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Fu C, Wang F, Zhao Y, Zhu Q, Luo Y, Li Y, Zhang Z, Yan X, Sun T, Liu Y, Li Z. Challenges and opportunities in human dimensions behind cat-wildlife conflict. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14253. [PMID: 38516741 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Because global anthropogenic activities cause vast biodiversity loss, human dimensions research is essential to forming management plans applicable to biodiversity conservation outside wilderness areas. Engaging public participation is crucial in this context to achieve social and environmental benefits. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding how a balance between conservation and public demands can be reached and how complicated sociocultural contexts in the Anthropocene can be incorporated in conservation planning. We examined China's nationwide conflict between free-ranging cats (owned cats that are allowed to go outdoors or homeless cats living outdoors) and wildlife to examine how a consensus between compassion and biodiversity conservation can help in decision-making. We surveyed a random sample of people in China online. Over 9000 questionnaires were completed (44.2% response). In aggregate, respondents reported approximately 29 million free-ranging owned cats and that over 5 million domestic cats per year become feral in mainland China. Respondents who were cat owners, female, and religious were more likely to deny the negative impacts of cats on wildlife and ongoing management strategies and more supportive of stray cat shelters, adoption, and community-based fund raising than nonowners, male, and nonreligious respondents (p < 0.05). Free-ranging cat ownership and abandonment occurred less with owners with more knowledge of biodiversity and invasive species than with respondents with less knowledge of these subjects (p < 0.05). We recommend that cat enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists participate in community-based initiatives, such as campaigns to keep cats indoors. Our study provides a substantially useful framework for other regions where free-ranging cats are undergoing rapid expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Fu
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Coastal Ecosystems Research Station of the Yangtze River Estuary, Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumeng Zhao
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunchao Luo
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziye Zhang
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueting Yan
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taozhu Sun
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- Lab of Animal Behavior & Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Braczkowski AR, O'Bryan CJ, Lessmann C, Rondinini C, Crysell AP, Gilbert S, Stringer M, Gibson L, Biggs D. The unequal burden of human-wildlife conflict. Commun Biol 2023; 6:182. [PMID: 36823291 PMCID: PMC9950466 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict is one of the most pressing sustainable development challenges globally. This is particularly the case where ecologically and economically important wildlife impact the livelihoods of humans. Large carnivores are one such group and their co-occurrence with low-income rural communities often results in real or perceived livestock losses that place increased costs on already impoverished households. Here we show the disparities associated with the vulnerability to conflict arising from large carnivores on cattle (Bos taurus) globally. Across the distribution of 18 large carnivores, we find that the economic vulnerability to predation losses (as measured by impacts to annual per capita income) is between two and eight times higher for households in transitioning and developing economies when compared to developed ones. This potential burden is exacerbated further in developing economies because cattle keepers in these areas produce on average 31% less cattle meat per animal than in developed economies. In the lowest-income areas, our estimates suggest that the loss of a single cow or bull equates to nearly a year and a half of lost calories consumed by a child. Finally, our results show that 82% of carnivore range falls outside protected areas, and five threatened carnivores have over one third of their range located in the most economically sensitive conflict areas. This unequal burden of human-carnivore conflict sheds light on the importance of grappling with multiple and conflicting sustainable development goals: protecting life on land and eliminating poverty and hunger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Braczkowski
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus, Madiba Drive, 6530, George, South Africa
| | - Christopher J O'Bryan
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Christian Lessmann
- Technische Universität Dresden, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Ifo Institute & CESifo, Poschingerstr. 5, 81679, Munich, Germany
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Center for Global Wildlife Conservation, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Anna P Crysell
- Department of Political Science, University of California Los Angeles, Bunche Hall, 4289, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Nature Capital Development, 443 Fillmore Street 380-1418, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
- Affiliate faculty, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA
| | - Martin Stringer
- W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 4, Sir James Foots Building, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Luke Gibson
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Duan Biggs
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Olajos-Goslow Chair of Environmental Science and Policy, Northern Arizona University, 624 Knoles Dr, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, 19 Jonkershoek Rd, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Examining livestock depredation and the determinants of people's attitudes towards snow leopards in the Himalayas of Nepal. ORYX 2023. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605322000928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Livestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of pastoral communities and engenders negative attitudes towards the species, threatening its survival. We conducted 104 semi-structured interviews within local communities (livestock herders and owners) in the Nyesyang valley of Manang District, in the Annapurna Conservation Area, western Nepal, to assess the status of livestock depredation and community attitudes towards snow leopards. During February 2016–January 2018, respondents reportedly lost 279 livestock to snow leopards (mean loss of 1.3 livestock per household), comprising 3.7% of the total stockholding in 2018. This loss amounts to a monetary loss of USD 319 per annum for each household. Only half of the households who lost livestock to snow leopards in the previous 2 years received compensation from the Conservation Area. Almost an equal proportion of respondents held positive (42%) and negative (41%) attitudes towards snow leopards. An ordered logistic regression analysis revealed that being a woman, being illiterate, owning a high number of large-bodied livestock and relying primarily on agropastoralism were factors associated significantly with negative attitudes towards snow leopards. We recommend focusing conservation education on illiterate community members and engaging more women in conservation programmes, along with a community-based insurance scheme for large-sized livestock to mitigate losses and improve local community attitudes towards snow leopards.
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Piaopiao T, Ramesh Suryawanshi K, Lingyun X, Mishra C, Zhi L, Shanti Alexander J. Factors shaping the tolerance of local Tibetan herders toward snow leopards. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Rule A, Dill SE, Sun G, Chen A, Khawaja S, Li I, Zhang V, Rozelle S. 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 2022; 19:12778. [PMID: 36232085 PMCID: PMC9566203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As part of its effort to balance economic development with environmental objectives, China has established a new national park system, with the first five locations formally established in 2021. However, as the new parks all host or are proximate to human populations, aligning the socioeconomic needs and aspirations of local communities with conservation aims is critical for the long-term success of the parks. In this narrative review, the authors identify the ecological priorities and socioeconomic stakeholders of each of the five national parks; explore the tensions and synergies between these priorities and stakeholders; and synthesize the policy recommendations most frequently cited in the literature. A total of 119 studies were reviewed. Aligning traditional livelihoods with conservation, limiting road construction, promoting education and environmental awareness, and supporting the development of a sustainable tourism industry are identified as important steps to balance conservation with economic development in the new national parks.
