Diet of the snow leopard (<i>Panthera uncia</i>) in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract

The diet of the snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) was studied from 213 scats collected between April 1990 and February 1991 in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Nepal. Seven species of wild and five species of domestic mammals were taken, as well as an unidentified mammal and birds. Blue sheep ( Pseudois nayaur ) were the most frequently eaten prey. Himalayan marmots ( Marmota himalayana ) were also important, except in winter when they were hibernating. During winter, snow leopards ate more Royle's pika ( Odiotona royki ) and domestic livestock. Yaks were eaten more frequently than other livestock types.