Human wildlife conflict involving large carnivores in Qilianshan, China and the minimal paw-print of snow leopards

摘要: In this paper, we assess local perceptions towards snow leopards in North West China using a framework depicting key conflict domains. We describe the perceived threats posed to humans by leopard and set them within beliefs attitudes other species large carnivore assemblage region. Surveys were conducted seven villages Qilianshan National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province, China, document reports of (Panthera uncia), grey wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) brown bear (Ursus arctos) depredation livestock, each species. Questionnaire-based interviews held with 60 households 49 livestock herders. Herding yak, sheep goats was found be common livelihood activity among all villages. Herders reported losing four that most event affecting compared natural disasters or disease, represented total loss 3.6% population during previous year. Most (53%) losses attributed lynx, while responsible for only 7.8% losses. The impact on herding activities relatively small majority both householders herders expressed positive supported measures their protection. Households negative wolves bears, however, likely due threat humans. Understanding community wildlife is vital gaining support for, engagement in, mitigation.