Comprehensive assessment of snow leopard distribution and population in the Indian Trans-Himalaya, Ladakh: Standardizing methods for evidence-based conservation.

Effective conservation of threatened species depends on accurate scientific assessment of their occurrence and population status. This information is often lacking or has poor scientific reliability for low-density carnivores, such as snow leopards (Panthera uncia) that inhabit remote and challenging habitats. We address prevalent sampling and study design limitations and evaluate the population and distribution of snow leopards and their prey using a double sampling approach across the Trans-Himalayan Ladakh (~59,000 km2), India.

Clinical and physiological evaluation of free-ranging snow leopards immobilized with ketamine-xylazine in emergency situations.

The current study presents data on the immobilization and physiological responses of 26 distressed free-ranging snow leopards () in the trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh, India, spanning three years from October 2020 to December 2023. Ketamine and xylazine were utilized in a drug mixture for rescue, rehabilitation, health assessment, and other capture purposes, with average doses of 6.535 ± 0.

On the move: spatial ecology and habitat use of red fox in the Trans-Himalayan cold desert.

Red fox () is the most widespread wild carnivore globally, occupying diverse habitats. The species is known for its adaptability to survive in dynamic anthropogenic landscapes. Despite being one of the most extensively studied carnivores, there is a dearth of information on red fox from the Trans-Himalayan region.