Food webs reveal coexistence mechanisms and community organization in carnivores

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 33(4), P. 647 - 659.e5

Published: Jan. 19, 2023

Language: Английский

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Free‐ranging livestock altered the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) and its prey and intensified human–leopard conflicts

Integrative Zoology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 18(1), P. 143 - 156

Published: Feb. 23, 2022

Widespread distribution of livestock in the natural habitats large carnivores may negatively impact carnivore populations by reducing wild prey availability and increasing human-carnivore conflicts. In this study, we used camera-trapping data collected temperate forests Taihang Mountains North China during 2016-2019 to examine whether how free-ranging cattle affected habitat use Diel activity patterns endangered Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) its 2 species, Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), boar (Sus scrofa). Residents were also interviewed record depredation events leopards 2015-2019. We found that spatially avoided sites frequented cattle, but did not. growing seasons, shared with tended increase their diurnal activities where present. All 3 study species exhibited fine-scale spatial-temporal segregation cattle. Leopards selectively preyed on calves over adult frequency was positively correlated detection rates prey, not leopard. These findings only show through behavioral adaption ungulate persist under disturbance, highlight important proper management is for conserving region. To enhance mitigate human-leopard conflicts, recommend specific actions, such as better guarding or adoption a captive farming system.

Language: Английский

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Free‐ranging livestock affected the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(4)

Published: April 1, 2023

Abstract Long recognized as a threat to wildlife, particularly for large carnivores, livestock grazing in protected areas can potentially undermine conservation objectives. The interspecific interactions among livestock, snow leopards ( Panthera uncia ), and their wild prey fragile Asian highland ecosystems have been subject of debate. We strategically deployed 164 camera traps the Wolong National Nature Reserve systematically investigate activities leopards, primary ungulate species, free‐ranging livestock. found that leopard habitat use was influenced by both Blue sheep served main spatially attracted coexisted with yaks while significantly restricted temporally spatially. This study challenges conventional understanding indirectly impacts carnivores competing displacing prey. Our findings highlight within alpine canyon terrain could directly limit use, suggesting potential risk reducing apex predator distribution jeopardizing populations. Consequently, managing coexistence shared habitats requires more nuanced approach. Furthermore, our research underscores importance further efforts aimed at enhancing comprehension complex interplay animal communities ecosystems. knowledge will contribute development informed, evidence‐based strategies policies.

Language: Английский

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First large-scale assessment of snow leopard population in China using existing data from multiple organizations

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 11, 2025

Language: Английский

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Narrow Dietary Niche With High Overlap Between Snow Leopards and Himalayan Wolves Indicates Potential for Resource Competition in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Understanding species' dietary ecology and interspecific interactions is crucial for multi‐species conservation planning. In Central Asia the Himalayas, wolves have recolonized snow leopard habitats, raising considerable concern about resource competition between these apex predators. Using micro‐histological analysis of prey species remains (e.g., hair) in their fecal samples, we determined composition, niche breadth, extent diet overlap two predators Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal. We analyzed 152 scat samples collected along 89 survey transects from April to June 2021. Our findings reveal a significant diets (Pianka's index = 0.93), with wolf scats containing 11 10 species, respectively. However, difference selection was apparent, deviations observed expected use indicating non‐random relative availability: Snow leopards exhibited higher occurrence wild items (55.28%), primarily blue sheep ( Pseudois nayaur ) (24.83%), whereas relied predominantly on domestic livestock (67.89%), goats Capra hircus accounting over one‐fourth (29.15%). Yaks Bos grunniens comprised portion biomass consumed by both predators, (43.68%) than (36.47%). Overall, narrow breadth high indicates potential wolves. comprehensive understanding will require further study other axes partitioning, including habitat time. Nevertheless, region's low richness means that, increasing human influence, any reduction or increase could intensify wolves, which implications depredation.

