Journal articles on the topic 'Snow animals'
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1
Sivy, Kelly J., Anne W. Nolin, Christopher L. Cosgrove, and Laura R. Prugh. "Critical snow density threshold for Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli)." Canadian Journal of Zoology 96, no. 10 (October 2018): 1170–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2017-0259.
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Snow cover can significantly impact animal movement and energetics, yet few studies have investigated the link between physical properties of snow and energetic costs. Quantification of thresholds in snow properties that influence animal movement are needed to help address this knowledge gap. Recent population declines of Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli Nelson, 1884) could be due in part to changing snow conditions. We examined the effect of snow density, snow depth, and snow hardness on sinking depths of Dall’s sheep tracks encountered in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Snow depth was a poor predictor of sinking depths of sheep tracks (R2 = 0.02, p = 0.38), as was mean weighted hardness (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.07). Across competing models, top layer snow density (0–10 cm) and sheep age class were the best predictors of track sink depths (R2 = 0.58). Track sink depth decreased with increasing snow density, and the snowpack supported the mass of a sheep above a density threshold of 329 ± 18 kg/m3 (mean ± SE). This threshold could aid interpretation of winter movement and energetic costs by animals, thus improving our ability to predict consequences of changing snowpack conditions on wildlife.
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Johansson, Örjan, Shannon Kachel, and Byron Weckworth. "Guidelines for Telemetry Studies on Snow Leopards." Animals 12, no. 13 (June 28, 2022): 1663. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani12131663.
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Animal-borne tracking devices have generated a wealth of new knowledge, allowing us to better understand, manage and conserve species. Fitting such tracking devices requires that animals are captured and often chemically immobilized. Such procedures cause stress and involve the risk of injuries and loss of life even in healthy individuals. For telemetry studies to be justifiable, it is vital that capture operations are planned and executed in an efficient and ethical way. Project objectives must be clearly articulated to address well-defined knowledge gaps, and studies designed to maximize the probability of achieving those goals. We provide guidelines for how to plan, design, and implement telemetry studies with a special emphasis on snow leopards that are typically captured using foot snares. We also describe the necessary steps to ensure that captures are conducted safely, and with minimal stress to animals.
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White, Kristopher D. "The Snow Leopard and Cultural Landscape in Contemporary Kazakhstan." Society & Animals 28, no. 1 (November 26, 2018): 58–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341551.
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Abstract The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is commonly seen in the cultural landscape within the Republic of Kazakhstan. This contrasts rather starkly with the endangered species’ presence on the natural landscape there. Three contemporary cultural landscape sightings of the snow leopard in Kazakhstan—the Almaty zoological park, the Kazakhstan 2030 strategy initiative, and the 2011 Asian Winter Games—are explored here. The positive imagery and symbolism linking the snow leopard to the Republic of Kazakhstan cements the non-human animal’s status as an unofficial state symbol. The borderlands of snow leopard landscapes, those spaces of cultural and natural environmental overlap, are vital for conservation efforts. Reincorporating non-human animals into social science research offers the opportunity for cultural landscape investigations. For the snow leopard, cultural landscape research may prove as important as traditional natural landscape research in Kazakhstan and throughout this majestic non-human animal’s territorial range.
4
Droghini, Amanda, and Stan Boutin. "Snow conditions influence grey wolf (Canislupus) travel paths: the effect of human-created linear features." Canadian Journal of Zoology 96, no. 1 (January 2018): 39–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2017-0041.
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Although travel in deep snow imposes high energetic costs, animals can mitigate these costs through behavioural adaptations. For example, they can select habitats with shallower or more supportive snow. It is less well known, however, if animals select for favourable snow conditions at the scale of the step, i.e., along the travel paths themselves. We snow-tracked grey wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) over 187 km and used a paired design to compare snow conditions on travel paths to snow 1 m and 10 m away. Snow on travel paths was 3.2 cm shallower than measurements 1 m away, except when wolves travelled on linear features recently compacted by humans. In those cases, the mean difference in snow depth increased to 17.5 cm. Our analyses suggest that, under natural snow conditions, wolves are limited in the fine-scale differences they can achieve along their travel paths. By creating areas with highly favourable snow conditions, anthropogenic activities drastically change the winter landscape, with potential implications for energetics and predator–prey dynamics.
5
Green, K. "Autumnal body mass reduction in Antechinus swainsonii (Dasyuridae) in the Snowy Mountains." Australian Mammalogy 23, no. 1 (2001): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am01031.
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Autumnal body mass reduction in a seasonally snow-covered environment is reported for Antechinus swainsonii (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), thus extending the phylogenetic spectrum in which this phenomenon is known. Above 1600 m altitude the average mass of individual A. swainsonii falls from 48.6 g to 42.6 g (a 12.3% loss) from April to May. The difference in mass results from a reduction in lean mass rather than a metabolisation of fat reserves. In A. swainsonii, the need to increase body mass in late summer only to lose it in autumn prior to a winter beneath the snow seems superfluous. However, the higher mass may be necessary to survive the harsher microclimate in autumn before conditions ameliorate beneath the snow cover. Survival from April to May is higher in heavier animals (that do lose mass in autumn) than lighter animals (with mass in April equal to that of animals after loss of body mass). These lighter animals disappear from the population in autumn. With snow cover in place, A. swainsonii is able to increase mass in winter.
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Sheppard, A. H. C., L. J. Hecker, M. A. Edwards, and S. E. Nielsen. "Determining the influence of snow and temperature on the movement rates of wood bison (Bison bison athabascae)." Canadian Journal of Zoology 99, no. 6 (June 2021): 489–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2020-0280.
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Snow is understood to limit wildlife movements, often being the most important determinant of winter movement for animals in the boreal forest. However, the combined effect of snow and temperature on the movement ecology of animals at high latitudes is less understood. Here, we used GPS-collar data from a small population of wood bison (Bison bison athabascae Rhoads, 1898) in northeastern Alberta, Canada, to develop a series of generalized additive mixed models characterizing the effect of cumulative snow depth, daily change in snow depth, and temperature on movement rates. Our most supported model included cumulative snow depth, temperature, and day of winter. Bison movements decreased in the first 75 days of winter during snow accumulation and dramatically increased in the final 14 days of winter during snow melt. Cumulative snow depth, not daily change in snow depth, reduced wood bison movement rates, and movement rates increased more rapidly in warmer temperatures than in temperatures below −6.4 °C. By quantifying both the direction and the magnitude of snow and temperature’s effects on bison movement, our study fills critical knowledge gaps relating to the winter movement ecology of wood bison and contributes to a growing body of knowledge informing their conservation in the Anthropocene.
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DEGEN, A. A., and B. A. YOUNG. "THE PERFORMANCE OF PREGNANT BEEF COWS RELYING ON SNOW AS A WATER SOURCE." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 70, no. 2 (June 1, 1990): 507–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjas90-062.
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Body mass change, water influx, metabolic heat production and rectal temperature were measured in four pregnant beef cows offered only snow as a water source (snow cows) and in four pregnant beef cows that also had access to heated water (water cows). The study was carried out during winter (December to March) in Alberta, Canada. There was no difference between treatment groups in any of these measurements indicating that the snow cows were obtaining adequate water to satisfy their requirements and that no added nutrient energy was required to melt the snow and bring the water to body temperature. Milk yield in the two groups, measured in early spring when water was available to all cows, was similar as was the growth rate of the calves. Milk yield averaged 8.2 kg d−1 during weeks 2–4 of lactation and 4.6 kg d−1 during weeks 14–16. Average daily gain from birth to weaning (6 mo) of calves suckling the snow cows was 0.74 kg and of calves suckling the water cows was 0.70 kg. It was concluded that there was no detrimental effect of withholding liquid water from pregnant beef cows when snow is available and that cows can use snow as their only water source for lengthy periods of time during winter. Key words: Pregnant cows, snow, water, water influx, metabolic heat production
8
DEGEN, A. A., and B. A. YOUNG. "AVERAGE DAILY GAIN AND WATER INTAKE IN GROWING BEEF CALVES OFFERED SNOW AS A WATER SOURCE." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 70, no. 2 (June 1, 1990): 711–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjas90-085.
