SNOW LEOPARD TRUST

UPDATE FROM THE FIELD JANUARY - MARCH 2021

COUNTING GHOSTS Camera-trapping known cat species in zoo enclosures across Europe UPDATES IN THIS ISSUE and the US to improve population estimation in the wild

Reliable assessments of animal abundance are vital for successful conservation and Counting Ghosts: New study management. Camera-traps have been widely adopted to estimate the abundance of involving zoos species that have proven difficult to monitor with traditional survey techniques, including elusive large carnivores. Population abundance estimates from camera-trap data are Reaching Critical Milestones in commonly obtained by identifying individuals based on unique markings (e.g. spots, Mongolia stripes). It is assumed that misidentification is negligible and that derived population estimates are accurate. Tost Nature Reserve - Update on the cats of the Gobi However, in a widely read paper, our scientists reported last year that 1 in 8 photo captures are misclassified in snow leopard camera trapping, resulting in systematically inflated Citizen Rangers share photos from their month long patrol population abundance estimates. This suggests a need to quantify these errors, why they occur in multiple species, and to find ways to limit impacts on population estimation. Pheasants of the Himalayas To address this issue we will be conducting a study using camera trap images of Nature Study Camp - Pakistan known individual cats located in zoos. Our aim is to: quantify identification errors in tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and lynx examine if experience and training reduces errors model how survey design minimizes error frequency assess how errors have influenced population estimates of critical species

This work is urgent to improve the quality of population estimation in these species.

We will reach out soon with more details and to see if your zoo is interested in participating. Please feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions. UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

AUG. 22, 2020 VOL. 19

These new estimates from Mongolia cover the entirety of the country, marking an important milestone toward a robust estimate of the global population of snow leopards.

MONGOLIA'S SNOW LEOPARD POPULATION Monumental ground work complete: Final estimates close

Last month, a new snow leopard population estimate was announced These new maps informed representative for the Himachal Pradesh region of India. We are thrilled to announce placement of camera traps across Mongolia's a second major milestone achieved by our Mongolia team and their snow leopard habitats. More than two dozen collaborators - a preliminary countrywide population estimate under camera trapping sessions were conducted using the Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards (PAWS) nearly 1,500 camera traps. This generated more initiative. PAWS is a Snow Leopard Trust initiative in collaboration than 1,300 total snow leopard encounters (visits), with the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program from which over 250 unique individual snow (GSLEP), the 12 nation inter-governmental alliance for snow leopard leopards were identified. conservation. PAWS aims to produce a scientifically robust estimate of the worlds population of snow leopards in order to better protect Our Mongolia team has been conducting long- the cats and their priority landscapes. The work it has taken to term monitoring of snow leopard abundance in achieve these estimates from Mongolia, which will be finalized in 21 sites, including three protected areas and late 2021, is monumental. two low density snow leopard habitat areas. They played a crucial role throughout this In 2018, our Mongolia partner, the Snow Leopard Conservation entire survey, helping design, analyze and Foundation (SLCF), began a collaboration with WWF-Mongolia, the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism and other national interpret the country-wide data as well as organizations to conduct a country-wide assessment of the snow leading the PAWS work in the South Gobi leopard distribution range and abundance. The survey has resulted in landscape. (continued) an updated snow leopard distribution map taking into account uncertainty in detection, thus improving upon previous maps. The map categorizes the snow leopard range into three groups; areas with high, medium and low probability of snow leopard occurrence (See map on following page).The three strata categories were used to sample snow leopard abundance proportionately.

Photos: Top: Snow leopard in Tost Mountains of South Gobi, Mongolia. Right: Pujii, Senior Ecologist, led this work in the South Gobi and has worked in Mongolia to protect snow leopards for over a decade. Photo: SLCF/SLT UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021 UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

Camera trap surveys in 27 sites have been completed, with trapping sessions using between 26-232 camera traps, covering over 90,000km2.

They are representative of the entire snow leopard range in Mongolia, which is estimated to cover 326,000 km2, divided into the 3 strata (high, medium, low)

The total area surveyed, including the distribution surveys was nearly nearly half a million km2.

MONGOLIA'S SNOW LEOPARD POPULATION Monumental ground work complete: Final estimates close (continued)

The surveys by our team in the South Gobi covered an Nonetheless, these estimates and the effort behind them, are estimated 82,000 km2 and is one of the three distinct snow the first of its kind at this scale, and reflect the leadership leopard landscapes in Mongolia. In partnership with WWF- and commitment of Mongolia towards achieving a robust, Mongolia, our team also played an important role in accurate population assessment of the world’s snow conducting the nation-wide occupancy survey to assess the leopards. It marks an important milestone for snow distribution of snow leopards and hosting training and leopards! capacity building workshops for field practitioners and data managers. Preliminary results indicate a population of 953 snow leopards, with statistical confidence intervals (95%) of “The survey was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Nature and Environment, Snow Leopard Conservation 806-1127. Foundation, WWF Mongolia, the National University of Mongolia, Mongolian Academy of Science and other partners making up These are preliminary estimates. Final estimates are the national PAWS team in Mongolia. expected late in 2021.

