The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard(Panthera uncia)that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut(Mongolia)-Tsagan-Shibetu(Russia)was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat ...The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard(Panthera uncia)that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut(Mongolia)-Tsagan-Shibetu(Russia)was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual.The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites.The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System(GPS)collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method(MCP)100,the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method.The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs(minimal fixation index[FST]),and the data testify to the unity of the cross-border group.Moreover,5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories.This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries.In addition,regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross-border snow leopard group.These data support that trans-boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries.We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.展开更多
Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat pr...Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve （TNNR） in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.展开更多
The mechanisms of interactions between apex and smaller carnivores may range from competition to facilitation.Conversely,interactions between predators and prey are mainly driven by the prey reducing the likelihood of...The mechanisms of interactions between apex and smaller carnivores may range from competition to facilitation.Conversely,interactions between predators and prey are mainly driven by the prey reducing the likelihood of encounters with predators.In this study,we investigated(1)the spatiotemporal interactions between an apex(the snow leopard)and a meso-predator(the red fox),and(2)the temporal interactions between the snow leopard and its potential prey(Siberian ibex,argali,Asian wild ass,Tolai hare)through camera trapping in the Mongolian Great Gobi-A.The probability of occurrence for the red fox was higher in the presence of the snow leopard than in its absence.Moreover,the red fox activity pattern matched that of the snow leopard,with both species mostly active at sunset.This positive spatiotemporal interaction suggests that the presence of the snow leopard may be beneficial for the red fox in terms of scavenging opportunities.However,other explanations may also be possible.Amongst prey,the Siberian ibex and the argali were mainly active during the day,whereas the Asian wild ass and the Tolai hare were more nocturnal.These findings suggest that potential prey(especially the Siberian ibex and the argali)may shape their behavior to decrease the opportunity for encounters with the snow leopard.Our results have revealed complex interactions between apex and smaller predators andbetween apexpredatorand its potential prey.展开更多
基金This work was executed with financial support from:the Joint Russian-Mongolian complex biological expedition RAS and MASthe Russian Geographic Society+4 种基金the Snow Leopard Conservancythe Siberian Wellness Corporationthe Program Office of WWF Mongoliathe Mongolian Center,Irbisand the Russian Foundation for Basic Research jointly with the Department of Science and Technology,India(project no.19-54-45038).
文摘The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard(Panthera uncia)that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut(Mongolia)-Tsagan-Shibetu(Russia)was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual.The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites.The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System(GPS)collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method(MCP)100,the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method.The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs(minimal fixation index[FST]),and the data testify to the unity of the cross-border group.Moreover,5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories.This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries.In addition,regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross-border snow leopard group.These data support that trans-boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries.We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.
基金supported by the Science Supporting Project of the National Ministry of Science and Technology(2008BA C39B04)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30470262 and 30970340)+1 种基金the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of China(2010DFA92720)the Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorships for Senior International Scientists(2009Z2-5)
文摘Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve （TNNR） in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.
基金Wildlife Initiative NGO(Mongolia)and Bavarian Association for Bird Protection(LBV-Germany)and IGA-20223107 provided the funding to realize this research.
文摘The mechanisms of interactions between apex and smaller carnivores may range from competition to facilitation.Conversely,interactions between predators and prey are mainly driven by the prey reducing the likelihood of encounters with predators.In this study,we investigated(1)the spatiotemporal interactions between an apex(the snow leopard)and a meso-predator(the red fox),and(2)the temporal interactions between the snow leopard and its potential prey(Siberian ibex,argali,Asian wild ass,Tolai hare)through camera trapping in the Mongolian Great Gobi-A.The probability of occurrence for the red fox was higher in the presence of the snow leopard than in its absence.Moreover,the red fox activity pattern matched that of the snow leopard,with both species mostly active at sunset.This positive spatiotemporal interaction suggests that the presence of the snow leopard may be beneficial for the red fox in terms of scavenging opportunities.However,other explanations may also be possible.Amongst prey,the Siberian ibex and the argali were mainly active during the day,whereas the Asian wild ass and the Tolai hare were more nocturnal.These findings suggest that potential prey(especially the Siberian ibex and the argali)may shape their behavior to decrease the opportunity for encounters with the snow leopard.Our results have revealed complex interactions between apex and smaller predators andbetween apexpredatorand its potential prey.
