domestic sheep, goats, marmots and birds. Snow leopard distribution and status in the wild may be adversely impacted by low prey density, leading to increased depredation on domestic stock, thus causing conflicts with resident herders.
While a limited number of studies have yielded modest information on snow leopard ecology, even less information on population status across the range is available. The population and range figures above are largely educated guesses, however, snow leopard most certainly occurs in small and isolated populations, thus increasing the threat of the extinction. Information on population status and structure is however very important to determine viability of populations. The reason for the lack of information on populations of snow leopard is because of the elusive nature of the species and the harsh habitat that it occupies. Snow leopard tends to move, bed and mark along linear geographical features such as crests, major ridgelines, at the base of cliffs and in gullies. Monitoring for signs along these features is the best possible way at present of estimating snow leopard population trends in an area . This practice is however not in wide use at present. Use of genetic tools and camera trapping are other viable alternatives for gathering information on snow leopard abundance but are expensive.
The fact that the snow leopard has a wide distribution in the Trans-Himalaya and that it is the apex predator in most of this region enables the species to be used as a ‘flagship species’ and an ‘umbrella species’ to guide conservation efforts in the region.
The snow leopard faces multiple threats in the Himalayan region, from habitat degradation, loss of prey, the trade in pelts, parts and live animals, and conflict with humans, primarily pastoralists. Consequently, the populations are considered to be in decline and the species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN’s Red List. As a ‘flagship’ and ‘umbrella’ species the snow leopard can be a unifying biological feature to raise awareness of its plight and the need for conservation, which will benefit other facets of
Himalayan biodiversity as well. Thus, many researchers and conservationists have advocated landscape-scale approaches to conservation within a regional context, rather than focusing on individual protected areas. This regional strategy for WAID’s snow leopard awareness program is built on such an approach. The following were identified as important regional issues:
international trade in snow leopards and parts;
the human-snow leopard conflict;
the need for a landscape approach to conservation to provide large spatial areas that can support demographically and ecologically viable snow leopard metapopulations;
research on snow leopard ecology to develop long-term, science-based conservation management plans; and
regional coordination and dialog.
About Snowleopard
The snow leopard is a handsome animal with a thick coat of silvery fur marked with black spots. The underbelly and chest are white and the fur is longer to protect it from the snow beneath. It has stocky limbs and huge paws, which give it a stable grip on the slippery snow-covered ground and rocky ridges. A Snow Leopard can be 7 feet long; this includes its 3-foot tail. It is usually 2 feet tall and weighs between 25 and 40 Kg.
Snow Leopards are good climbers and stalkers. They are normally found alone except for small groups of a mother Snow Leopard with her cubs. Cubs usually become independent after a year of living with their mothers. A mother leopard normally has 1-3 cubs. Snow Leopards are the primary predator in high altitude areas and stalk and hunt wild sheep, mountain goats, deer, rabbits, hares, marmots, and birds such as pheasant and partridges. Snow Leopards usually hunt in twilight or at night and sleep through the day therefore minimizing their chances of being seen.
It is distinguished from Panther [ Panthera pardus ] by its soft wooly coat, larger black spots, short and wide skull having high orbits and long thick tail which acts as a balancing organ when animal negotiates steep cliffs. The animal makes regular seasonal migrations.
Country
Potential Habitat
(sq.kms)
Population
Estimates
Afghanistan
80,000
unknown
Bhutan
10,000
100
China
400,000
2,000- 2,500
India
95,000
500
Mongolia
130,000
1,000
Nepal
30,000
300-500
Pakistan
80,000
300
Russia
130,000
120
Kazakhstan
71,000
100-120
Kyrgyz Republic
126,000
650
Tajikistan
78,000
< 200-300
Uzbekistan
14,000
< 50
Unfortunately the snow leopard’s charismatic appeal does not extend to the people who live and eke out a livelihood in the same, often desolate, habitat. Across the Himalayas snow leopards are hunted for their highlyprized pelts and bones and persecuted because they prey on domestic livestock, in part a consequence of a declining prey base. In many areas the fragile alpine habitat of snow leopards are also becoming degraded and fragmented as a consequence of intensifying grazing pressure from increasing numbers of livestock. Almost all of the range countries have expressed concern about the threats that are contributing towards the decline of snow leopard populations, and have taken steps to protect them. However, because of their secretive habits in inaccessible and remote habitats, virtually nothing is known about the ecology and behavior of snow leopards, regional nature of this strategic plan.
Some countries had more experiences and successes at implementing various activities than others. To take advantage of these experiences, this strategy will facilitate a dialog
among the eIEN's and partners to share experiences—both successes and failures— that can lead to better conservation and regional cooperation; a process that will be sustained
through a formalized working group. Other organizations working in snow leopard conservation in the region should come in close collaborations and partnerships to further the overall goal of conserving the snow leopards in the Himalayan Mountains.
International Trade : The international trade in snow leopards and snow leopard parts is considered an important cross-cutting theme that has to be addressed on a region-wide scale. An emerging demand for pelts as a major issue,as was a market for snow leopard cubs by collectors,zoos, and menageries.
Human-Snow Leopard Conflict : Conflict with people due to livestock depredation by snow leopards is seen as a major threat. WAID will investigate the patterns of conflict and depredation across the Himalayas and develop mitigation strategies. While these mitigation strategies can be country or region specific,there is scope to learn from each other and implement successful models more widely, with appropriate adaptations, across the region. Prey is a fundamental requirement for predators. Thus, snow leopard existence depends on the presence of an adequate prey base,especially of the larger montane ungulates.
Unfortunately there is a perception among herders that the wild ungulates compete with domestic livestock for forage. Therefore, establish a research program to investigate the relationship between wild ungulates and domestic livestock to determine the extent of competition for forage between these species. The results should have regional value in conservation planning, especially with the possible need for grazing exclusion zones and awareness campaigns among the herders.
Landscapes : Because snow leopards live at low densities and require large spatial areas, conserving a large population will require extensive spatial areas; a strategy that can be best achieved through a landscape approach to conservation. Thus, the choice of priority areas becomes an important factor in a regional conservation strategy.
seeking human survival through wildlife protection...