“Mongolia holds the second largest snow leopard population in the world and plays an important role in global conservation efforts. The conservation of snow leopards in Mongolia depends upon timely information on the species distribution and abundance.” says Bayarjargal Agvaansteren, Director of SLT's Mongolia Program. TOST NATURE RESERVE Collars, Cameras and Cubs

Tost, the site of our Long-Term Currently two of our GPS collared Ecological Study in Mongolia, is snow leopards are "on air". The considered high density snow collars of F14 and M18 are still leopard habitat according to the sending uplinks so we continue recent national assessment. From to follow their movements. camera trap surveys conducted from 2010 – 2019, analysis shows F14 is affectionately nicknamed the region has supported 10-20 “One Eye” because she has only adult snow leopards, with density one functioning eye. We are estimates at 0.5-1 snow unclear what caused the loss of her leopards/100 km2. eye, as it was an old injury, discovered when we placed her Camera trap surveys from 2020 had with a collar in October of 2019. over 140 snow leopard encounters from 40 camera traps. From initial In early 2020, during our snow From analysis of 2019 Tost camera review of the 2020 data (September leopard predation patterns study, – December 2020), we have seen our Assistant Director of Science, trap images (made available in multiple images of snow leopards in Dr. Gustaf Samelius visited a small groups of two or three; most location where F14 had taken 2020), we identified at least FIVE likely a female with her adult cubs. down a full grown ibex and stayed female snow leopards with a total Most of the cats are grown—i.e. the at the kill site for several days. cubs are second year, nearly full Gustaf was impressed that she had of 12 first-year cubs, including grown juveniles, with one known managed to take down such a large previously collared Dagina and photo capture of a small cub. Since prey. cubs follow their mothers for almost Anu, both 10 years old in 2019. two years and females give birth Five females with cubs are the only every second year, we will likely see these females with small, most we have encountered since first-year cubs next season. we began surveying Tost in 2010. UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

A CITIZEN RANGERS PERSPECTIVE Photos from a Month on Patrol in the Gobi

Spending one month in the field while patrolling the region and deploying remote camera traps, citizen rangers Enkhburen (Buren), Davaa, and Yadamsuren shared images they took in the mountains of the South Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Volunteer community rangers are critical to the protection of snow leopards and have added vital capacity to our team and the national park teams in our effort to conduct camera surveys and patrols. Collectively, Buren, Davaa and Yadamsuren patrol roughly 1500 km2 of the Tost Mountains.

Photos: Top - View of Tost Mountains, Buren; Snow Leopard paw prints - Davaa; View of a camouflaged snow leopard - Yadamsuren; Rock carvings in the Gobi - Davaa; Snow leopards - Buren UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

THE WINGED GUARDIANS OF THE SNOW LEOPARD LANDSCAPE By Adithi Rao

When the lockdown first started, lots of people all over the (Pucrasia macrolopha) and Cheer pheasants (Catreus world took to bird watching, or “birding”. This year, I got to wallichii), as well as the Snow Partridge (Lerwa lerwa). do my share of unconventional bird watching through a computer screen that took me to the Himalayas. I have been These birds are often characterized by their extreme sexual working on a project on pheasants that are widely distributed dimorphism, with males being significantly more ornate than in the trans-Himalayan region. When camera traps were first their female counterparts, possessing wattles, long tails and set up throughout the landscape, the main aim of the study crowns. Their eye-catching plumage and bizarre courtship was that of monitoring snow leopards. However, there have displays have often made them the centre of traditional been many happy accidental sightings! folklore and various conservation campaigns. (continued on next page) Pheasants are native to Asia, though introduced worldwide, as game birds. Through Snow Leopard Trust camera trap images, I was able to identify 705 detections of pheasants, belonging to six distinct species - Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis), Chukar (Alectoris chukar), Koklass

Photos: Top left - Chukar (Alectoris chukar), top right - male Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)

Different pheasant species have varying habitat preferences. They occur in forests with dense understory vegetation, adjoining scrub, and open grasslands above the tree line. The diversity in elevation, vegetation and topography makes the trans-Himalayan landscape ideal for a number of these species.

Over 7000km2 of this habitat is part of the Hemis-Spiti priority landscape identified for snow leopard conservation under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program. Protecting snow leopards and their prey also helps conserve these incredible birds. UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

THE WINGED GUARDIANS OF THE SNOW LEOPARD LANDSCAPE continued

Himalayan pheasants have an interesting social organization structure. While species such as Chukar form groups, others like the Koklass pheasant are more solitary in nature. The inferences one can make based on the camera trap images, are plenty; especially since we have long-term data.

There is variation in species richness among the different valleys. I'm finding that while Monal pheasants have a broad altitudinal range (2800-4000m), the other pheasants have more restricted distribution altitudinally.