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Panda D, Mohanty S, Suryan T, Pandey P, Lee H, Singh R. High striped hyena density suggests coexistence with humans in an agricultural landscape, Rajasthan. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266832. [PMID: 35507591 PMCID: PMC9067646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanism of coexistence, where carnivores adapt to humans and vice versa in the shared landscape, is a key determinant of long-term carnivore conservation but is yet to be comprehensively examined. We explored the coexistence mechanism of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) and humans in the shared landscape of Sawai Mansingh Wildlife Sanctuary (SMS WLS), Rajasthan, from November 2019 to March 2021. We used data derived from motion sensors-based surveys, satellite remote sensing images, and household questionnaires to understand socio-ecological, environmental and anthropogenic factors facilitating hyena persistence in the shared landscape. The high density (12 individuals/100 km2) striped hyena in the landscape revealed the coexistence with humans. Being scavengers, they get subsidised food sources and are perceived as low-risk species by humans. Striped hyena minimised temporal activity during the daytime when human activity peaked. However, the highest activity overlap was observed in the agricultural area (Δ1 = 0.39), and likely depicts the high activity due to agricultural practices. While the human settlement was positively associated with the detection of hyenas, the probability of striped hyena captures increased with decreasing distance from human settlement, possibly influenced by high carcass availability, providing the easiest food resources to striped hyena, and allowing them to coexist with humans. This study demonstrates the coexistence of hyenas and humans in the shared landscape supported by mutual benefits, where hyenas benefit from anthropogenic food from scavenging, while humans benefit from waste removal and the non-lethal nature hyenas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashish Panda
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Subham Mohanty
- Department of Zoology, North Campus, Delhi University, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanuj Suryan
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Puneet Pandey
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife (CGRB), Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (PP); (HL); , (RS)
| | - Hang Lee
- Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife (CGRB), Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (PP); (HL); , (RS)
| | - Randeep Singh
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail: (PP); (HL); , (RS)
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Filla M, Lama RP, Ghale TR, Filla T, Heurich M, Waltert M, Khorozyan I. Blue sheep strongly affect snow leopard relative abundance but not livestock depredation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Xiao L, Hua F, Knops JMH, Zhao X, Mishra C, Lovari S, Alexander JS, Weckworth B, Lu Z. Spatial separation of prey from livestock facilitates coexistence of a specialized large carnivore with human land use. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Xiao
- School of Life Sciences Peking University Beijing China
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences Xi'an Jiaotong‐Liverpool University Suzhou China
| | - F Hua
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences Peking University Beijing China
| | - J M H Knops
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences Xi'an Jiaotong‐Liverpool University Suzhou China
| | - X Zhao
- Shanshui Conservation Center Beijing China
| | - C Mishra
- Snow Leopard Trust Seattle WA USA
| | - S Lovari
- Department of Life Sciences University of Siena Siena Italy
| | | | | | - Z Lu
- School of Life Sciences Peking University Beijing China
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Sonam K, Dorjay R, Khanyari M, Bijoor A, Lobzang S, Sharma M, Suresh S, Mishra C, Suryawanshi KR. A Community-Based Conservation Initiative for Wolves in the Ladakh Trans-Himalaya, India. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.809817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a pilot community-based conservation initiative for wolves Canis lupus that involves (i) voluntary deactivation of traditional trapping pits called Shandong, (ii) commitment to wildlife conservation by the local community, and (iii) collaborative construction and consecration of a Stupa (Buddhist shrine) in the vicinity of the Shandong as a symbol of conservation and repentance for past hunting. People and wolves have a complex relationship, in part shaped by predation on livestock, which can have severe impacts on livelihoods in pastoral societies. Consequently, wolf conservation often evokes strong and polarizing reactions. To control wolf populations, livestock herders across the Trans- Himalayan and Tibetan regions use different types of traps. Shandong is a relatively large, widely used traditional trapping pit with inverted funnel-shaped stone walls, usually built near villages or herder camps. Typically, a live domestic animal is placed in the pit to attract the wolves. Once the wolves jump into the pit, the funnel shaped walls prevent them from escaping, and trapped wolves are usually stoned to death. In an extensive survey covering over 25,000 sq. km, we enumerated 94 Shandong in 58 of the 64 surveyed villages in Ladakh between June 2019 and March 2020. Thirty of these had been used to kill wolves within the past 10 years, while 7 had been destroyed. Shandong that were not in use were of poorer condition. Since 2017, we have worked with community members, local monks, and the region’s religious leaders to support the neutralization of the Shandong while preserving their structure, and assisted the communities to build Stupas and to consecrate them. Our pilot efforts with three communities appear to generate pride locally, and hold promise for promoting wolf conservation in Ladakh and in large parts of Trans-Himalayan and Tibetan regions that share similar cultural settings.
