Modeling Distribution and Habitat Suitability for the Snow Leopard in Bhutan

The snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) is one of the world's most elusive felids. In Bhutan, which 12 countries where species still persists, reliable information on its distribution and habitat suitability lacking, thus impeding effective conservation planning for species. To fill this knowledge gap, we created a country-wide model using “presence-only” data from 420 occurrences (345 sign survey 77 camera-trapping survey) environmental covariates consisting biophysical anthropogenic factors. We analyzed in an ensemble framework combines outputs several models. assess adequacy Bhutan's network protected areas their potential contribution toward species, overlaid output spatial layers biological corridors. identified 7,206 km 2 Bhutan as suitable leopard: 3,647 highly suitable, 2,681 moderately 878 marginally suitable. Forty percent total consisted further 8% These habitats were characterized by mean livestock density 1.3 individuals per hectare, slope 25°; they closely match leopard's main wild prey, bharal Pseudois nayaur ). Our study shows that northern are centre both at national regional scale.