Status of the mountain ungulate prey of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in the Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi, Mongolia

摘要: The availability of wild prey is a critical predictor carnivore density. However, few conservation programmes have focused on the estimation and monitoring ungulate populations their trends, especially in remote mountains Central Asia. We conducted double-observer surveys to estimate ibex Capra sibirica argali Ovis ammon mountainous regions Tost Local Protected Area, South Gobi province, Mongolia, which being considered for designation as Nature Reserve. also demographic more abundant examine sex-ratio survival young during 2012–2013. estimated population remained stable 2012 2013 increased from 108 230 2013. biomass ungulates was c. 6% that livestock. Mortality appeared increase after weaning, at age 12 months. sufficient support 14–18 adult snow leopards Panthera uncia . leopard our study area 2012–2013, independently using camera-trap-based mark–recapture methods, 12–14. Based results we identify Area an important habitat these predator, Endangered leopard, recommend elevation its status