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Five calves were denied water for 112 d during winter but had access to snow as a water source (snow calves) and were compared with five calves that had continuous access to water (water calves). All calves were then given continuous access to water for a further 56 d. There was no significant difference between groups in water intake or average daily gain except at the beginning of the 56 d rewatering period when the snow calves drank more water per kg body mass than the water calves. Key words: Calves (weaned), average daily gain, snow, water intake, water influx, tritiated water
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Young, B. A., and A. A. Degen. "Effect of snow as a water source on beef cows and their calf production." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 71, no. 2 (June 1, 1991): 585–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjas91-070.
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Individually (n = 21) and group-fed (n = 100 over two winters) beef cows were either denied water in winter when snow was available or had free access to water. There was no difference in body mass or subcutaneous fat depth between the two treatments nor was there any difference in the birth or weaning body masses of their calves. It was concluded that beef cows could rely on snow as a water source during winter. Key words: Beef cows, snow consumption, body mass change, calf production
10
Mansergh, I. M., and D. J. Scotts. "Winter occurrence of the Mountain Pygmy-possum, Burramys parvus (Broom) (Marsupialia: Burramyidae), on Mt Higginbotham, Victoria." Australian Mammalogy 9, no. 1 (January 1, 1986): 35–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am86004.
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Between June, 1982 and October, 1984 traps were laid in the subnivean space of the optimal breeding habitat of Burramys parvus. Mean trapping success during both the snow-free and post-snow periods was more than 12%. No B. parvus were caught in traps set under the snow; the animals either have long periods of torpor and/or their activity is limited to feeding from their food caches, which are presumably located near to the nest (s). Food caches were similar to those of Burramys in captivity. In only one of 14 buildings located within 100 m of B. parvus habitat on Mt Higginbotham was B. parvus trapped during the snow period. In that building, the University Ski Club Lodge (USCL), where the mean trapping success was 28%, 10 females and 13 males were caught. Most of the females were caught during late October. About 50% of animals had been previously tagged during the snow-free period. During the snow period, the number of adult females moving to the USCL was few (8.1% of previous taggings, compared to adult males, 21%). Males returned to female breeding habitat during the breeding season October-November. These data suggest that the Burramys population is sexually segregated during the nonbreeding season.
11
Kuksin, Aleksandr Nikolaevich. "The limiting factors for the snow leopard (Panthera uncia Shreber, 1776) on the territory of Tuva." Samara Journal of Science 9, no. 4 (November 30, 2020): 93–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.17816/snv202094114.
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The paper presents the influence of limiting factors for the population of the snow leopard on the territory of Tuva (Republic of Tuva, Russia). It describes biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors to irbis. The author examines the role and degree of each factor of this influence. The paper represents literature sources and the authors field research work data for the period 20012019. The study was carried out on the territory of the Chikhacheva, Tsagan-Shibetu, Shapshalskiy Ranges and Sangilen Highlands, that are permanent habitats for the snow leopard. On the studied territories the anthropogenic influence such as hunting, extension of highways, cattle farms and the number of livestock increases in the high mountain ecosystems. All this leads to an increase of disturbance factor, a displacement from traditional habitats of wild animals, especially the irbis food items, so it is forcing the snow leopard to rely more on livestock for food. As a result the cattle breeders sometimes kill snow leopards in retaliation for attacking their livestock. The paper demonstrates data of all known incidents of the snow leopard death and finds of cadavers within the studied region which shows that 74% of all incidents are the fault of people for destroying this rare animal. So it proves that the anthropogenic factor plays a leading role in the death of snow leopard among others.
Keywords: irbis; snow leopard; ecology; Tuva; Republic of Tuva; limiting factors; biotic factors; abiotic factors; anthropogenic factors; disturbance factor; causes of death of irbis; diseases of irbis; competitors of irbis; snow leopard attacks on livestock.
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Ennis, G. P., R. G. Hooper, and D. M. Taylor. "Changes in the Composition of Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Participating in the Annual Breeding Migration in Bonne Bay, Newfoundland." Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 47, no. 11 (November 1, 1990): 2242–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f90-249.
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Sexually-paired snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) participating in an annual spring breeding migration to shallow water in Bonne Bay, Newfoundland were collected by SCUBA divers from 1984 to 1989. In 1984 the breeding pairs were composed mainly of relatively large, old-shell animals of both sexes, but by 1988 much smaller animals, most of which were new-shell, dominated the migration. Evidence from research fishing indicates that these changes are related to a rapid decline in what was characteristically a virgin population in 1984 and a coinciding strong pulse of recruitment into the breeding component of the population. A very high incidence of small, subcommercial males participating in the 1988 and 1989 breeding migrations demonstrates a capacity for maintaining a high level of reproductive potential in a snow crab population despite high exploitation rates on larger animals in the male-only fishery for this species. The strong recruitment pulse which occurred in Bonne Bay as the virgin population declined after 1984 also indicates a capacity for enhanced annual production within a snow crab population when exploitation rates are high.
13
Denisova, E. V., and N. A. Veselova. "Analysis of the «zoo visitor» effect on the example of the snow leopard Uncia uncia and the Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis." Veterinariya, Zootekhniya i Biotekhnologiya 1, no. 5 (2021): 78–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.36871/vet.zoo.bio.202105011.
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The article presents the study results of the Moscow Zoo' visitor effect on the behavior of the snow leopard Uncia uncia and the Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis. It was shown that most of the time the animals were inactive or were in a shelter (on the average 86,3%). Stereotypy was typical only for the Amur leopard (19,1%). Animals were more likely to be active in the presence of 0 to 20 people. Most often, animals were in other parts of the aviary; however, stereotypy was manifested mainly in the front zone of the aviary. The Amur leopard shows aggression towards visitors who tried to get its attention and it's reaction to mens was more intense. Snow leopard did not react to visitors.
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Li, Juan, George B. Schaller, Thomas M. McCarthy, Dajun Wang, Zhala Jiagong, Ping Cai, Lamao Basang, and Zhi Lu. "A Communal Sign Post of Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia) and Other Species on the Tibetan Plateau, China." International Journal of Biodiversity 2013 (December 6, 2013): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/370905.
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The snow leopard is a keystone species in mountain ecosystems of Central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known about the interactions between snow leopards and sympatric carnivores. Using infrared cameras, we found a rocky junction of two valleys in Sanjiangyuan area on the Tibetan Plateau where many mammals in this area passed and frequently marked and sniffed the site at the junction. We suggest that this site serves as a sign post to many species in this area, especially snow leopards and other carnivores. The marked signs may also alert the animals passing by to temporally segregate their activities to avoid potential conflicts. We used the Schoener index to measure the degree of temporal segregation among the species captured by infrared camera traps at this site. Our research reveals the probable ways of both intra- and interspecies communication and demonstrates that the degree of temporal segregation may correlate with the degree of potential interspecies competition. This is an important message to help understand the structure of animal communities. Discovery of the sign post clarifies the importance of identifying key habitats and sites of both snow leopards and other species for more effective conservation.
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Aagnes, T. H., and S. D. Mathiesen. "Food and snow intake, body mass and rumen function in reindeer fed lichen and subsequently starved for 4 days." Rangifer 14, no. 1 (December 1, 1994): 33. http://dx.doi.org/10.7557/2.14.1.1131.