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Ma J, Tam C, Li T, Yu G, Hu G, Yang F, Wang J, Wu R. Sacred natural sites classification framework based on ecosystem services and implications for conservation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Ma
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland Kunming Yunnan China
| | - Christine Tam
- World Wildlife Fund in Tanzania Dar es Salaam Tanzania
| | - Tianjiang Li
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland Kunming Yunnan China
| | - Guangzhi Yu
- The Paulson Institute (U.S.) Beijing Representative Office Beijing China
| | - Guanghui Hu
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland Kunming Yunnan China
| | - Feiling Yang
- Conservation Biogeography Research Group, Institute of International Rivers and Eco‐Security Yunnan University Kunming Yunnan China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Ecosecurity Yunnan University Kunming Yunnan China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Conservation Biogeography Research Group, Institute of International Rivers and Eco‐Security Yunnan University Kunming Yunnan China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Ecosecurity Yunnan University Kunming Yunnan China
| | - Ruidong Wu
- Conservation Biogeography Research Group, Institute of International Rivers and Eco‐Security Yunnan University Kunming Yunnan China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Ecosecurity Yunnan University Kunming Yunnan China
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Bayandonoi G, Sharma K, Alexander J, Lkhagvajav P, Durbach I, Buyanaa C, Munkhtsog B, Ochirjav M, Erdenebaatar S, Batkhuyag B, Battulga N, Byambasuren C, Uudus B, Setev S, Davaa L, Agchbayar K, Galsandorj N, MacKenzie D. Mapping the ghost: Estimating probabilistic snow leopard distribution across Mongolia. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Koustubh Sharma
- Snow Leopard Trust Seattle USA
- Snow Leopard Foundation in Kyrgyzstan Bishkek Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Justine Alexander
- Snow Leopard Trust Seattle USA
- Snow leopard Conservation Foundation Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | | | - Ian Durbach
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling School of Mathematics and Statistics University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
- Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment, and Conservation, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | | | - Bariushaa Munkhtsog
- Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
- Irbis Mongolia Center Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | | | | | - Bilguun Batkhuyag
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | - Nyamzav Battulga
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | - Choidogjamts Byambasuren
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | - Bayarsaikhan Uudus
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | - Shar Setev
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
| | - Lkhagvasuren Davaa
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
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Modelling Potential Distribution of Snow Leopards in Pamir, Northern Pakistan: Implications for Human–Snow Leopard Conflicts. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132313229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a cryptic and rare big cat inhabiting Asia’s remote and harsh elevated areas. Its population has decreased across the globe for various reasons, including human–snow leopard conflicts (HSCs). Understanding the snow leopard’s distribution range and habitat interactions with human/livestock is essential for understanding the ecological context in which HSCs occur and thus gives insights into how to mitigate HSCs. In this study, a MaxEnt model predicted the snow leopard’s potential distribution and analyzed the land use/cover to determine the habitat interactions of snow leopards with human/livestock in Karakoram–Pamir, northern Pakistan. The results indicated an excellent model performance for predicting the species’ potential distribution. The variables with higher contributions to the model were the mean diurnal temperature range (51.7%), annual temperature range (18.5%), aspect (14.2%), and land cover (6.9%). The model predicted approximately 10% of the study area as a highly suitable habitat for snow leopards. Appropriate areas included those at an altitude ranging from 2721 to 4825 m, with a mean elevation of 3796.9 ± 432 m, overlapping between suitable snow leopard habitats and human presence. The human encroachment (human settlements and agriculture) in suitable snow leopard habitat increased by 115% between 2008 and 2018. Increasing encroachment and a clear overlap between snow leopard suitable habitat and human activities, signs of growing competition between wildlife and human/livestock for limited rangeland resources, may have contributed to increasing HSCs. A sound land use plan is needed to minimize overlaps between suitable snow leopard habitat and human presence to mitigate HSCs in the long run.
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Singh VK, Singh SK, Joshi BD, Chandra K, Sharma LK, Thakur M. Population genetics of the snow leopards (Panthera uncia) from the Western Himalayas, India. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zhang L, Turvey ST, Chapman C, Fan P. Effects of protected areas on survival of threatened gibbons in China. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1288-1298. [PMID: 33146430 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Establishing protected areas (PAs) is an essential strategy to reduce biodiversity loss. However, many PAs do not provide adequate protection due to poor funding, inadequate staffing and equipment, and ineffective management. As part of China's recent economic growth, the Chinese government has significantly increased investment in nature reserves over the past 20 years, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate whether PAs can protect threatened species effectively. We compiled data from published literature on populations of gibbons (Hylobatidae), a threatened taxon with cultural significance, that occurred in Chinese reserves after 1980. We evaluated the ability of these PAs to maintain gibbon habitat and populations by comparing forest cover and human disturbance between reserves and their surrounding areas and modeling the impact of reserve characteristics on gibbon population trends. We also assessed the perspective of reserve staff concerning PA management effectiveness through an online survey. Reserves effectively protected gibbon habitat by reducing forest loss and human disturbance; however, half the reserves lost their gibbon populations since being established. Gibbons were more likely to survive in reserves established more recently, at higher elevation, with less forest loss and lower human impact, and that have been relatively well studied. A larger initial population size in the 1980s was positively associated with gibbon persistence. Although staff of all reserves reported increased investment and improved management over the past 20-30 years, no relationship was found between management effectiveness and gibbon population trends. We suggest early and emphatic intervention is critical to stop population decline and prevent extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Samuel T Turvey
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, U.K
| | - Colin Chapman
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, U.S.A
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Pengfei Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Nair R, Dhee, Patil O, Surve N, Andheria A, Linnell JDC, Athreya V. Sharing Spaces and Entanglements With Big Cats: The Warli and Their Waghoba in Maharashtra, India. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.683356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long histories of sharing space and resources have built complex, robust, and enduring relationships between humans and wildlife in many communities across the world. In order to understand what makes it possible for humans and wildlife to share space, we have to look beyond the ecological and socio-economic study of damages caused by human-wildlife conflict and explore the cultural and societal context within which co-existence is embedded. We conducted an exploratory study on the institution of Waghoba, a big cat deity worshiped by the Indigenous Warli community in Maharashtra, India. Through our research, we found that the worship of Waghoba is highly prevalent, with 150 shrines dedicated to this deity across our study site. We also learnt that the Warlis believe in a reciprocal relationship, where Waghoba will protect them from the negative impacts of sharing spaces with big cats if the people worship the deity and conduct the required rituals, especially the annual festival of Waghbaras. We propose that such relationships facilitate the sharing spaces between humans and leopards that live in the landscape. The study also revealed the ways in which the range of institutions and stakeholders in the landscape shape the institution of Waghoba and thereby contribute to the human-leopard relationship in the landscape. This is relevant for present-day wildlife conservation because such traditional institutions are likely to act as tolerance-building mechanisms embedded within the local cosmology. Further, it is vital that the dominant stakeholders outside of the Warli community (such as the Forest Department, conservation biologists, and other non-Warli residents who interact with leopards) are informed about and sensitive to these cultural representations because it is not just the biological animal that the Warlis predominantly deal with.
