Large carnivores and low diversity of optimal prey: a comparison of the diets of snow leopards Panthera uncia and wolves Canis lupus in Sarychat-Ertash Reserve in Kyrgyzstan

摘要: In the cold and arid mountains of Central Asia, where diversity abundance wild ungulates are generally low, resource partitioning among coexisting carnivores is probably less distinct than in prey-rich areas. Thus, similar-sized likely to compete for food. We compared summer diets snow leopards Panthera uncia wolves Canis lupus Sarychat-Ertash Reserve Tien-Shan Kyrgyzstan, based on analysis genetically confirmed scats. Abundances principal prey species, argali Ovis ammon Siberian ibex Capra sibirica, were estimated from field surveys. The consisted few with high interspecific overlap (Pianka's index = 0.91). Argali was predominant prey, > 50% frequency occurrence both leopard wolf This followed by marmots Marmota baibacina. Being largely unavailable, remains livestock not detected any diet, proportions line relative availabilities these animals Reserve. contrast diet wolf, occurred according availability significantly underrepresented. indicates that two predators might food when profitable, large low. Competition may be more intense winter, available. Hunting outside unsustainable therefore reduce their abundances over time. will affect negatively intensify competition Reduction populations directly leopard, indirectly affected as a result increased predation argali.