The Spatio-temporal Distribution Status of Snow Leopard And Reproducing
Females Detection In Baltistan
Abstract
The understanding the spatial distribution status and reproduction as
well as individual identification and communication behaviour of an
endangered species assessment is essential for the species’ population
dynamics, human activities such as changes in land use, overgrazing,
poaching, retaliatory killings, and the fur trade are causing a rapid
decline in the habitats of apex predators worldwide. Studying
communication behaviours and observing cubs in their natural habitat
present challenges. A comprehensive eight-year research project
(2015-2023) in northern Pakistan utilized 139 motion-triggered cameras
strategically placed to capture leopard behaviours, documenting a total
of 330 events within each study sites and recording videos of snow
leopard cubs with their mother. Additionally, preliminary reproducing
females snow leopard were observed across different study sites with 10
adult and sub-adult cubs, four reproducing females, and three adult
males snow leopard being identified. The first-time detection of rare
photographic events like communication behaviour and activity using
camera traps is significant tools for future conservation. The
documentation of snow leopard reproductive behaviors in Northern
Pakistan from 2015 to 2023 has broad implications for conservation and
understanding of these magnificent creature.