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Sharma RK, Sharma K, Borchers D, Bhatnagar YV, Suryawanshi KR, Mishra C. Spatial variation in population-density of snow leopards in a multiple use landscape in Spiti Valley, Trans-Himalaya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250900. [PMID: 34010352 PMCID: PMC8133441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia occurs in human use landscapes in the mountains of South and Central Asia. Conservationists generally agree that snow leopards must be conserved through a land-sharing approach, rather than land-sparing in the form of strictly protected areas. Effective conservation through land-sharing requires a good understanding of how snow leopards respond to human use of the landscape. Snow leopard density is expected to show spatial variation within a landscape because of variation in the intensity of human use and the quality of habitat. However, snow leopards have been difficult to enumerate and monitor. Variation in the density of snow leopards remains undocumented, and the impact of human use on their populations is poorly understood. We examined spatial variation in snow leopard density in Spiti Valley, an important snow leopard landscape in India, via spatially explicit capture-recapture analysis of camera trap data. We camera trapped an area encompassing a minimum convex polygon of 953 km2. Our best model estimated an overall density of 0.5 (95% CI: 0.31–0.82) mature snow leopards per 100 km2. Using AIC, our best model showed the density of snow leopards to depend on estimated wild prey density, movement about activity centres to depend on altitude, and the expected number of encounters at the activity centre to depend on topography. Models that also used livestock biomass as a density covariate ranked second, but the effect of livestock was weak. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining high density pockets of wild prey populations in multiple-use landscapes to enhance snow leopard conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Kumar Sharma
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Koustubh Sharma
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Snow Leopard Foundation in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - David Borchers
- Centre for Research in Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Yash Veer Bhatnagar
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Charudutt Mishra
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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17
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Thinley P, Rajaratnam R, Kamler JF, Wangmo C. Conserving an Endangered Canid: Assessing Distribution, Habitat Protection, and Connectivity for the Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Bhutan. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.654976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most canids face population declines and range contractions worldwide. Although the dhole (Cuon alpinus) is widely distributed across 10 countries in South and Southeast Asia, limited studies exist on this species. Despite its globally “Endangered” status and ecological role as an apex predator, assessments on its distribution are limited to a few landscapes and countries. This explains the lack of a dhole-specific species conservation plan in most range countries, including Bhutan where no current population estimate exists. The species has also recovered from a country-wide poisoning campaign in the 1970s and 80s. In this study, we determine the dhole's distribution pattern and assess the protection and connectivity of dhole habitat in Bhutan. We anticipated dholes to be extant within their habitat well-represented in protected areas (PAs) and biological corridors (BCs). We used 721 georeferenced dhole occurrence records and eight environmental variables in MaxEnt software to model potential dhole distribution and habitat suitability. The model output was overlaid on the spatial layers of PAs and BCs to assess habitat protection and connectivity. As anticipated, we found the dhole widely distributed in all districts, PAs, and BCs in Bhutan. Dholes were recorded at the highest elevation range limit of 4,980 m above sea level, which overlapped with the “Vulnerable” snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Our model identified 72% (27,634 km2) of the country as suitable areas for dholes, of which, 31% (11,899 km2) was highly suitable and 41% (15,735 km2) was moderately suitable. Contrary to our expectation, PAs and BCs encompassed only 29% (8,046 km2) and 12% (3,185 km2) of suitable areas for dholes, respectively. A vast majority of the areas we deemed suitable for dholes currently remain unprotected, thus making dholes more vulnerable to human persecution and local extermination. We recommend adjusting PA boundaries to fully encompass suitable dhole habitat, and also advocate improved livestock husbandry to reduce dhole related livestock predation and minimize conflict, thereby ensuring its long-term survival in Bhutan.
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Buckley R, Zhong L, Martin S. Mental health key to tourism infrastructure in China's new megapark. TOURISM MANAGEMENT 2021; 82:104169. [PMID: 32834313 PMCID: PMC7399666 DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2020.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The global economic value of parks through improved mental health of tourists has been estimated at about ten times greater than direct park tourism expenditure. The Chinese term for this health services value is jing hua xin ling, psychological destressing. Here we present the first case where optimal tourist infrastructure is influenced by including mental health. Using a multi-stage, cross-lingual, differential stakeholder method, we analyse conflicts between road- and roadless-access tourism in the very large new Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qinghai, which offers jing hua xin ling to domestic tourists from eastern-seaboard cities. This provides a powerful tourism attraction, and hence economic opportunity, for the region around the park. If these mental health aspects are included, together with their direct and indirect consequences for tourism, then roadlessness is preferable to new roads. Similar infrastructure conflicts occur for park tourism worldwide, and jing hua xin ling can provide a global theoretical framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Buckley
- Institute for Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- International Chair in Ecotourism Research (Emeritus), Griffith University, Australia
| | - Linsheng Zhong
- Institute for Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Steve Martin
- Former Director, Grand Canyon National Park, US National Parks Service, USA
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19
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Patterns of human interaction with snow leopard and co-predators in the Mongolian western Altai: Current issues and perspectives. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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20
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Chetri M, Odden M, Devineau O, McCarthy T, Wegge P. Multiple factors influence local perceptions of snow leopards and Himalayan wolves in the central Himalayas, Nepal. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10108. [PMID: 33088621 PMCID: PMC7568854 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of local perceptions of carnivores is important for conservation and management planning. In the central Himalayas, Nepal, we interviewed 428 individuals from 85 settlements using a semi-structured questionnaire to quantitatively assess local perceptions and tolerance of snow leopards and wolves. We used generalized linear mixed effect models to assess influential factors, and found that tolerance of snow leopards was much higher than of wolves. Interestingly, having experienced livestock losses had a minor impact on perceptions of the carnivores. Occupation of the respondents had a strong effect on perceptions of snow leopards but not of wolves. Literacy and age had weak impacts on snow leopard perceptions, but the interaction among these terms showed a marked effect, that is, being illiterate had a more marked negative impact among older respondents. Among the various factors affecting perceptions of wolves, numbers of livestock owned and gender were the most important predictors. People with larger livestock herds were more negative towards wolves. In terms of gender, males were more positive to wolves than females, but no such pattern was observed for snow leopards. People’s negative perceptions towards wolves were also related to the remoteness of the villages. Factors affecting people’s perceptions could not be generalized for the two species, and thus need to be addressed separately. We suggest future conservation projects and programs should prioritize remote settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Chetri
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Evenstad, Norway
| | - Morten Odden
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Evenstad, Norway
| | - Olivier Devineau
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Evenstad, Norway
| | | | - Per Wegge
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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21
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Naude VN, Balme GA, Rogan MS, Needham MD, Whittington‐Jones G, Dickerson T, Mabaso X, Nattrass N, Bishop JM, Hunter L, O'Riain MJ. Longitudinal assessment of illegal leopard skin use in ceremonial regalia and acceptance of
faux
alternatives among followers of the Shembe Church, South Africa. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent N. Naude
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Panthera New York USA
| | | | - Matt S. Rogan
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Panthera New York USA
| | - Mark D. Needham
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | | | | | - Xolani Mabaso
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Nicoli Nattrass
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Jacqueline M. Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Luke Hunter
- Wildlife Conservation Society New York New York USA
| | - M. Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
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22
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Li S, McShea WJ, Wang D, Gu X, Zhang X, Zhang L, Shen X. Retreat of large carnivores across the giant panda distribution range. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1327-1331. [PMID: 32747773 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
As both a flagship and umbrella species, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most heavily invested species in conservation. Here, we report the wide distribution range retreat of the leopard (Panthera pardus, 81% loss), snow leopard (P. uncia, 38%), wolf (Canis lupus, 77%) and dhole (Cuon alpinus, 95%) from protected areas in the giant panda distribution range since the 1960s. The present findings indicate the insufficiency of giant panda conservation for protecting these large carnivore species and suggest that future conservation efforts should target restoring ecosystems with high trophic complexity to facilitate the recovery of large carnivore populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - William J McShea
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Dajun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- The Forestry and Grassland Administration of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- The Forestry Administration of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education; Institute of Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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23
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Determinants of herder attitudes towards the Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia in Yushu Prefecture, China. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319001315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractYushu Prefecture in Qinghai Province provides some of the largest known stretches of habitat for the Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia in China. People living in these areas are dependent on agropastoralism. Support from local communities is necessary for effective long-term conservation action for snow leopards, but loss of livestock to snow leopards can create financial burdens that induce negative attitudes and encourage retaliatory killing. We assessed factors driving herders' attitudes towards snow leopards and their conservation. We found that herders had higher agreement with positive than with negative statements about snow leopards despite nearly half reporting livestock loss to snow leopards within the last 5 years. No retaliatory killing was reported. Herders with more years of formal education and fewer livestock losses were more likely to have positive attitudes whereas those with lower importance of snow leopards to their religion, fewer livestock losses, and fewer years of education were more likely to have negative attitudes. Understanding the multifaceted mechanisms responsible for positive views towards species is imperative for reaching conservation goals. Our findings ascribe to the importance of increased education and adherence to Tibetan beliefs in promoting conservation tolerance towards snow leopards in Qinghai Province, but also indicate a need for further research into the impact of livestock loss.