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Food and snow intake, body mass, rumen fluid volume, rumen fluid turnover time and ruminal dry matter content were examined in four female rumen fistulated reindeer which were first fed lichen ad libitum in 14 days and then starved for 4 days in March. When the animals were eating lichen median daily dry matter food intake was 15.7 g/kg (range 12.2-19.9 g/kg), while median daily snow intake only amounted to 0.6 g/kg (range 0-3.3 g/kg). The median body mass decreased from 67.5 kg (range 62.5-69.5 kg) to 63.5 kg (range 60.5-68.5 kg) during this period, and dropped further to 62.5 kg (range 57.5-66.0 kg) after four days of starvation. Rumen fluid volume and fluid turnover time were fairly constant in individual animals, but varied between animals fed lichen ad libitum. Neither of these parameters changed significantly (P>0.05), but ruminal dry matter decreased, while snow intake rose conspicuously in reponse to starvation. Thus, aside from the latter, which mitigate the reduction of total rumen volume, we have failed to expose any special adaptions aimed at the maintenance of ruminal integrity in starving reindeer.
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Sabiya Asmat, Tashi Dolkar, Feroz Din Sheikh Shahnawaz Dar, and Showket Dar. "Environment and Living Condition of Zaskar Ladakh." International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 10, no. 12 (December 10, 2021): 216–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2021.1012.025.
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The natural environment of Zanskar presents a very harsh and fragile system. The villages are mostly situated along the two main tributaries of Zanskar River. Zanskar range is the most important mountain range of Zanskar tehsil. There are varieties of domesticated animals which are used for different purposes in Zanskar. These domestic animals include ponies, asses, horses, sheep, goats, yaks, dogs, and fowls. Yak is another important animal of Zanskar, and is also known as the “ship of snow”. The herders depends on highland pastoralism and kept temporary settlements locally called doksa. In doksa they reare yak, cow, zhomo, zho. The doksa produce around milk, butter, churphay (dried cottage cheese).
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Shipley, Amy A., Jennyffer Cruz, and Benjamin Zuckerberg. "Personality differences in the selection of dynamic refugia have demographic consequences for a winter-adapted bird." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 287, no. 1934 (September 9, 2020): 20200609. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.0609.
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For overwintering species, individuals' ability to find refugia from inclement weather and predators probably confers strong fitness benefits. How animals use their environment can be mediated by their personality (e.g. risk-taking), but does personality mediate how overwintering species select refugia? Snow cover is a dynamic winter characteristic that can influence crypsis or provide below-the-snow refugia. We explored how wintering ruffed grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) selected snow roosting sites, a behaviour that reduces stress and cold exposure. We linked selection for approximately 700 roosts with survival of 42 grouse, and showed that grouse generally selected deeper snow and warmer areas. Grouse found in shallow snow were less likely to survive winter. However, individuals that selected deep snow improved their survival, suggesting that demographic consequences of selecting winter refugia are mediated by differences in personality . Our study provides a crucial, and seldom addressed, link between personality in resource selection and resulting demographic consequences.
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Nikolin, E. G., D. G. Medvedev, I. M. Okhlopkov, and D. O. Zamyatin. "Potential forage plants for snow sheep (Ovis nivicola Eschscholtz) in the Polar Urals within the Yamal‑Nenets Autonomous District (Russia)." VAVILOVIA 3, no. 3 (June 2, 2021): 10–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.30901/2658-3860-2020-3-10-36.
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An examination of potential forage resources for snow sheep, or Siberian bighorn sheep (Ovis nivicola Eschscholtz, 1829) in the Polar Urals, where the introduction of these animals from their natural habitats in Northeastern Yakutia is planned, was carried out at the initiative of the Governor of the Yamalo‑Nenets Autonomous District (Russian Federation). The mountain ranges of the Polar Urals have a high degree of similarity with the natural conditions prevailing within the area of the snow sheep, but in the historical past these ungulates were not recorded in the Polar Urals. Therefore, this experiment aimed at expanding the distribution area of snow sheep will involve some risks. In addition to other aspects of introduction, one of the most important is the sufficiency and compliance of the forage base in the new natural area to the snow sheep requirements. This issue is discussed in this publication. According to our observations and literature data, the diet of snow sheep in natural habitats includes 290 species of vascular plants, 21 species of mosses, 20 species of lichens, representatives of 6 genera of cap mushrooms. However, vascular plants, bushy lichens, and seasonal fungi, play the main role in the diet of snow sheep. Forage species of vascular plants belong to almost all of the Boreal region’s families that dominate in terms of diversity, i.e., Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Salicaceae, Betulaceae, Polygonaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ranunculaceae, Brassicaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Ericaceae, and Asteraceae. In fact, the snow sheep consume almost the entire range of plants growing within its habitat to one degree or another. This makes it possible to assume that in the Polar Urals, snow sheep will widely use the substituting species which are closely related to the known forage plants. The known food ration of snow sheep in the Polar Urals includes 157 species of vascular plants, 13 species and representatives of 5 genera of leaf‑stem mosses, more than 20 species of ground lichens, representatives of 3 genera (11 species in total) of epiphytic lichens and 6 genera of fungi. In addition, it is predicted that among the replacement plant species distributed in the Polar Urals, the potential forage resources for these animals will include 166 species of vascular plants, a significant part (up to 99 species) of the 358 known species leaf‑stem mosses, and more than 40 species of lichens. The frequency of occurrence and diversity of cap mushrooms in the Polar Urals is high, and can have a positive effect on the feeding of animals in summer and autumn.
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Dyldaev, Mirlan, Akylbek Chymyrov, Askat Mukabaev, and Orozbek Omurzak uulu. "Investigation of the population area of snow leopard in the Central Tian-Shan Mountains." E3S Web of Conferences 227 (2021): 02002. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202122702002.
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The spatial analysis of population areal of snow leopards in the Central Tian Shan Mountains and monitoring of their population dynamics and reproduction is needed by nature conservation activities. The study area is located in the unique and remote transboundary region between the Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Kazakhstan and People’s Republic of China. The population areas, feeding base and movement of snow leopards within the Khan Tengri State Nature Park were realized by using camera traps and Geoinformation Systems (GIS). Camera traps have been used for recording the existence and activity of snow leopards in the high mountainous and uninhabited area. 14 adult and 5 snow leopard cubs are detected and recorded within the survey period in 2018-2019 with various individual characteristics of animals. The spatial distribution of snow leopard’s population was mapped and analyzed by applying open source GIS software (Quantum GIS) and satellite positioning.
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Dawe, Earl G., David M. Taylor, John M. Hoenig, William G. Warren, Gerald P. Ennis, Robert G. Hooper, William E. Donaldson, A. J. Paul, and Judy M. Paul. "A Critical Look at the Idea of Terminal Molt in Male Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio)." Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48, no. 11 (November 1, 1991): 2266–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f91-266.
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Whether or not male snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) undergo a terminal molt when they develop large chelae is reviewed. Evidence supporting terminal molt includes laboratory studies in which large-clawed animals failed to molt and field studies which failed to find large-clawed males with mouth parts indicating imminent molting. Both studies were poorly documented. The field studies were largely conducted during inappropriate seasons and molt status based on a questionable mouth part stage. There is also an unsubstantiated claim that large-clawed animals fail to form limb buds for limb regeneration during the next molt and an inconclusive study of the degeneration of the Y-organ. We present new data against terminal molt including capture of large-clawed males with internal carapaces indicating impending molts, capture of two large-clawed animals with mouth parts indicating active premolting, recovery of two tagged large-clawed animals which molted while at liberty, and that the largest small-clawed animals usually are not large enough to account (through growth in a single molt) for the largest of the large-clawed animals. Also, one large-clawed male reportedly molted in captivity. We conclude that the existence of a terminal molt in male snow crab is not proven.
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Devkota, B. P., T. Silwal, B. P. Shrestha, A. P. Sapkota, S. P. Lakhey, and V. K. Yadav. "Abundance of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its wild prey in Chhekampar VDC, Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal." Banko Janakari 27, no. 1 (November 7, 2017): 11–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v27i1.18545.
