Rare and unusual snow leopard encounters in the broadleaf forest of the Bhutanese Himalayas

Authors

  • Rinzin Dorji Divisional Forest Office, Gedu, Department of Forests and Park Services https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0325-5853
  • Letro Charles Sturt University, Australia
  • Sonam Yangden Divisional Forest Office, Dagana, Department of Forests and Park Services
  • Pema Dendup Jigme Dorji National Park, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Gasa, Bhutan
  • Tashi Dhendup Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan
  • Yangchen Lhamo Divisional Forest Office, Gedu, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56510/slr.v3.24118

Keywords:

snow leopard, Bhutan, Divisional Forest Office, Uncharted territory, broadleaf forest

Abstract

The snow leopard Panthera uncia, a top predator in Central and South Asia, faces population declines due to habitat degradation, prey depletion, retaliatory killings, poaching, and climate change. In Bhutan, where the species is protected, we report two rare sightings in the Gedu regionʼs broadleaved and fir forests, at 2,708 masl and 3,839 masl, respectively, which are lower than the typical speciesʼ prime habitats in Bhutan. These findings suggest that this area may function as an important corridor or a potential range expansion beyond typical high-altitude habitats (3,000 to 5,800 masl). This discovery underscores the speciesʼ ecological adaptability and highlights the need for enhanced conservation strategies, including habitat connectivity mapping and local community education. Additionally, it highlights the importance of protecting and conserving habitats outside of protected areas for speciesʼ long-term persistence.

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Author Biographies

Rinzin Dorji, Divisional Forest Office, Gedu, Department of Forests and Park Services

Deputy Chief Forestry Officer

Letro, Charles Sturt University, Australia

PhD Student

Sonam Yangden, Divisional Forest Office, Dagana, Department of Forests and Park Services

Senior Forestry Officer

Pema Dendup, Jigme Dorji National Park, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Gasa, Bhutan

Deputy Chief Forestry Officer

Tashi Dhendup, Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan

Senior Forestry Officer

Yangchen Lhamo, Divisional Forest Office, Gedu, Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan

Senior Forest Ranger III

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Published

2024-10-02

How to Cite

Dorji, R., Letro, Yangden, S., Dendup, P., Dhendup, T., & Lhamo, Y. (2024). Rare and unusual snow leopard encounters in the broadleaf forest of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Snow Leopard Reports, 3(1), 13–20. https://doi.org/10.56510/slr.v3.24118

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Section

Research Notes