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24
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Importance of isolated forest fragments and low intensity agriculture for the long-term conservation of the green peafowl Pavo muticus. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLow intensity subsistence agriculture is generally believed to be less damaging to wildlife than intensive farming. As Myanmar is undergoing rapid modernization, subsistence farming may shift to intensive agriculture, resulting in increased threats to species of conservation concern such as the green peafowl Pavo muticus. Here we investigate habitat use of the green peafowl in a low intensity agricultural landscape surrounding a small forest fragment in southern Shan State, Myanmar. The forest belongs to Nan Kone Buddha Monastery and the green peafowl is protected from hunting in the area on the basis of religious beliefs. We established three survey transects with a total length of 3,414 m. During February 2016–January 2017 we conducted surveys twice daily for 4 consecutive days every month, walking all transects in both directions in the mornings and afternoons and recording visual and auditory peafowl encounters. We estimated peafowl density to be 2.63 animals/km2 in the less disturbed western part of the study area and 1.13 animals/km2 in the eastern part, which had higher levels of human disturbance. The peafowl's habitat use was significantly non-random, with forest patches being the most utilized habitat, followed by croplands. Within a 300 m buffer zone around the forest patch, the order of habitat preference was crop > scrub > fallow, with crop significantly preferred over the other two habitats. We conclude that preserved isolated forest blocks adjacent to community-managed agricultural areas are important for green peafowl conservation, and discuss the implications for long-term conservation management of the species.
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25
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Kusi N, Sillero‐Zubiri C, Macdonald DW, Johnson PJ, Werhahn G. Perspectives of traditional Himalayan communities on fostering coexistence with Himalayan wolf and snow leopard. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kusi
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney UK
- Resources Himalaya Foundation Lalitpur Nepal
| | - Claudio Sillero‐Zubiri
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney UK
- IUCN SSC Canid Specialist Group Oxford UK
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney UK
| | - Paul J. Johnson
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney UK
| | - Geraldine Werhahn
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Oxford, The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney UK
- IUCN SSC Canid Specialist Group Oxford UK
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26
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Landry Yuan F, Ballullaya UP, Roshnath R, Bonebrake TC, Sinu PA. Sacred groves and serpent‐gods moderate human–snake relations. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Félix Landry Yuan
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - U. Prashanth Ballullaya
- Department of Animal Science School of Biological Science Central University of Kerala Kasaragod India
| | - Ramesh Roshnath
- Department of Animal Science School of Biological Science Central University of Kerala Kasaragod India
| | | | - Palatty Allesh Sinu
- Department of Animal Science School of Biological Science Central University of Kerala Kasaragod India
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27
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Beyond conflict: exploring the spectrum of human–wildlife interactions and their underlying mechanisms. ORYX 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s003060531800159x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHumans have lived alongside and interacted with wild animals throughout evolutionary history. Even though wild animals can damage property, or injure humans and domesticated animals, not all interactions between humans and wildlife are negative. Yet, research has tended to focus disproportionately on negative interactions leading to negative outcomes, labelling this human–wildlife conflict. Studies have identified several factors, ranging from gender, religion, socio-economics and literacy, which influence people's responses to wildlife. We used the ISI Web of Knowledge database to assess quantitatively how human–wildlife interactions are framed in the scientific literature and to understand the hypotheses that have been invoked to explain these. We found that the predominant focus of research was on human–wildlife conflict (71%), with little coverage of coexistence (2%) or neutral interactions (8%). We suggest that such a framing is problematic as it can lead to biases in conservation planning by failing to consider the nuances of people's relationships with wildlife and the opportunities that exist for conservation. We propose a typology of human responses to wildlife impacts, ranging from negative to positive, to help moderate the disproportionate focus on conflict. We suggest that standardizing terminology and considering interactions beyond those that are negative can lead to a more nuanced understanding of human–wildlife relations and help promote greater coexistence between people and wildlife. We also list the various influential factors that are reported to shape human–wildlife interactions and, to generate further hypotheses and research, classify them into 55 proximate (correlates) and five ultimate (mechanisms) factors.
