First Documentation of Snow Leopard (<i>Panthera uncia</i>) Presence in the Core Area of Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, China

ABSTRACT The snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ), a vulnerable flagship species, inhabits Asia's highlands but has received insufficient conservation attention. Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, located at the southeastern edge of the species' global range, has lacked systematic monitoring and conservation research. To address this gap, we conducted a preliminary survey in Changping Valley, a representative alpine valley in the core area of the reserve, from November 2022 to August 2024. Using camera traps, we recorded 33 independent detections across five sites, mostly above 4500 m, and identified four unique adult individuals. This study represents the beginning of systematic sampling efforts and provides initial evidence of snow leopard presence in the reserve's core area. Future research should focus on quantifying population dynamics and assessing connectivity associated with population movement between Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve and adjacent mountain systems.