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Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is the striking symbol as well as an indicator of intact eco-regions of high mountains it inhabits. Despite the advancement in new methods, scholars argue that signs are still a reliable indicator for the purpose of habitat use study of snow leopards. The relative abundance of snow leopard and its major prey species such as blue sheep (Pseudois nayar) and Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in the Chhekampar Village Development Committee within the Tsum Valley of the Manaslu Conservation Area was determined by sign survey using Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) and block survey using Vantage Point Method, respectively. We also assessed human snow leopard conflict through household and key informant survey. The encounter rate of snow leopard signs were 3.57/km on an average, indicating low abundance, whereas prey species such as blue sheep and Himalayan tahr had 3.8 and 1.8 animals/km2, respectively. The livestock depredation rate was 1.29% with snow leopard accounting to only 0.32% of the total. Due to the low abundance of snow leopard but sufficient number of large-sized wild prey species, livestock predation by snow leopard was minimum, and therefore, the local people had positive perception towards snow leopard conservation. Though the present situation including the local religious tradition and social norms is supportive in conservation of snow leopard, it may not sustain unless incentive programs are encouraged timely.Banko Janakari, Vol. 27, No. 1, Page : 11-20
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Holt, N. W. "Effect of snow fence or trimming seed heads or stems of Russian wildrye on April soil water content, forage and beef production." Canadian Journal of Animal Science 75, no. 3 (September 1, 1995): 309–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjas95-048.
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Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski] is an introduced forage, used for season-long grazing in the northern plains. Trimming the heads may improve forage quality but may reduce snow trapping and the amount of moisture conserved. The purpose of this grazing study was to examine the effects of trimming seed heads, trimming seed stems or erecting snow fences on spring soil water content and spring and summer pasture productivity of Russian wildrye at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. From 1985 to 1988, a period of below-normal November to April precipitation, treatments had no effect on soil water content in spring or annual carrying capacity of Russian wildrye pastures. From 1989 to 1994, soil water content in April averaged 74, 64 and 50 mm for treatments of: stems intact (but with added snow fence in 1988); heads trimmed in June, but stems standing; and stems trimmed, respectively. For this 6-yr period, annual carrying capacity of yearling Hereford steers was 153, 143 and 131 animal unit d−1, respectively, for the three treatments. Average daily gain of 0.94 kg d−1, or total gain of 92 kg per steer, was unaffected. Average forage yields (1989–1993) were 2030 kg ha−1, of which 77–86% was consumed by the steers. There was no evidence that trimmed seed heads increased forage yield or quality. The only benefits were related to soil and water conservation, which increased carrying capacity by 15% because of improved snow trapping and water management. Key words:Psathyrostachys juncea, grazing steers, forage quality, soil water
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Haq, Shiekh Marifatul, Eduardo Soares Calixto, Umer Yaqoob, Riyaz Ahmed, Ahmed Hossam Mahmoud, Rainer W. Bussmann, Osama B. Mohammed, Khalid Ahmad, and Arshad Mehmood Abbasi. "Traditional Usage of Wild Fauna among the Local Inhabitants of Ladakh, Trans-Himalayan Region." Animals 10, no. 12 (December 7, 2020): 2317. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10122317.
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Zootherapy is accepted all around the globe not only in ancient cultures but different animal derived medicines are also part of the practice in the modern health care systems. The present study assessed the traditional ethnozoological usage of wild animals by local inhabitants in Ladakh region, India, and the reference data for scientific approaches for protection of faunal diversity in trans-Himalayas. The ethnozoological documentation of the animals in Ladakh was carried out through semistructured and close-ended questionnaire surveys and interviews. Multivariate ecological community analysis was used to elucidate the relationship between ethnozoological usage and animal species. Our results showed three animal usage clusters with 32% similarity. Moreover, the similarity in animal usage between digging tools, trophy, handle of tools, decoration, and matting, showed less than 32% of similarity. The highest priority of local people was for food followed by decoration and medicinal usage. The most frequently used animal parts were meat followed by fur and horn. Medicinal uses of 48% of the reported species, i.e., Alectoris chukar (chukar), Cuon alpinus (Asiatic wild dog), Lepus oiostolus (hares), Marmota himalayana (marmots), Ovis aries vignei (Ladakh urial), Pantholops hodgsonii (Tibetan antelope), Procapra picticaudata (Tibetan gazelle), Pseudois nayaur (blue sheep), Tetraogallus himalayensis (Himalayan snow), Tetraogallus tibetanus (Tibetan snow cock), and Lutra lutra (common otter) were reported for the first time from this region. Our study provides innovative information regarding the ethnozoological knowledge in the Ladakh region and reference data for policymakers, researchers, land managers, common public, and the other stakeholders to develop logical and scientific approaches for sustainable use of faunal diversity in hotspot regions like trans-Himalayas and other similar biodiversity-rich sites.
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Reichert-Stewart, Jamie L., Rachel M. Santymire, Diana Armstrong, Tara M. Harrison, and Jason R. Herrick. "Fecal endocrine monitoring of reproduction in female snow leopards (Uncia uncia)." Theriogenology 82, no. 1 (July 2014): 17–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.02.018.
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Anderson, John R., and Arne C. Nilssen. "Do reindeer aggregate on snow patches to reduce harassment by parasitic flies or to thermoregulate?" Rangifer 18, no. 1 (February 1, 1998): 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.7557/2.18.1.1369.
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During warm, sunny days (Max. temp. 22 °C to 25 °C) C02-baited traps operated at sites on and off snow patches (SP's) in subarctic Norway caught significantly fewer culicids, simuliids and tabanids on snow in both 1985 and 1987. However, for overnight catches (18.30 - 07.30 h) there was no significant difference in the number of culicids caught on versus off SP's. Analysis of videotapes taken in 1987 showed that defensive anti-fly behaviors of reindeer on and off SP's remained low (< 1/4 min) throughout the day. Based on reindeer anti-fly behaviors, harassment was greatest from 10.30 to 12.30 h (Norwegian Standard Time), but reindeer continued to aggregate on SP's while anti-fly behaviors were lowest (13.30 to 20.00 h). Groups of > 150 animals often occupied the entire surface of a snow patch. At the fly densities and climatic conditions encountered it seemed apparent that reindeer intermittently used SP's primarily to thermoregulate following periods of foraging. Almost all reindeer remained on SP's from 11.00 to 12.30 h, but at other times between 08.00 and 19 00 h about half the herd (ca. 800 animals) foraged for about an hour while the other half aggregated on SP's. However, by 20.00 h, during the cooler period when trap catches of mosquitoes were increasing, almost all reindeer had moved off SP's. The small decreases in anti-fly defensive behaviors observed for reindeer on SP's versus animals foraging in snow-free areas indicated that their presence on SP's may have resulted in a minor, coincidental reduction in harassment. Significantly more tabanids were caught during the morning trapping period than at other times, and significantly more mosquitoes were caught during the evening/overnight trapping period than at other times.
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Hong, Yang, Thomas Connor, Huan Luo, Xiaoxing Bian, Zhaogang Duan, Zhuo Tang, and Jindong Zhang. "Spatial Utilization and Microhabitat Selection of the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) under Different Livestock Grazing Intensities." Earth Interactions 25, no. 1 (January 2021): 151–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/ei-d-21-0003.1.
