Description
Snow Leopards: Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes is the only comprehensive work on the biology, behavior, and conservation status of the snow leopard, a species that has long been one of the least studied, and hence poorly understood, of the large cats.Breakthroughs in technologies and methodologies to study this elusive cat have come rapidly, including non-invasive genetics, camera traps, and GPS-satellite collaring. The book begins with chapters on the genetic standing and taxonomy of the snow leopard, followed by chapters on their behavior and ecology. Additional contributions follow on the current and emerging threats to the species, which include longstanding concerns, such as poaching and conflicts with livestock, and new and emerging threats such as mining and climate change.A section on conservation solutions, backed by valuable case studies, starts with an overview of the important role mountain communities play in assuring the snow leopard's long-term persistence. In addition, chapters on the role of captive snow leopards for the conservation of the species, state-of-the-art techniques and technologies for studying and monitoring snow leopards, status reports from around the region, and future perspectives, such as transboundary conservation initiatives, international conventions (CITES, CMS, etc.), the role of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group and the Snow Leopard Network, and undertakings such as the Global Snow Leopard Forum facilitated by the World Bank are also included.- Serves as the first and only comprehensive book on the biology, behavior, and conservation status of the snow leopard- Brings together the most current scientific knowledge, documents the most pressing conservation issues, and shares success stories in alleviating the broad threats that now jeopardize the long-term survival of this species- Brings current knowledge of the species, not only to researchers and conservationists, but also to decision makers, academics, and students- Edited by recognized snow leopard experts, with more than 50 years of collective experience in research and conservation of the species
Table of Contents
Section I - Defining the Snow Leopard1 What Is A Snow Leopard? Taxonomy, Morphology, and Phylogeny2 What Is A Snow Leopard? Behavior and Ecology3 What Is A Snow Leopard? Biogeography and Status Overview4 Snow Leopard's Prey and DietSection II - Conservation Concerns5 Livestock Predation by Snow Leopards: Conflicts and the Search for Solutions6 Living on the Edge: Depletion of Wild Prey and Survival of the Snow Leopard7 Monitoring Illegal Trade in Snow leopards (2003-2012)8 Climate Change Impacts on Snow Leopard Range9 Diseases of Free-ranging Snow Leopards and Primary Prey Species10 Resource Extraction10a Introduction10b Emerging Threats to Snow Leopards from Energy and Mineral Development10c Linear Infrastructure and Snow Leopard Conservation10d Harvesting of Caterpillar Fungus and Wood by Local People10e SynthesisSection III - Conservation Solutions In situ11 The Role of Mountain Communities in Snow Leopard Conservation12 Building Community Governance Structures and Institutions for Snow Leopard Conservation13 Incentive and Reward Programs in Snow Leopard Conservation13a Himalayan Homestays: Fostering Human-Snow Leopard Coexistence13b Handicrafts - Snow Leopard Enterprise in Mongolia13c A Review of Lessons, Successes and Pitfalls of Livestock Insurance Schemes13d Synthesis14 Livestock Husbandry and Snow Leopard Conservation14a Corral Improvements14b The Role of Village Reserves in Revitalizing the Natural Prey Base of the Snow Leopard14c The Ecosystem Health Program: A Tool to Promote the Co-Existence of Livestock Owners and Snow Leopards14d Synthesis15 Religion and Cultural Impacts on Snow Leopards Conservation15a Introduction15b Tibetan Buddhist Monastery-based Snow Leopard Conservation15c Shamanism in Central Asian Snow Leopard Cultures15d Snow Leopards in Art and Legend of the Pamir15e The Snow Leopard in Symbolism, Heraldry and Numismatics: The Order "Barys" and Title "Snow Leopard"16 Trophy Hunting as a Conservation Tool for Snow Leopards16a The Trophy Hunting Program: Enhancing Snow Leopard Prey Populations through Community Participation16b Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon) and Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica) Trophy Hunting in Mongolia16c Hunting of prey species - a review of lessons, successes and pitfalls.