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28
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Hanson JH, Schutgens M, Leader-Williams N. What factors best explain attitudes to snow leopards in the Nepal Himalayas? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223565. [PMID: 31644548 PMCID: PMC6808326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The snow leopard Panthera uncia is a vulnerable wild felid native to mountainous regions of 12 Asian countries. It faces numerous overlapping threats, including killings by herders retaliating against livestock losses, the illegal wildlife trade, loss of prey and habitat, infrastructure, energy and mining developments, and climate change. The species ranges over large territories that often lie outside of protected areas (PA), so coexistence with human populations across its range is key to its persistence. Human attitudes to snow leopards may be an important factor to consider in reducing overlapping threats to this species. However, this nexus has not been widely studied to date. Attitudes to snow leopard conservation, including actors and interventions, may also be a significant aspect of coexistence. These have also received limited empirical attention. This study therefore explored human attitudes to snow leopards and to snow leopard conservation, the motivations for these attitudes and the individual factors that best explained them. Using systematic sampling, a quantitative questionnaire was administered to 705 households at two sites in the Nepal Himalayas: Sagarmatha National Park, with a less decentralised governance model, and Annapurna Conservation Area, with a more decentralised model. Linear regression models were the main form of analysis. Based on these, attitudes to snow leopard conservation emerged as the strongest influence on local attitudes to snow leopards, and vice versa. This was true in both PAs, despite their differing management regimes. Other important explanatory factors included numbers of livestock owned, years of education, household livelihoods and age. Furthermore, a positive intrinsic motivation was the most common reason given by respondents to explain their attitudes to both snow leopards and snow leopard conservation. These findings demonstrate that, in addition to the usual suite of factors that influence attitudes to a species, the way in which its conservation is pursued and perceived also needs consideration. How the snow leopard is conserved may strongly influence its coexistence with local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H. Hanson
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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29
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Setting priority conservation areas of wild Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata) in China's first national park. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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30
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Doughty H, Veríssimo D, Tan RCQ, Lee JSH, Carrasco LR, Oliver K, Milner-Gulland EJ. Saiga horn user characteristics, motivations, and purchasing behaviour in Singapore. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222038. [PMID: 31504051 PMCID: PMC6736248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsustainable wildlife trade is a pervasive issue affecting wildlife globally. To address this issue, a plethora of demand reduction efforts have been carried out. These necessitate consumer research which provides crucial knowledge for designing and evaluating targeted interventions. We implemented a rigorous consumer survey on saiga (Saiga tatarica) horn use in Singapore, where usage is legal and widely sold. Saiga are Critically Endangered antelopes from Central Asia with horns (often marketed as ling yang) used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Few past studies have assessed saiga horn consumers. This work is the most extensive consumer research to date specifically characterising saiga horn consumers and usage. We conducted 2294 in-person surveys on saiga horn use with Chinese Singaporeans, employing neutral questioning approaches. We found 19% of individuals reported saiga horn as a product they choose most often for themselves and/or others when treating fever and/or heatiness (a TCM state of illness), indicating a minimum estimate of high-frequency usage, not including possible low-frequency users. Overall saiga users were most characterised as middle-aged Buddhists and Taoists. However, saiga users were found in a range of demographic groups. Women preferred saiga shavings (the more traditional form), while men preferred saiga cooling water (the more modern form). About 53% of individuals who used saiga horn themselves also bought it for someone else. Buyers for others were most likely to be female middle-aged Buddhists or Taoists. Key motivating reasons for usage were "it works" and "someone recommended it to me." The top two reported recommenders were family and TCM shopkeepers. Saiga users were more likely than non-saiga users to perceive saiga as a common species in the wild. This research holds significance for interventions targeting saiga horn consumption within Singapore and throughout Asia, by identifying potential target audiences, product types, non-desirable alternatives, and motivations for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Doughty
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Diogo Veríssimo
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo, Escondido, United States of America
| | | | - Janice Ser Huay Lee
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - L Roman Carrasco
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kathryn Oliver
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Dhee, Athreya V, Linnell JDC, Shivakumar S, Dhiman SP. The leopard that learnt from the cat and other narratives of carnivore–human coexistence in northern India. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dhee
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India Program Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Vidya Athreya
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India Program Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | | | - Shweta Shivakumar
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India Program Bengaluru Karnataka India
- Centre for Wildlife Studies Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Sat Pal Dhiman
- Joint Secretary (Forests) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, HP Secretariat Chotta Shimla Himachal Pradesh India
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32
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Watts SM, McCarthy TM, Namgail T. Modelling potential habitat for snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Ladakh, India. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211509. [PMID: 30695083 PMCID: PMC6350993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The snow leopard Panthera uncia is an elusive species inhabiting some of the most remote and inaccessible tracts of Central and South Asia. It is difficult to determine its distribution and density pattern, which are crucial for developing conservation strategies. Several techniques for species detection combining camera traps with remote sensing and geographic information systems have been developed to model the habitat of such cryptic and low-density species in challenging terrains. Utilising presence-only data from camera traps and direct observations, alongside six environmental variables (elevation, aspect, ruggedness, distance to water, land cover, and prey habitat suitability), we assessed snow leopard habitat suitability across Ladakh in northern India. This is the first study to model snow leopard distribution both in India and utilising direct observation data. Results suggested that elevation and ruggedness are the two most influential environmental variables for snow leopard habitat suitability, with highly suitable habitat having an elevation range of 2,800 m to 4,600 m and ruggedness of 450 m to 1,800 m. Our habitat suitability map estimated approximately 12% of Ladakh's geographical area (c. 90,000 km2) as highly suitable and 18% as medium suitability. We found that 62.5% of recorded livestock depredation along with over half of all livestock corrals (54%) and homestays (58%) occurred within highly suitable snow leopard habitat. Our habitat suitability model can be used to assist in allocation of conservation resources by targeting construction of livestock corrals to areas of high habitat suitability and promoting ecotourism programs in villages in highly suitable snow leopard habitat.
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Tolerating tigers: Gaining local and spiritual perspectives on human-tiger interactions in Sumatra through rural community interviews. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201447. [PMID: 30427846 PMCID: PMC6235252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Religious beliefs and spiritual connections to biodiversity have the potential to reduce animosity towards wildlife that might otherwise present a real or perceived threat to local people. Understanding this social dynamic can therefore be important for formulating locally-appropriate species-specific conservation strategies. Using semi-structured interviews which incorporated human-tiger conflict scenarios, we investigated how beliefs towards tigers varied between ethnic groups living around a large protected area that is home to the largest tiger population in Sumatra. We gathered this information to determine the degree to which cultural tolerance may contribute to the survival of the tiger in the Kerinci Seblat landscape, Indonesia. From 154 interviewees, 133 respondents came from three main ethnic groups, Minangkabau, Kerincinese and Melayu. The majority (73.5%) of Minangkabau interviewees cited that their ethnic group had customary laws regarding tigers, as did 52% of Melayu and 44% of Kerincinese. Irrespective of ethnicity, most participants did not perceive there to be a connection between Islam and tigers. All participants acknowledged the existence of zoological tigers and two groups (Minangkabau and Kerincinese) held a strong common belief that different types of spirit tigers also existed. From presenting different human-tiger conflict scenarios, with varying levels of severity towards livestock or human life, an unprovoked tiger attack in the village elicited the most calls for the tiger to be killed. Yet, if a village or family member was killed by a tiger whilst hunting in the forest then most respondents across all ethnic groups said to do nothing. The frequency of this response increased if a tiger killed someone in the village who had committed adultery, reflecting beliefs associated with the role of the tiger as an enforcer of moral rule. Our study highlights the importance of consulting with local communities who live in close proximity to large and potentially dangerous carnivores when developing conflict mitigation strategies, which hitherto has not been the case in Sumatra.