Language: Английский

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Hide and seek in time and space: Spatiotemporal segregation between snow leopard and its prey in Northern Pakistan

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 59, P. e03543 - e03543

Published: March 22, 2025

Language: Английский

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A Method for Preparing Morphologically Preserved Wildlife Fecal Specimens for Long-Term Ecological Studies

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 20, 2025

Abstract Wildlife feces are a valuable noninvasive resource in ecological and conservation research. However, traditional preservation methods unable to maintain morphological integrity while simultaneously preserving the biological chemical composition of fecal samples. This study presents novel method for preparation specimens through multistep immersion process using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, benzoate, clotrimazole, ethanol, pyrethroid emulsion polyvinylpyrrolidone solution. The produced by this exhibited high mechanical strength, ensuring durability resistance handling damage. During storage period six months, successfully preserved characteristics samples maintaining DNA integrity, with no signs mold or insect extraction achieved 100% success rate species identification remained consistent fresh samples, BLAST match rates exceeding 99% 15 specimens. In addition, heavy metals such as chromium, arsenic, lead were detected from different species. By allowing long-term transforms urine short-term diagnostic tool into durable monitoring biodiversity. It can extend applications across spatial temporal scales, reinforcing their role research global

Language: Английский

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Challenges and Opportunities in Aligning Conservation with Development in China’s National Parks: A Narrative Literature Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 19(19), P. 12778 - 12778

Published: Oct. 6, 2022

As part of its effort to balance economic development with environmental objectives, China has established a new national park system, the first five locations formally in 2021. However, as parks all host or are proximate human populations, aligning socioeconomic needs and aspirations local communities conservation aims is critical for long-term success parks. In this narrative review, authors identify ecological priorities stakeholders each parks; explore tensions synergies between these stakeholders; synthesize policy recommendations most frequently cited literature. A total 119 studies were reviewed. Aligning traditional livelihoods conservation, limiting road construction, promoting education awareness, supporting sustainable tourism industry identified important steps

Language: Английский

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Seasonal Prey Abundance and Food Plasticity of the Vulnerable Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Lapchi Valley, Nepal Himalayas

Animals, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(20), P. 3182 - 3182

Published: Oct. 12, 2023

Conservation strategies for apex predators, like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), depend on a robust understanding of their dietary preferences, prey abundance, and adaptability to changing ecological conditions. To address these critical conservation concerns, this study presents comprehensive evidence availability preferences leopards in Lapchi Valley Nepal Himalayas from November 2021 March 2023. Field data were collected through installation twenty-six camera traps at 16 strategically chosen locations, resulting recording 1228 events 19 mammalian species, including domesticated livestock. Simultaneously, collection twenty scat samples over 3800 m above sea level allowed detailed analysis. Photo capture rate index biomass composition analysis carried out seasonal consumption statistically analyzed. A total potential species documented during period. Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) was most abundant but infrequent diet suggesting that are not best bet leopards. Snow found exhibit diverse diet, consuming eleven with blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) being consumed wild horses as preferred The Pianka’s niche overlap between summer winter seasons 0.576, pronounced variation food preference corroborating availability. scarcity larger preys is compensated by small meso-mammals highlighting leopard’s capacity plasticity response resource This research suggests utilization genetic tools further explore composition. Additionally, transboundary movements conducting population assessments will be imperative formulation effective strategies.

Language: Английский

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Extreme in Every Way: Exceedingly Low Genetic Diversity in Snow Leopards Due to Persistently Small Population Size

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 15, 2023

Abstract Snow leopards ( Panthera uncia ) serve as an umbrella species whose conservation benefits their high-elevation Asian habitat. Their numbers are believed to be in decline due numerous Anthropogenic threats; however, is hindered by knowledge gaps. They the least studied genetically of all big cat with more learn regarding population structure, historical size, and current levels genetic diversity. Here, we use whole-genome sequencing data for 41 snow (37 newly sequenced) offer new insights into these unresolved questions. Among our samples, find evidence a primary divide between northern southern part range around Dzungarian Basin, previously identified, secondary south Kyrgyzstan Taklamakan Desert. Most noteworthy, that have lowest diversity any species, persistently small size (relative other species) throughout evolutionary history rather than recent inbreeding. Without large or ample standing variation help buffer them from forthcoming challenges, leopard persistence may tenuous currently appreciated.

Language: Английский

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