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AbstractThere is increasing conflict between snow leopards and humans in many protected areas, the main driver of which is the overlap in spatial utilization between snow leopards and livestock. Understanding the spatial utilization and microhabitat selection of snow leopards in areas featuring different levels of livestock grazing is important to better understand and resolve this conflict, but such studies are rare. Here, we conducted line transect and plot surveys in low- and high-grazing-disturbance areas (LGDAs and HGDAs) in Wolong National Reserve, southwestern China. We compared snow leopard spatial utilization and microhabitat characteristics between LGDAs and HGDAs. Results showed that snow leopards had aggregated distribution in both LGDAs and HGDAs, but the distribution of snow leopards in HGDAs was more centralized than in LGDAs. Herb cover and height in LGDAs were greater than in HGDAs. We fit a resource selection function (RSF) that showed that snow leopards preferentially selected higher elevation, smaller basal diameter of shrubs, and lower height of herbs in LGDAs. In contrast, there were no significant microhabitat factors in our snow leopard RSF in HGDAs. Our results indicate that high-intensity grazing tends to reduce the habitat types available to and preferential selectivity of habitat by snow leopards. We recommend that livestock grazing should be controlled to restore the diversity of the alpine ecosystems in Wolong Nature Reserve. Our findings also highlight the need for evaluating the impact of livestock grazing on rare animals in alpine environments (e.g., snow leopard) in other areas facing similar issues.
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Skogland, Terje. "Movements of tagged and radio-instrumented wild reindeer in relation to habitat alteration in the Snøhetta region, Norway." Rangifer 6, no. 2 (June 1, 1986): 267. http://dx.doi.org/10.7557/2.6.2.658.
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In winter, 1981, 103 reindeer, out of a population of 3600, were herded into a fence by snowmobiles and marked. During the next 4 1/2 years reindeer were followed from the ground, or by radiolocations from an airplane. On the average one animal was tagged per 42 animals in any group. A total sample of 175 locations in all seasons indicated that snow conditions, traffic on a road lying parallel to a railroad, and the damming of a lake significantly affected annual distribution as compared with expected modern as well as prehistoric distribution.
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Bao, Heng, Penghui Zhai, Dusu Wen, Weihua Zhang, Ye Li, Feifei Yang, Xin Liang, et al. "Effects of Inter- and Intra-Specific Interactions on Moose Habitat Selection Limited by Temperature." Remote Sensing 14, no. 24 (December 19, 2022): 6401. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs14246401.
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Habitat selection and daily activity patterns of large herbivores might be affected by inter- and intra-specific interaction, changes of spatial scale, and seasonal temperature. To reveal what factors were driving the habitat selection of moose, we collected moose (Alces alces) and roe deer (Capreolus pygargus bedfordi) occurrence data, analyzed the multi-scale habitat selection and daily activity patterns of moose, and quantified the effects of spatial heterogeneity distribution of temperature, as well as the occurrence of roe deer on these habitat selection processes. Our results suggested that moose and roe deer distribution spatially overlap and that moose habitat selection is especially sensitive to landscape variables at large scales. We also found that the activity patterns of both sexes of moose had a degree of temporal separation with roe deer. In the snow-free season, temperatures drove moose habitat selection to be limited by threshold temperatures of 17 °C; in the snowy season, there were no similar temperature driving patterns, due to the severe cold environment. The daily activity patterns of moose showed seasonal change, and were more active at dawn and nightfall to avoid heat pressure during the snow-free season, but more active in the daytime for cold adaptation to the snow season. Consequently, this study provides new insights on how the comprehensive effects of environmental change and inter- and intra- specific relationships influence the habitat selection and daily activity patterns of moose and other heat sensitive animals with global warming.
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Jonas, Tobias, Flavia Geiger, and Hannes Jenny. "Mortality pattern of the Alpine chamois: the influence of snow–meteorological factors." Annals of Glaciology 49 (2008): 56–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756408787814735.
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AbstractEspecially for animals inhabiting alpine areas, winter environmental conditions can be limiting. Cold temperatures, hampered food availability and natural perils are just three of many potential threats that mountain ungulates face in winter. Understanding their sensitivity to climate variability is essential for game management. Here we focus on analyzing the influence of snow and weather conditions on the mortality pattern of Alpine chamois. Our mortality data are derived from a systematic assessment of 6500 chamois that died of natural causes over the course of 13 years. We use population- and habitat-specific data on snow, climate and avalanche danger to identify the key environmental factors that essentially determine the spatio-temporal variations in chamois mortality. Initially, we show that most fatalities occurred in winter, with a peak around March, when typically snow depths were highest. Death causes related to poor general conditions were the major component of seasonal variations. As for the interannual variations in mortality, snow depth and avalanche risk best explained the occurrence of winters with increased numbers of fatalities. Finally, analyzing differences in mortality rates between populations, we identified sun-exposed winter habitats with little snow accumulation as favourable for alpine chamois.
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Fischer, A., G. Schalitz, and A. Behrendt. "Comparative studies on the grazing behaviour of fallow deer and sheep in winter." Archives Animal Breeding 51, no. 5 (October 10, 2008): 487–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/aab-51-487-2008.
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Abstract. During two successive winter periods the ingestive behaviour of female fallow deer and Skudde mother sheep was observed during the day-light periods of a day in fourteen-day intervals. The animals were grouped together on an extensively used permanent fen pasture area with a stock of 0.5 large-animal units (which corresponds to 250 kg of animal living mass) per hectare. Sufficient quantities of fresh grass and hay were available. The results obtained show that the animals maintained their species-specific ingestive behaviour despite common keeping. As compared to fallow deer, the sheep spent markedly longer time with ingestive activities. There were only rare instances of rivalry and conflict (over grazing positions or hay-feeding points) between the two species. The animals of the two groups of species under examination are well adapted to the prevailing climatic conditions. They proved to be able to respond to extreme weather conditions as cold periods and snow storms. It can be rightfully stated that they are able to spend the winter in the open without harm to their health. Outdoor keeping in the winter period can be regarded as suitable for fallow deer and Skudde sheep in northeast Germany.
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Prade, Roger, Evan Cooch, and Fred Cooke. "Transient animals in a resident population of snow geese: Local emigration or heterogeneity?" Journal of Applied Statistics 22, no. 5-6 (November 1995): 695–710. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02664769524559.
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Prosekov, Alexander, Anna Vesnina, Victor Atuchin, and Aleksandr Kuznetsov. "Robust Algorithms for Drone-Assisted Monitoring of Big Animals in Harsh Conditions of Siberian Winter Forests: Recovery of European elk (Alces alces) in Salair Mountains." Animals 12, no. 12 (June 8, 2022): 1483. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani12121483.
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There are two main reasons for monitoring the population of forest animals. First, regular surveys reveal the real state of biodiversity. Second, they guarantee a prompt response to any negative environmental factor that affects the animal population and make it possible to eliminate the threat before any permanent damage is done. The research objective was to study the potential of drone planes equipped with thermal infrared imaging cameras for large animal monitoring in the conditions of Siberian winter forests with snow background at temperatures −5 °C to −30 °C. The surveyed territory included the Salair State Nature Reserve in the Kemerovo Region, Russia. Drone planes were effective in covering large areas, while thermal infrared cameras provided accurate statistics in the harsh winter conditions of Siberia. The research featured the population of the European elk (Alces alces), which is gradually deteriorating due to poaching and deforestation. The authors developed an effective methodology for processing the data obtained from drone-mounted thermal infrared cameras. The research provided reliable results concerning the changes in the elk population on the territory in question. The use of drone planes proved an effective means of ungulate animal surveying in snow-covered winter forests. The designed technical methods and analytic algorithms are cost-efficient and they can be applied for monitoring large areas of Siberian and Canadian winter forests.
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Garroway, Colin J., and Hugh G. Broders. "The quantitative effects of population density and winter weather on the body condition of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Nova Scotia, Canada." Canadian Journal of Zoology 83, no. 9 (September 1, 2005): 1246–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z05-118.
