Conservation strategies for apex predators, like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), depend on a robust understanding of their dietary preferences, prey abundance, and adaptability to changing ecological conditions. To address these critical conservation concerns, this study presents a comprehensive evidence on prey availability and preferences for snow leopards in the Lapchi Valley in the Nepal Himalayas from November 2021 to March 2023. Field data were collected through the installation of twenty-six camera traps at 16 strategically chosen locations, resulting in the recording of 1228 events of 19 mammalian species, including domesticated livestock. Simultaneously, the collection of twenty snow leopard scat samples over 3800 m above sea level allowed for a detailed dietary analysis. Photo capture rate index and biomass composition analysis were carried out and seasonal prey availability and consumption were statistically analyzed. A total of 16 potential prey species for the snow leopard were documented during the study period. Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) was the most abundant prey species, but infrequent in the diet suggesting that are not the best bet prey for the snow leopards. Snow leopards were found to exhibit a diverse diet, consuming eleven prey species, with blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) being their most consumed wild prey and horses as their preferred livestock. The Pianka’s index of dietary niche overlap between the summer and winter seasons were 0.576, suggesting a pronounced seasonal variation in food preference corroborating with the prey availability. The scarcity of larger preys in winter is compensated by small and meso-mammals in the diet, highlighting the snow leopard’s capacity for dietary plasticity in response to the variation in resource availability. This research suggests for the utilization of genetic tools to further explore snow leopard diet composition. Additionally, understanding transboundary movements and conducting population assessments will be imperative for the formulation of effective conservation strategies.

Qualitative analysis of 44 fecal samples of yaks from Lehe VDC of Manaslu Conservation Area showed the positive result in 36 samples (81.82%). Strongyle showed the highest infection (47.23%) while the least was with Amphistomum (8.34%). Infection with Trichuris, Ascaris, Eimeria and Coccyx were also reported in the present study. The pattern of infection was both mixed (52.78%) and single (47.23%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v12i0.6525 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 12 (2011) 366-369

A six month long entomological study on the adult density of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, the principal vector of filariasis was conducted during April to September 2011 at Thapa Gaun, Jhaukhel and Lama Tole, Nagarkot VDCs of Bhaktapur district. The study resulted 916 (882 female and 34 male) C. quinquefasciatus out of the total collected mosquitoes (3040). The population density was found to be highest in Thapa Gaun (26.09) while indoor density was relatively higher than the outdoor density for both the sites which were significantly related. Monthwise densities were insignificantly related with July showing the highest density while the density in human residence and cattle shed were insignificantly related for Jhaukhel site and was significantly related with Nagarkot site. Morning and evening population densities were significantly related for both sites while no significant relationship was observed between the density of the vector and temperature and variation in temperature and humidity in the study area. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 185-194 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8939