First photographic evidence of Snow Leopard Panthera uncia (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) outside current protected areas network in Nepal Himalaya

Main Article Content

Rinzin Phunjok Lama
Tashi R. Ghale
Madan K. Suwal
Rishi Ranabhat
Ganga Ram Regmi

Abstract

The Snow Leopard Panthera uncia is a rare top predator of high-altitude ecosystems and insufficiently surveyed outside of protected areas in Nepal.  We conducted a rapid camera-trapping survey to assess the presence of Snow Leopard in the Limi valley of Humla District.  Three individuals were recorded in two camera locations offering the first photographic evidence of this elusive cat outside the protected area network of Nepal. In addition to Snow Leopard, the Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur, Beech Marten Martes foina, Pika Ochotona spp. and different species of birds were also detected by camera-traps.  More extensive surveys and monitoring are needed for reliably estimating the population size of Snow Leopard in the area.  The most urgent needs are community-based conservation activities aimed at mitigating immediate threats of poaching, retaliatory killing, and rapid prey depletion to ensure the survival of this top predator in the Himalaya.

 

Article Details

Section
Short Communications
Author Biographies

Rinzin Phunjok Lama, • Global Primate Network Nepal, GPO Box 26288, Kathmandu, Nepal • Workgroup on Endangered Species, J.F. Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

High-Altitude Wildlife Biologist

Tashi R. Ghale, Global Primate Network Nepal, GPO Box 26288, Kathmandu, Nepal

Field Biologist

Madan K. Suwal, • Global Primate Network Nepal, GPO Box 26288, Kathmandu, Nepal • Department of Geography, University of Bergen, Fosswinckelsgt 6, P B 7802, N - 5020 Bergen, Norway

Spatial Ecologist & GIS Expert

Rishi Ranabhat, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu

Assistant Ecologist

Ganga Ram Regmi, Global Primate Network Nepal, GPO Box 26288, Kathmandu, Nepal

Founder and Executive Director

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