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Understanding the underlying mechanisms that cause variation in survival and the reproductive success of animals is essential for predicting variation in population parameters. To gain an understanding of the effects of density and winter weather severity on white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780), we examined the effects of current-year deer density and cumulative weekly average values for snow depth, rainfall, and the number of degrees below –15 °C until the time of death, as well as cumulative effects of density and snow depth over the previous one and two winters, on the body condition of adult females, adult males, and fawns. Model selection using Akaike's Information Criterion and multi-model inference suggested that snow depth was the best predictor of body condition for all three age/sex groups. Winter rainfall was the next most influential predictor for adult females and adult males but was not important in determining fawn body condition. Temperature had the least influence on the body condition of all three age/sex groups. Deer density during the winter of death had minimal effects for all groups and we found no evidence that cumulative multiyear variables influenced body condition. We hypothesize that cohort variation may better explain previous findings showing effects of multiyear variables. A model for estimating the proportion of animals in poor body condition for each age/sex group is presented.
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Demarchi, Mike W. "Are Lesser Snow Geese, Chen caerulescens caerulescens, Exceeding the Carrying Capacity of the Fraser River Delta's Brackish Marshes?" Canadian Field-Naturalist 120, no. 2 (April 1, 2006): 213. http://dx.doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v120i2.290.
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Brackish marshes of the Fraser River delta provide important habitats for such high-profile animals as White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), Pacific Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri), and Lesser Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens caerulescens), the latter comprising the “Fraser-Skagit” segment of the Wrangel Island (Russia) population. This study assessed whether the current numbers of Snow Geese are exceeding the carrying capacity of brackish marshes in the Fraser River delta. Simulation modelling predicts that those marshes are presently capable of supporting ~17,500 Snow Geese—a value that is greatly exceeded by the numbers of geese that have over-wintered there in recent years (~80,000 in 2004-2005). The Pacific Flyway Council’s target 3-y average population and segment sizes of 120,000 and 50,000 - 70,000, respectively, were set without considering the carrying capacity of natural wintering habitats, the potential impacts of too many geese on upland agriculture, or implications for hazards to civilian aircraft at Vancouver International Airport. The modelled results of the present study suggest that the Fraser River delta can sustain the current numbers of Snow Geese that stage or winter there only if those birds also forage in agricultural and refuge fields—a relatively recent phenomenon that likely bolstered the Snow Goose population. Over-use by Snow Geese can degrade the productivity and habitat quality of marshes. There is documented evidence that some key plant species (e.g., Scirpus americanus) of the brackish marshes of the Fraser River delta are well below their biomass potential (~15%), primarily because of grubbing by Snow Geese. Other species that depend on this brackish environment as well as human interests in the Fraser River delta may be adversely affected by an overabundance of Snow Geese. The future effectiveness of hunting as a primary means of population regulation is questioned.
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Ford, Adam T., and Anthony P. Clevenger. "Factors affecting the permeability of road mitigation measures to the movement of small mammals." Canadian Journal of Zoology 97, no. 4 (April 2019): 379–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2018-0165.
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Mitigation measures, such as wildlife-exclusion fencing and crossing structures (overpasses, underpasses, culverts), have been widely demonstrated to reduce the negative effects of roads on medium-sized and large animals. It is unclear how these mitigation measures influence the movement of small mammals (<5 kg). Our study has three objectives: (1) to test whether culverts improve highway permeability; (2) to determine factors associated with culvert use, such as culvert obstruction by snow; (3) to evaluate factors contributing towards fence permeability, such as the presence of a culvert, snow depth, and fence mesh size. We used snow tracking to assess the movement for four small-mammal taxa along the Trans-Canada Highway corridor in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. We found that the presence of a culvert within 100 m of transects significantly improved fence and highway permeability. Obstruction of the culvert entrance by snow was negatively correlated with the probability of use, and therefore, of highway permeability. Furthermore, the mesh size of the fencing did not affect fence or highway permeability. We recommend that culvert entrances be located on the outside of fenced right-of-ways to reduce obstruction by highway maintenance activities such as snowplowing.
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Peng, Quancai, Jinming Song, Xuegang Li, Huamao Yuan, and Guang Yang. "Characterization, Source and Risk of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds (PhACs) in the Snow Deposition Near Jiaozhou Bay, North China." Applied Sciences 9, no. 6 (March 14, 2019): 1078. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app9061078.
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The occurrence and distribution of 110 pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) were investigated in snow near Jiaozhou Bay (JZB), North China. All target substances were analyzed using solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.A total of 38 compounds were detected for the first time in snow, including 23 antibiotics, eight hormones, three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, two antipsychotics, one beta-adrenergic receptor and one hypoglycemic drug. The total concentration of PhACs in snow ranged from 52.80 ng/L to 1616.02 ng/L. The compounds found at the highest mean concentrations included tetracycline (125.81 ng/L), desacetylcefotaxime (17.73 ng/L), ronidazole (8.79 ng/L) and triamcinolone diacetate (2.84 ng/L). The contribution of PhACs in the vicinity of JZB to the PhACs in the snow is far greater than the contribution of those transmitted over a long distance. PhACs are mainly derived from drugs applied to local humans and animals. Based on the individual risk quotient (RQ) values, tetracycline poses high risks to the relevant aquatic organisms (algae and invertebrates). The rational application and scientific management of PhACs is an effective approach to reduce the ecological risks in JZB.
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Roth, Timothy C., Lara D. LaDage, and Vladimir V. Pravosudov. "Variation in hippocampal morphology along an environmental gradient: controlling for the effects of day length." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 278, no. 1718 (February 2, 2011): 2662–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2010.2585.
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Environmental conditions may create increased demands for memory, which in turn may affect specific brain regions responsible for memory function. This may occur either via phenotypic plasticity or selection for individuals with enhanced cognitive abilities. For food-caching animals, in particular, spatial memory appears to be important because it may have a direct effect on fitness via their ability to accurately retrieve food caches. Our previous studies have shown that caching animals living in more harsh environments (characterized by low temperatures, high snow cover and short day lengths) possess more neurons within a larger hippocampus (Hp), a part of the brain involved in spatial memory. However, the relative role of each of these environmental features in the relationship is unknown. Here, we dissociate the effects of one theoretically important factor (day length) within the environmental severity/Hp relationship by examining food-caching birds (black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapillus ) selected at locations along the same latitude, but with very different climatic regimes. There was a significant difference in Hp attributes among populations along the same latitude with very different climatic features. Birds from the climatically mild location had significantly smaller Hp volumes and fewer Hp neurons than birds from the more harsh populations, even though all populations experienced similar day lengths. These results suggest that variables such as temperature and snow cover seem to be important even without the compounding effect of reduced day length at higher latitudes and suggest that low temperature and snow cover alone may be sufficient to generate high demands for memory and the hippocampus. Our data further confirmed that the association between harsh environment and the hippocampus in food-caching animals is robust across a large geographical area and across years.
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Histøl, Trond, and Olav Hjeljord. "Winter feeding strategies of migrating and nonmigrating moose." Canadian Journal of Zoology 71, no. 7 (July 1, 1993): 1421–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z93-196.
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We recorded forage and habitat use by radio-collared moose, Alces alces (L.), in southeastern Norway. Migrating and resident moose preferred different habitats during winter. Migrating animals used habitats of lower site quality than did resident animals. Migrating animals also used Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) forests more often and had a higher proportion of pine and common birch (Betula pubescens L.) in their diet than did resident animals. Increased browsing pressure from both migrating and resident animals was evident at the end of the winter from an increase in twig diameter at the point of browsing, breakage of stems, heavy browsing of common birch, and more extensive searching for forage. Rebrowsing of previously browsed trees by resident moose and, to a lesser extent, by migrants was recorded during March. Snow depths were similar on the winter ranges of resident and migrating moose.
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Khanal, Gopal, Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Bishnu Prasad Devkota, Rishi Ranabhat, and Per Wegge. "Status and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Api Nampa Conservation Area, Nepal." Oryx 54, no. 3 (August 30, 2018): 421–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605318000145.
