A Communal Sign Post of Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia) and Other Species on the Tibetan Plateau, China

摘要: The snow leopard is a keystone species in mountain ecosystems of Central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau. However, little known about interactions between leopards sympatric carnivores. Using infrared cameras, we found rocky junction two valleys Sanjiangyuan area on Plateau where many mammals this passed frequently marked sniffed site at junction. We suggest that serves as sign post to area, especially other signs may also alert animals passing by temporally segregate their activities avoid potential conflicts. used Schoener index measure degree temporal segregation among captured camera traps site. Our research reveals probable ways both intra- interspecies communication demonstrates correlate with competition. This an important message help understand structure animal communities. Discovery clarifies importance identifying key habitats sites for more effective conservation.