Their food consists of grass, roots and leaves during the winter and spring, and seeds and insects in summer and autumn. It is "our study will yield a fascinating that despite their many similarities, each of these species have their own activity patterns, predators and ranges. clearer picture of the habits of these Pheasants in this landscape are largely under-studied, and therefore remain quite a mystery. We hope that a more accurate enigmatic birds, description of the spaces these birds inhabit will add to the existing allowing us to pool of knowledge, while also giving conservationists a clearer picture of the habits of these enigmatic birds, allowing us to celebrate, study and celebrate, study and protect them. protect them."

It is wonderful that the work going into protecting our snow leopards, is also helping us ensure that other species are cared for. In doing so, we are not only able to learn so much more about a multitude of species like these magnificent birds, but also protect biodiversity as a whole.

Adithi Rao, undergraduate student of Biology and Education working Top photo - Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), bottom photo - with our India team at the Nature Conservation Foundation. Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis)

WWW.SNOWLEOPARD.ORG UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021 UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

Children’s environmental education is particularly important as they are the future environmental custodians and also have the capacity to influence snow- leopard friendly household behaviors.

NATURE STUDY CAMP IN PAKISTAN Conservation education programs in Tooshi-Shah Markhor Conservancy

Throughout most of its range, the snow leopard shares space Our Chitral team recently organized a nature study camp in with agro-pastoral and pastoral communities. Peaceful Tooshi-Shah Markhor Conservancy for Snow Leopard Club coexistence depends on positive values for the snow leopard students from three nature clubs in February. A total of 17 and building support for conservation action. students and 3 teachers participated in the camp. A full day of field experiences took place for the students on protected One major component of the work of our Pakistan partner, areas, impacts of climate change, food chain, ecosystem the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF), involves education and services, eco-tourism and ethics of visiting any protected awareness programs. According to Jamil Ullah, Nature Club area. Following the session, the club members visited different parts of the conservancy and observed Kashmir lead in Chitral, “Arranging eco camps is a very integral Markhor and important bird species, including golden eagle component of community awareness and mobilization for and Himalayan griffon. At the end of the day special conservation of overall wildlife, especially the snow leopard. certificates were distributed to each club member. The children are the leaders of tomorrow and inspiring a sense of stewardship for snow leopards is our aim.” To read more about our overall environmental education strategy and approach, and to utilize activities developed by our team, visit here.

Our educational strategy is based on the principles of encouraging positive values for nature and equipping children with knowledge as a basis for conservation action and continued learning.

It seeks to ignite children’s curiosity and strengthen their practical skills and powers of critical thinking and reflection.

It aims to explore the possibilities of behaviour change and give children a sense of confidence and agency in taking action in their own communities and settings. UPDATE FROM THE FIELD: JANUARY - MARCH 2021

ZOO PARTNERS We are extremely grateful to our 2018-2020 Partners! Thank you!

Akron Zoological Park Memphis Zoo Potter Park Zoological Society Assiniboine Park Zoo Mesker park Zoo & Botanic Garden Roanoke Valley AAZK Chapter Association Zoologique d'Assoon Midnight Sun AAZK Chapter Roger Williams Park Zoo Banham Zoo Mill Mountain Zoo Rolling Hills Zoo Billabong Zoo Miller Park Zoo Roosevelt Park Zoo - Minot Zoo Crew Binder Park Zoo Milwaukee County Zoo Rosamond Gifford Zoo AAZK Chapter Binghamton Zoo at Ross park National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Team Sacramento Zoo Bramble Park Zoo Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo - Green Bay AAZK Safari de Peaugres Buffalo Zoo Northumberland Country Zoo Santa Barbara Zoo Calgary Zoo Oakland Zoo Scovill Zoo AAZK Chapter Cape May County Zoo Oglebay Good Zoo SECAS - Menagerie du Jardin Des Plantes Carolina Tiger Rescue Orsa Rovdjurpark Sequoia Park Zoo Catoctin Wildlife Preserve Paradise Wildlife Park & Zoological Society of Service Systems and Associates Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Hertfordshire Stone Zoo Dudley Zoological Gardens Parc Zoo du Reynou Toledo Zoo Great Plains Zoo Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle Toronto Zoo Gruner Zoo Wuppertal Parco Natura Viva s.r.l. Garda Zoological Park - ARCA Welsh Mountain Zoo Houston Zoo Foundation Wildlife World Zoo AAZK Chapter John Ball Zoo Philadelphia Zoo Zoo Boise Jungle Cat World Philadelphia Zoo AAZK Chapter Zoo de Granby Kansas City Zoo Phoenix Zoo Zoo de la Boissiere du Dore & Natur' Zoo de Knoxville Zoo Pittsburgh Zoo Mervent Lakeland Wildlife Oasis Plock Zoo Zoo Liberec Lake Superior Zoological Society Potawatomi Zoo ZooLIfe Lee Richardson Zoo Pueblo Zoo ZooParc de Tregomeur Louisville Zoological Garden Punta Verde in Situ onlus Zoo Wroclaw

Annual Contribution $3000+

ZOOS PARTNERING IN SNOW LEOPARD CONSERVATION OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS

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