Metabarcoding diet analysis of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province

Metabarcoding analysis reveals that blue sheep (Pseudois nauremi) constitute the primary dietary component of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. This study employed a non-invasive metabarcoding approach to analyze 22 confirmed snow leopard fecal samples, providing a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of their diet compared to traditional morphological identification methods. The findings highlight the importance of blue sheep in the diet of this apex predator, offering critical insights into its ecological role within the Qionglai Mountains ecosystem. This research contributes to the broader understanding of snow leopard diet dynamics, which are essential for informing conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem stability.

Qi, L., Qiang, H., Xiaogang, S., Senlong, J., Sheng, L., Meng, Y.,. (2019). Metabarcoding diet analysis of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. Biodiversity Science, 27(9), 960–969. https://doi.org/10.17520/biods.2019101