Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Reliable information about predator�s abundance, their feeding habits, potential habitats and niches is imperative to understand the ecological interactions among herders, herbivores and carnivores on shared habitats. Therefore, the present study endeavors to fill knowledge gaps for the sustainable conservation and management of the remaining lot of endangered Snow leopard and Tibetan wolf in Khunjerab National Park (KNP) in Pakistan and Taxkorgan National Nature Reserve (TKNR) in China. Our results revealed that the Tibetan wolf and Snow leopard as the major predators in KNP, with an estimated population size of 30-35 with 0.006 Snow leopards in per km-2. Also, out of estimated total 822.7 kg km-2 (animal�s km-2) biomass, it was found that that livestock and ungulates offered around 66% and 34% diet for Snow leopard and Tibetan wolf collectively. Through scat analysis, results showed that both these predators rely heavily on livestock to fulfill food requirements. Moreover, Tibetan wolf was found having a large niche separation with Snow leopard, whereas, Snow leopard was found comparatively having greater niche than the Tibetan wolf. In the same vein, considering the large biomass needs of the carnivores and the low availability of wild prey, human-wildlife conflict is therefore an inevitable and critical issue in the region. Trans-boundary efforts are necessary to develop conservation management schemes that protect threatened wildlife species as well as provide support and benefits to the local communities living adjacent to KNP and TNR in the Karakoram and Pamir mountains of China and Pakistan.

Biography

Email: anila.ajmal1@gmail.com