IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library
   

 

View printer friendly
Lham, D.; Thinley, P.; Wangchuk, S.; Wangchuk, N.; Lham, K.; Namgay, T.; Tharchen, L.; Tenzin,; Phuntsho, T.
National snow leopard survey of Bhutan 2014-2016 (Phase II): Camera trap survey for population estimation
2016  Full Book

The snow leopard (_Panthera uncia_) is a top predator and a flagship species for the alpine ecosystems. In recognition of its endangered status, this rare cat species receives maximum protection. It is listed in Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan 1995. In Bhutan, snow leopard conservation is guided by the National Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Programme (NSLEP). In line with this programme, the Royal Government of Bhutan authorized the National Snow Leopard Survey of Bhutan (2014-2016) project which was divided into two phases. In the Phase I, prey base and sign surveys were accomplished while in the Phase II, camera trap survey was conducted to estimate snow leopard population. Recognizing the highly cryptic nature of the snow leopard, a method to maximize detection probability was employed wherein latest models of camera traps were stationed in survey grids with highest likelihood of snow leopard capture determined during the Phase I survey. The spatially-explicit capture-recapture (SECR) model using the Bayesian approach and the package 'SPACECAP' in R programme was employed to analyze the capture-recapture data for estimating snow leopard abundance and density. In a 90-day sampling period using 202 trap stations and 404 camera traps, 63 individuals of snow leopards were identified, and the SECR model yielded 96 (SE ñ 8) individuals with an the estimated abundance range of 79 to 112 individuals (95% confidence interval). The estimated density for the whole country was 1.08 (SE ñ 0.09) individuals per 100 km2. The largest density of 6.1 individuals per 100 km2 was estimated in Jigme Dorji National Park. The Programme PRESENCE yielded estimated snow leopard occupancy of 43.25% (SE ñ 4.09). Going by the estimated population and density, Bhutan is indisputably a stronghold for snow leopard conservation in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is also the first country among the 12 snow leopard range countries to have conducted a nationwide survey of snow leopard. This historic survey has revealed Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve and northern part of Paro Territorial Forest Division as the new areas of snow leopard occurrence in Bhutan. Potentials for snow leopard reintroduction exist in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, both situated in the east. Several policy and management recommendations are offered which will ensure maximum survival of snow leopard in the country. The most urgent activity to be pursued immediately after this nationwide survey is rigorous patrolling and surveillance in the snow leopard range areas.

PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here

 

(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union)