Estimating snow leopard density using fecal DNA in a large landscape in north-central Nepal

The study area, spanning 4393 km2, is characterized by a diverse range of habitats, including high-altitude grasslands, rocky outcrops, and snow-covered peaks. The region is also home to several other endangered species, including the Himalayan wolf, brown bear, and Tibetan sand fox. Snow leopard density in the region was estimated using fecal DNA analysis of scats collected from 246 transects, covering a total distance of 490 km. A total of 347 putative snow leopard scats were collected, of which 182 were confirmed to belong to 34 individuals. The remaining scats were discarded due to low DNA quality. Using maximum likelihood-based spatial capture-recapture analysis, the researchers developed candidate model sets to test the effects of various covariates on snow leopard density and detection of scats on transects. The best models described the variation in density as a quadratic function of elevation and detection as a linear function of topography. The average density estimate of snow leopards in the study area was 0.95 (SE 0.19) animals per 100 km2, with predicted densities varying between 0.1 and 1.9 in different parts of the landscape. This estimate is lower than previous estimates from smaller study areas, which may have been inflated due to locally high abundances in overlap zones (hotspots) of neighboring individuals. The study highlights the need for a large-scale approach in snow leopard monitoring, taking into account methodological problems related to spatial scale. The researchers recommend that future snow leopard research should consider the heterogeneity in densities as a function of habitat types and the need for a more comprehensive understanding of snow leopard ecology and behavior. The Annapurna-Manaslu landscape is an important habitat for snow leopards, and the study provides valuable insights into the ecology and behavior of this elusive species. The findings of this study have implications for conservation efforts and highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of snow leopard ecology and behavior in order to effectively manage and conserve this species. The study area is characterized by a diverse range of habitats, including high-altitude grasslands, rocky outcrops, and snow-covered peaks. The region is also home to several other endangered species, including the Himalayan wolf, brown bear, and Tibetan sand fox. The climate in the region is highly seasonal, with significant variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. The researchers used a combination of field sampling and genetic analysis to estimate snow leopard density in the study area. They collected scats from 246 transects, covering a total distance of 490 km, and used maximum likelihood-based spatial capture-recapture analysis to estimate snow leopard density and detectability. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of snow leopard ecology and behavior in the Annapurna-Manaslu landscape and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of this species in order to effectively manage and conserve it.