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Holt CDS, Nevin OT, Smith D, Convery I. Environmental niche overlap between snow leopard and four prey species in Kazakhstan. ECOL INFORM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Walls SC. Coping With Constraints: Achieving Effective Conservation With Limited Resources. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Han X, Guo Y, Mi C, Huettmann F, Wen L. Machine Learning Model Analysis of Breeding Habitats for the Black-necked Crane in Central Asian Uplands under Anthropogenic Pressures. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6114. [PMID: 28733592 PMCID: PMC5522491 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is the only alpine crane species and is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. The breeding habitats of this species are poorly understood, which greatly hampers practical research and conservation work. Using machine learning methods and the best-available data from our 7,000-kilometer mega-transect survey and open access data, we built the first species distribution model (SDM) to analyze the black-necked crane’s breeding habitats. Our model showed that current conservation gaps account for 26.7% of its predicted breeding habitats. Specifically, the northern parts of the Hengduan Mountains and the southeastern Tibet Valley, the northern side of the middle Kunlun Mountains, parts of the Pamir Plateau, the northern Pakistan Highlands and the western Hindu Kush should be considered as its main potential breeding areas. Additionally, our model suggested that the crane prefers to breed in alpine meadows at an elevation over 2,800 m, a maximum temperature of the warmest month below 20.5 °C, and a temperature seasonality above 7,800 units. The identified conservation gaps and potential breeding areas can aid in clearly prioritizing future conservation and research, but more attention and study should be directed to the unassessed Western Development of China to secure this endangered crane lineage and other wildlife on the Tibetan Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Han
- College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, P.O. Box 159, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yumin Guo
- College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, P.O. Box 159, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Chunrong Mi
- College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, P.O. Box 159, Beijing, 100083, China.,Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Falk Huettmann
- EWHALE Lab-, Department of Biology and Wildlife, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 419 Irving I, P.O. Box 757000, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Lijia Wen
- College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, P.O. Box 159, Beijing, 100083, China
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Mishra C, Young JC, Fiechter M, Rutherford B, Redpath SM. Building partnerships with communities for biodiversity conservation: lessons from Asian mountains. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charudutt Mishra
- Snow Leopard Trust; 4649, Sunnyside Avenue N. Seattle WA 98103 USA
- Nature Conservation Foundation; 3076/5, 4 Cross Gokulam Park Mysore 570002 Karnataka India
| | | | | | - Brad Rutherford
- Snow Leopard Trust; 4649, Sunnyside Avenue N. Seattle WA 98103 USA
| | - Stephen Mark Redpath
- Nature Conservation Foundation; 3076/5, 4 Cross Gokulam Park Mysore 570002 Karnataka India
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue Aberdeen AB24 2TZ UK
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Janecka JE, Zhang Y, Li D, Munkhtsog B, Bayaraa M, Galsandorj N, Wangchuk TR, Karmacharya D, Li J, Lu Z, Uulu KZ, Gaur A, Kumar S, Kumar K, Hussain S, Muhammad G, Jevit M, Hacker C, Burger P, Wultsch C, Janecka MJ, Helgen K, Murphy WJ, Jackson R. Range-Wide Snow Leopard Phylogeography Supports Three Subspecies. J Hered 2017; 108:597-607. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
China holds the greatest proportion of the snow leopard's (Panthera uncia) global range and is central to their conservation. The country is also undergoing unprecedented economic growth, which increases both the threats to the snow leopard and the opportunities for its conservation. In this paper we aim to review published literature (from 1950 to 2014) in English and Mandarin on snow leopard ecology and conservation in China in order to identify thematic and geographic research gaps and propose research priorities. We first retrieved all published items that considered snow leopards in China (n = 106). We extracted from these papers 274 reports of snow leopard presence in China. We then reviewed a subset of papers (n = 33) of this literature, which specifically focused on snow leopard ecology and conservation within China. We introduced a thematic framework that allows a structured and comprehensive assessment of findings. This framework recognizes 4 critical and interrelated topics underpinning snow leopard ecology and conservation: habitat (distribution and protected area coverage); prey (distribution and abundance, predator-prey relationships); human interactions (hunting and trade, livestock interactions and conflicts); and the underlying policy context. Significant gains in knowledge as well as research gaps and priorities are discussed with reference to our framework. The modest quantity and limited scope of published research on the snow leopard in China calls for a continued and intensified effort to inform and support national conservation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine S Alexander
- The Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- The Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Shi
- The Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Philip Riordan
- The Wildlife Institute, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wildlife Without Borders UK, Tubney House, Oxfordshire, UK
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Status and conservation of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, Tibet. ORYX 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605316000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLittle is known about the status of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, located on the northern aspect of Mount Everest in Tibet. To address this, during May–September 2014 we conducted line transects, camera trapping, household interviews, and socioeconomic statistics analysis. We surveyed 14 transects and located 287 putative snow leopard signs, with a mean density of 1.9 sign sites km–1, 3.8 signs km–1, and 1.4 scrapes km–1. We set 41 camera traps and recorded a minimum of seven individual snow leopards. Our results were comparable to snow leopard abundance estimates for neighbouring protected areas in Nepal. Semi-structured interviews with 46 (59%) households found that local people were generally supportive of snow leopard conservation, for a variety of economic, legislative, and religious reasons. The socio-economic situation in the Reserve underwent dramatic changes between 2000 and 2014. The human population increased by 28.9%, the livestock population decreased by 9.9%, the number of tourists in 2014 was 6.8 times greater than in 2005, and the local gross domestic product underwent an annual increase of 15%. We discuss the current threats to snow leopards, and recommend that more rigorous, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary research be undertaken to provide an evidential basis for the formulation of effective conservation policies and programmes.
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Co-Adaptation Is Key to Coexisting with Large Carnivores. Trends Ecol Evol 2016; 31:575-578. [PMID: 27377600 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to integrate large carnivore species into multi-use landscapes outside protected areas. However, an unclear understanding of coexistence hinders the realization of this goal. Here, we provide a comprehensive conceptualization of coexistence in which mutual adaptations by both large carnivores and humans have a central role.