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AbstractThe snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance, distribution and prey species is a prerequisite for its conservation. In October–November 2014 we assessed the distribution of the snow leopard in the recently established Api Nampa Conservation Area in the Nepal Himalayas. Within selected blocks we conducted sign surveys and counted the number of bharal Pseudois nayaur, its principal wild prey, along transects totalling 106 km. We recorded 203 putative snow leopard signs at an encounter rate of 1.91 signs/km. Generalized linear models of the number of signs detected per transect showed that elevation had a positive influence and human activities a negative influence on sign encounter rate; prey abundance had only a weak positive influence on sign encounter rate. Within the effectively surveyed area of c. 200 km2, we counted 527 bharal at an estimated density of 2.28 animals/km2. Recruitment of bharal was low, estimated at 48 kids/100 adult females, most likely a result of poor or overgrazed rangeland. We estimate the total number of bharal in this conservation area to be > 1,000, a prey base that could sustain 6–9 snow leopards. Based on our field observations, we identified human disturbance and habitat degradation associated with extraction of non-timber forest products, livestock grazing, and poaching as the main threats to the snow leopard. Standardized sign surveys, preferably supplemented by sampling with remote cameras or with genetic analysis of scats would provide robust baseline information on the abundance of snow leopards in this conservation area.
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Watts, T., N. Rutter, P. Toose, C. Derksen, M. Sandells, and J. Woodward. "Improved measurement of ice layer density in seasonal snowpacks." Cryosphere Discussions 9, no. 6 (November 2, 2015): 5979–6002. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tcd-9-5979-2015.
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Abstract. Ice layers in snowpacks introduce uncertainty in satellite derived estimates of snow water equivalent, have ecological impacts on plants and animals, and change the thermal and vapour transport properties of the snowpack. The microstructure and specifically the density of ice layers is poorly quantified. Here we present a new field method, for measuring the density of ice layers caused by melt or rain-on-snow events. The method was used on 87 ice layer samples in the Canadian Arctic and mid-latitudes; the mean measured ice layer density was 909 ± 18 kg m−3 with a standard deviation of 23 kg m−3, significantly higher than values typically used in the literature.
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Stone, Ian R. "Hunting marine mammals for profit and sport: H.J. Snow in the Kuril Islands and the north Pacific, 1873–96." Polar Record 41, no. 1 (January 2005): 47–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247404004000.
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Henry James Snow hunted marine mammals in the sub-Arctic Kuril Islands and adjacent areas of the North Pacific between the years 1873 and 1896. His success resulted from careful study of the animals hunted, in particular the sea otter. He had continual difficulties with the governments of Japan and Russia, which had sovereignty over the land and territorial waters of the region, some of the encounters involving violence. At the same time, Snow was a careful observer of the wildlife and surveyor of the natural features, especially of the Kuril Islands. His works represented the most accessible source of information about the islands as late as the start of the Pacific War in 1941.
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FOYLE, TIMOTHY P., RONALD K. O'DOR, and ROBERT W. ELNER. "Energetically Defining the Thermal Limits of the Snow Crab." Journal of Experimental Biology 145, no. 1 (September 1, 1989): 371–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.145.1.371.
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The snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, is a cold-water species found naturally at temperatures below 5°C. Its physiology and energetics were examined to understand the metabolic limitations that restrict the snow crab to these temperatures. The species is not confined to cold water because of a limited respiratory system. Routine oxygen demand can be met even at lethal temperatures of 18°C (56 mg O2kg−1h−1, with a Q10 of 2.2). Blood lactate levels remain below 1.5 mmol l−1 and actually decline slightly with temperature. Energy budgets, which were constructed from an examination of oxygen uptake, activity and food consumption in morphometrically mature male animals between 0 and 18°C, indicate that the snow crab is energetically restricted to cold water. Rising metabolic costs overtake caloric intake around 7°C. This is probably due to digestive metabolism which is temperature-sensitive. Food consumption increases up to 6°C but then falls. Crabs stop feeding above 12°C. Although the growth equation is positive between 1 and 7°C, it becomes slightly negative below 1°C. This observation is unexpected since snow crabs are commonly found between 0 and 1°C. Slight temperature changes in the natural environment may, therefore, regulate growth and reproduction in this species.
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Heggberget, Thrine Moen, Eldar Gaare, and John P. Ball. "Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and climate change: Importance of winter forage." Rangifer 22, no. 1 (June 1, 2002): 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.7557/2.22.1.388.
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As a consequence of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, climate change is predicted to be particularly pronounced, although regionally variable, in the vast arctic, sub-arctic and alpine tundra areas of the northern hemisphere. Here, we review winter foraging conditions for reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus) living in these areas, and consider diet, forage quality and distribution, accessibility due to snow variation, and effects of snow condition on reindeer and caribou populations. Finally, we hypothesise how global warming may affect wild mountain reindeer herds in South Norway. Energy-rich lichens often dominate reindeer and caribou diets. The animals also prefer lichens, and their productivity has been shown to be higher on lichen-rich than on lichen-poor ranges. Nevertheless, this energy source appears to be neither sufficient as winter diet for reindeer or caribou (at least for pregnant females) nor necessary. Some reindeer and caribou populations seem to be better adapted to a non-lichen winter diet, e.g. by a larger alimentary tract. Shrubs appear to be the most common alternative winter forage, while some grasses appear to represent a good, nutritionally-balanced winter diet. Reindeer/caribou make good use of a wide variety of plants in winter, including dead and dry parts that are digested more than expected based on their fibre content. The diversity of winter forage is probably important for the mineral content of the diet. A lichen-dominated winter diet may be deficient in essential dietary elements, e.g. minerals. Sodium in particular may be marginal in inland winter ranges. Our review indicates that most Rangifer populations with lichen-dominated winter diets are either periodically or continuously heavily harvested by humans or predators. However, when population size is mainly limited by food, accessible lichen resources are often depleted. Plant studies simulating climatic change indicate that a warmer, wetter climate may cause an altitudinal upward shift in the production of mat-forming lichens in alpine, sub-arctic regions. This is due to an increased potential for lichen growth at high altitudes, combined with increased competition from taller-growing vascular plants at lower altitudes, where the biomass of Betula nana in particular will increase. Matforming lichens dominant on dry, windblown ridges are easily overgrazed at high reindeer densities. This has longterm effects due to lichens’ slow regeneration rate, but may also reduce competition from vascular plants in a long time perspective. Fires may act in a similar way in some forested areas. Accessibility of winter forage depends on plant biomass, snow depth and hardness; ice crusts or exceptionally deep snow may result in starvation and increased animal mortality. Calf recruitment appears to be low and/or highly variable where winter ranges are overgrazed and hard or deep snow is common. Population decline in several Rangifer tarandus spp. has been associated with snow-rich winters. Effects tend to be delayed and cumulative, particularly on calves. This is mainly ascribed to feeding conditions for young animals which later affect age at maturation. Global warming may increase the frequency of deep or hard snow on reindeer ranges in Norway, due to increased precipitation and more frequent mild periods in winter. We hypothesise that potential benefits from increased plant productivity due to global warming will be counteracted by shifts in the distribution of preferred lichen forage, reduction of the areas of suitable winter ranges, and generally reduced forage accessibility in winter.
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Joshi, B. R., L. M. Gibbons, and D. E. Jacobs. "Ostertagia nianqingtanggulaensis K'ung & Li, 1965 (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) from sheep and goats at high altitudes in Nepal." Journal of Helminthology 71, no. 1 (March 1997): 21–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x00000742.
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AbstractThe trichostrongyloid nematode Ostertagia nianqingtanggulaensis K'ung & Li, 1965, previously recorded only from sheep in Tibet, is redescribed and is shown to be a common parasite of both sheep and goats at higher altitudes in the Himalayan foothills of western Nepal. Herbage examination indicated that infective larvae can overwinter on snow covered slopes. Use of tracer animals confirmed that migratory flocks are exposed to infection when grazing on alpine pastures during the summer months. In contrast, nearby non-migratory flocks kept at lower altitudes did not harbour O. nianqingtanggulaensis and tracer animals grazed with these flocks did not become infected with this species.
