Assessing prey selection of snow leopard in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal
Abstract
In spring of 2012, we studied the feeding habits of snow leopard using a
comprehensive approach that combines fecal genetic sampling, macro and
microscopic analysis of snow leopard diets and direct observation of
Naur and livestock in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area of east Nepal. Out
of collected 88 putative snow leopard scat samples from 140 transects
(290 km) in 27 (4*4 km2) sampling grid cells, 83% were confirmed to be
from snow leopard. The genetic analysis accounted for 19 individual snow
leopards (10 male and 9 female) with a mean population size estimate of
24 (95% CI: 19- 29), and an average density of 3.9 snow leopards/100
km2 within 609 km2. Total available prey biomass of Naur and Yak was
estimated at 355,236 kg (505 kg yak/km2 and 78 kg Naur/km2). From the
available prey biomass, we estimated snow leopards consumed 7% annually
which was comprised of wild prey (49%), domestic livestock (45%), and
6% unidentified items. The estimated 47,736 kg Naur biomass gives a
snow leopard-Naur ratio of 1: 59 on a weight basis. The proportion of
young Naur was estimated at 17%, with an almost double predation rate
at 28%. Predators such as common leopard and wolf share the same
habitat and might compete with snow leopard for prey which will likely
influence future predator-prey associations in KCA. Along with livestock
insurance scheme improvement, there needs to be a focus on improved
livestock guarding as well as engaging and educating local people to be
citizen scientists on the importance of snow leopard conservation,
involving them in long-term monitoring programs and promotion of
ecotourism.