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Li J, Xiao L, Lu Z. Challenges of snow leopard conservation in China. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2016; 59:637-9. [PMID: 27142350 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-5067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Shen X, Li S, Wang D, Lu Z. Viable contribution of Tibetan sacred mountains in southwestern China to forest conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:1518-26. [PMID: 26371613 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Tibetan sacred mountains (TSMs) cover a large area and may represent a landscape-scale conservation opportunity. We compared the conservation value of forests in these mountains with the conservation value of government-established nature reserves and unmanaged open-access areas in Danba County, southwestern China. We used Landsat satellite images to map forest cover and to estimate forest loss in 1974-1989, 1989-1999, and 1999-2013. The TSMs (n = 41) and nature reserves (n = 4) accounted for 21.6% and 29.7% of the county's land area, respectively. Remaining land was open-access areas (i.e., areas without any restrictions on resource use) (56.2%) and farmlands (2.2%). Within the elevation range suitable for forests, forest cover did not differ significantly between nature reserves (58.8%) and open-access areas (58.4%), but was significantly higher in TSMs (65.5%) after controlling for environmental factors such as aspect, slope, and elevation. The TSMs of great cultural importance had higher forest cover, but patrols by monastery staff were not necessarily associated with increased forest cover. The annual deforestation rate in nonsacred areas almost tripled in 1989-1999 (111.4 ha/year) relative to 1974-1989 (40.4 ha/year), whereas the rate in TSMs decreased in the later period (19.7 ha/year vs. 17.2 ha/year). The reduced forest loss in TSMs in 1989-1999 was possibly due to the renaissance of TSM worship and strengthened management by the local Buddhist community since late 1980s. The annual deforestation rate in Danba decreased dramatically to 4.4 ha/year in 1999-2013, which coincided with the implementation of a national ban on logging in 1998. As the only form of protected area across the Tibetan region during much of its history, TSMs have positively contributed to conserving forest at a landscape scale. Conservation of TSM forests largely relied on the strength of local religious institutions. Integrating community-based conservation of TSMs within the government conservation network would benefit the conservation of the Tibetan region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Beijing, 100871, China
- Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 20 Nanxin village, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Sheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Dajun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhi Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Beijing, 100871, China
- Shan Shui Conservation Center, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Beijing, 100871, China
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Velho N, Srinivasan U, Singh P, Laurance WF. Large mammal use of protected and community-managed lands in a biodiversity hotspot. Anim Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Velho
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences; James Cook University; Cairns Qld Australia
| | - U. Srinivasan
- Program in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs; Princeton University; Princeton NJ USA
- Tata Insitute of Fundamental Research; National Centre for Biological Sciences; Bangalore India
| | - P. Singh
- Researchers for Wildlife Conservation, National Centre for Biological Sciences; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; Bangalore India
| | - W. F. Laurance
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences; James Cook University; Cairns Qld Australia
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45
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Allen BL. More buck for less bang: Reconciling competing wildlife management interests in agricultural food webs. FOOD WEBS 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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46
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Suryawanshi KR, Bhatia S, Bhatnagar YV, Redpath S, Mishra C. Multiscale factors affecting human attitudes toward snow leopards and wolves. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2014; 28:1657-1666. [PMID: 25039397 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The threat posed by large carnivores to livestock and humans makes peaceful coexistence between them difficult. Effective implementation of conservation laws and policies depends on the attitudes of local residents toward the target species. There are many known correlates of human attitudes toward carnivores, but they have only been assessed at the scale of the individual. Because human societies are organized hierarchically, attitudes are presumably influenced by different factors at different scales of social organization, but this scale dependence has not been examined. We used structured interview surveys to quantitatively assess the attitudes of a Buddhist pastoral community toward snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and wolves (Canis lupus). We interviewed 381 individuals from 24 villages within 6 study sites across the high-elevation Spiti Valley in the Indian Trans-Himalaya. We gathered information on key explanatory variables that together captured variation in individual and village-level socioeconomic factors. We used hierarchical linear models to examine how the effect of these factors on human attitudes changed with the scale of analysis from the individual to the community. Factors significant at the individual level were gender, education, and age of the respondent (for wolves and snow leopards), number of income sources in the family (wolves), agricultural production, and large-bodied livestock holdings (snow leopards). At the community level, the significant factors included the number of smaller-bodied herded livestock killed by wolves and mean agricultural production (wolves) and village size and large livestock holdings (snow leopards). Our results show that scaling up from the individual to higher levels of social organization can highlight important factors that influence attitudes of people toward wildlife and toward formal conservation efforts in general. Such scale-specific information can help managers apply conservation measures at appropriate scales. Our results reiterate the need for conflict management programs to be multipronged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulbhushansingh R Suryawanshi
- Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5, IV Cross Gokulam Park, Mysore, 570002, India; Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Suite 325, Seattle, WA, 98103, U.S.A.; Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
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47
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Pandit MK, Manish K, Koh LP. Dancing on the Roof of the World: Ecological Transformation of the Himalayan Landscape. Bioscience 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biu152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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48
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Shrestha UB, Bawa KS. Impact of climate change on potential distribution of Chinese caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) in Nepal Himalaya. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106405. [PMID: 25180515 PMCID: PMC4152242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change has already impacted ecosystems and species and substantial impacts of climate change in the future are expected. Species distribution modeling is widely used to map the current potential distribution of species as well as to model the impact of future climate change on distribution of species. Mapping current distribution is useful for conservation planning and understanding the change in distribution impacted by climate change is important for mitigation of future biodiversity losses. However, the current distribution of Chinese caterpillar fungus, a flagship species of the Himalaya with very high economic value, is unknown. Nor do we know the potential changes in suitable habitat of Chinese caterpillar fungus caused by future climate change. We used MaxEnt modeling to predict current distribution and changes in the future distributions of Chinese caterpillar fungus in three future climate change trajectories based on representative concentration pathways (RCPs: RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 6.0) in three different time periods (2030, 2050, and 2070) using species occurrence points, bioclimatic variables, and altitude. About 6.02% (8,989 km2) area of the Nepal Himalaya is suitable for Chinese caterpillar fungus habitat. Our model showed that across all future climate change trajectories over three different time periods, the area of predicted suitable habitat of Chinese caterpillar fungus would expand, with 0.11–4.87% expansion over current suitable habitat. Depending upon the representative concentration pathways, we observed both increase and decrease in average elevation of the suitable habitat range of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttam Babu Shrestha
- Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kamaljit S Bawa
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India
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