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Colwell, Chip, and T. J. Ferguson. "The Snow-Capped Mountain and the Uranium Mine." Advances in Archaeological Practice 2, no. 4 (August 2014): 234–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.7183/2326-3768.2.4.234.
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AbstractKnown in English as Mount Taylor, Dewankwin Kyaba:chu Yalanne (“in the east snow-capped mountain”) in northwestern New Mexico is a sacred landscape to the Zuni people. From an archaeological perspective, the mountain is dotted with hundreds of discrete archaeological sites that record 12,000 years of history. From a Zuni perspective, Mount Taylor is a rich cultural landscape—a tangible record of ancestral migrations, a living being, a pilgrimage site, a referent in religious prayers, a spiritual source of rain, and a collecting place for spring water, animals, minerals, and plants. For Zunis, all of these facets of the mountain combine to create a “total landscape” that is both a source and an instrument of Zuni culture. This article presents a case study of a compliance project to document the potential impacts of a proposed uranium mine at the base of Mount Taylor on Zuni traditional cultural properties. The project demonstrates how archaeologists can benefit from a landscape perspective that builds from the traditional knowledge of descendant communities. The Zuni standpoint further helps shape a CRM practice that is anthropologically informed and consistent with a developing federal mandate to use landscape-scale analysis in heritage management and mitigation practices.
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Oishi, Yu, and Tsuneo Matsunaga. "Support system for surveying moving wild animals in the snow using aerial remote-sensing images." International Journal of Remote Sensing 35, no. 4 (February 16, 2014): 1374–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2013.876516.
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Call, David A., and Guy A. Flynt. "The Impact of Snowfall on Crashes, Traffic Volume, and Revenue on the New York State Thruway." Weather, Climate, and Society 14, no. 1 (January 2022): 131–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/wcas-d-21-0074.1.
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Abstract Snow has numerous effects on traffic, including reduced traffic volumes, greater crash risk, and increased travel times. This research examines how snow affects crash risk, traffic volume, and toll revenue on the New York State Thruway. Daily data from January for a 10-yr period (2010–19) were analyzed for the Thruway from the Pennsylvania state line in western New York to Syracuse. Anywhere from 35% to 50% of crashes are associated with inclement weather, with smaller impacts, proportionally, in areas with greater traffic volumes. As expected, snow was almost always involved when weather was a factor. “Unsafe speed” was the most common cause of crashes in inclement weather with all other factors (e.g., animals, drowsiness) much less likely to play a role. The percentage of crashes resulting in an injury did not change significantly with inclement conditions when compared with crashes occurring in fair conditions, and there were too few fatal crashes to make any inferences about them. Daily snowfall rates predicted about 30% of the variation in crash numbers, with every 5.1 cm of snowfall resulting in an additional crash, except in Buffalo where 5.1 cm of snow resulted in an additional 2.6 crashes. Confirming earlier results, daily snowfall had a large impact on passenger vehicle counts whereas commercial vehicle counts were less affected. Revenue data showed a similar pattern, with passenger revenue typically decreasing by 3%–5% per 2.5 cm of snow, whereas commercial revenue decreases were 1%–4% per 2.5 cm of snow. Significance Statement While it seems obvious that snowfall increases the number of crashes, decreases traffic volume, and reduces toll revenues, research is limited to support these assumptions, especially the latter two. This study involved an analysis of such items for the New York State Thruway. We found that increasing amounts of snow did cause more crashes. While traffic counts decreased, most of the decrease was in the number of passenger vehicles; commercial vehicle traffic was much less affected. Every 2.5 cm of snow costs the New York State Thruway approximately $1300 at each toll barrier and about $331 at each exit. These findings are helpful to law enforcement, emergency responders, and highway managers.
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Kamalova, Ekaterina Sagitovna. "Mediated communication and dependence behavioral activity of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides Gray, 1834) on weather conditions." Samara Journal of Science 5, no. 2 (June 1, 2016): 29–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.17816/snv20162106.
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The raccoon dog is an invasive species in the Samara region. At present, this species is founded in the northern, north-western and western territories of the Samara region, and the most widely spread on Vasilyevsky Islands, near the Rozhdestveno village, in floodplain areas of the national park Samarskaya Luka. According to some authors data, this species may be able to be cause damage to game species, due to its impact on the number of waterfowl. In the Samara region the impact of this predator on hunting species are not mentioned, but a comprehensive study of the behavior, distribution, ecology of the species and its impact on native ecosystems are required. This article describes a study on raccoon dogs mediated communication which was carried out by detailed method of tracking animals winter footprints in the national park Samarskaya Luka in the snow season at 2009-2015. The dynamics of communicative behavior of raccoon dog at 2009-2015 is presented. One of the main factors influencing on animals behavior is a snow cover. For the detailed analysis Bodmans index of weather rigidity was applied, using data of the air temperature and wind speed. The data which show differences in behavioral activity of raccoon dogs males and females depending on the weather conditions are presented.
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Červený, Jaroslav, Sabine Begall, Petr Koubek, Petra Nováková, and Hynek Burda. "Directional preference may enhance hunting accuracy in foraging foxes." Biology Letters 7, no. 3 (March 2, 2011): 355–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2010.1145.
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Red foxes hunting small animals show a specific behaviour known as ‘mousing’. The fox jumps high, so that it surprises its prey from above. Hearing seems to be the primary sense for precise prey location in high vegetation or under snow where it cannot be detected with visual cues. A fox preparing for the jump displays a high degree of auditory attention. Foxes on the prowl tend to direct their jumps in a roughly north-eastern compass direction. When foxes are hunting in high vegetation and under snow cover, successful attacks are tightly clustered to the north, while attacks in other directions are largely unsuccessful. The direction of attacks was independent of time of day, season of the year, cloud cover and wind direction. We suggest that this directional preference represents a case of magnetic alignment and enhances the precision of hunting attacks.
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Yuzhakov, Aleksandr, Kasim Layshev, and Vasiliy Zabrodin. "The influence of genetic and paratypical factors on the meat productivity of domesticated reindeer." Agrarian Bulletin of the 202, no. 11 (November 26, 2020): 93–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2020-202-11-93-100.
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Abstract. Purpose. Study of various factors that determine quantitative and qualitative indicators of meat productivity of reindeer. Methods. The results are based on analytical, statistical, expert methods and the authors own research. Results. The analysis of the breed characteristics of live and slaughtered mass of deer, slaughter yield shows that the increase in production of venison to a certain extent depends on the rational allocation of genetic resources of reindeer. As practice shows, the main method of breeding in reindeer husbandry should be considered outbreeding. The limited use of interbreeding in reindeer husbandry is explained both by the complex and expensive logistics of transporting reindeer between regions, and by the problems of adapting induced animals to local natural and climatic conditions. Of the paratypical factors, natural and climatic ones are the determining ones. During the snow-free period, the main feeding of reindeer is based on intensive consumption of green food: leaves and grass.by the end of the snow period, the live weight of an adult deer may decrease by 20 % from the autumn indicators. Particularly noteworthy is the impact of veterinary and preventive measures on the meat productivity of reindeer. early chemotherapy of gadfly infestations increases meat productivity by 6-7 kg per 1 head. Scientific novelty. Found that the most important genetic factor for the indices of meat productivity is the breed, climatic factors are decisive, starting with fetal development and throughout postnatal development of the deer, the decrease in physiological status of the animal, the defeat of the deer disease has a negative effect on live weight, meat productivity. The results of the research can be used in the technology of reindeer husbandry in order to increase the meat productivity of animals.