Bannikov A.G. (1973). Snow leopard (irbis). Felis uncia.
Abstract: Irbis is distributed in highlands of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Altai. It preys mainly on wild sheep and ibex, marmots, pica, snow-cock, rarer other ungulates, rodents and birds. Sometimes it attacks domestic sheep. At the beginning of spring this species is on heat, gestation period being 90 100 days. Female bears two three (to five) cubs. The litter splits in one year. The animal sheds hair twice a year. It has a low population and therefore hunting for snow leopard is prohibited.
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Allabergenov E. (1991). Predator that will never attack a man (Vol. 1 207 (7. 896)).
Abstract: Irbis is a very endangered species in Uzbekistan. The article provides a brief description of the snow leopard appearance and distribution. Reasons for reduction of snow leopard population is reduction of ungulate populations it preys on ibex and wild sheep and anthropogenic disturbance. Hunting for snow leopard is prohibited everywhere.
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Blomqvist, L., & Dexel, B. (2006). In Focus: Declining numbers of wild snow leopards.
Abstract: International collaboration to ensure the long-term survival of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) in the wild is today more acutely needed than ever! Trade in live snow leopards, their skins and bones, has during the last decade reached such extensiveness that the species is in danger of being wiped out from many of its former habitats. All recent surveys support declining populations throughout most of their range.
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Kuzminykh I.A. (1983). Reproduction of snow leopards in captivity.
Abstract: Information concerning keeping, reproduction, and having young generations of snow leopards in the Moscow Zoo.
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Golub O.N. (1983). Perspective protection of rare mammal species in the nature reserves of Tajikistan.
Abstract: In winter, some seven to 14 snow leopards come into the nature reserve “Ramit” when chasing ibex within their winter habitats. The nature reserve is yet the only remaining place for ibexes to winter in eastern part of the Gissar ridge. Some 150 200 ibexes winter in the nature reserve. The nature reserve should be extended towards highlands in order to protect snow leopards.
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Bogdanov O.P. (1961). Snow leopard (Felis uncia).
Abstract: In Uzbekistan, this species is distributed in spurs of Tien Shan and Gissar. It preys on ibex, rarer on argalis, roe-deers, young wild boars. In winter, it attacks livestock and sometimes feeds upon marmots and smaller rodents. Snow leopard attacks man very rarely, only when wounded. The economic significance of this species is low, since only few skins are traded. Its dressed skins are used as rugs.
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Ishunin G.I. (1979). Protected areas and waters of Uzbekistan.
Abstract: In Uzbekistan, there is a network of protected areas of land and water, consisting of 11 nature reserves (163,780 ha) and nine sanctuaries (217,837 ha). Five or six new protected natural areas with a total area of 220,000 250,000 ha are recommended to be established. The further development of the network will help preserve typical natural complexes, having scientific, practical and cultural value. When selecting an area for protection it is needed to cover overall diversity of natural landscapes including relief, soils, waters, vegetation and animals. Snow leopard is protected in the Chatkal, Zaamin, Kizilsu, and Miraka nature reserves.
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Ishunin G.I. (1980). Snow leopard.
Abstract: In Uzbekistan, snow leopard is preserved along the Ugam, Pskem, Chatkal, Tirkestan, and Hissar ridges. Ibex is a main prey of the predator. It also preys on argali, wild boar, hares, roe-deers, rodents, kekliks (partridge), and rarely livestock. Catching the animals in the country is limited and exercised under special permissions.
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Allabergenov E. (1986). Snow leopard or ilvirs (Vol. 1 122 (6. 013)). 1986.
Abstract: In Uzbekistan, snow leopard can be found in the Turkistan and Gissar ridges, in the mountains of Zaami, and in the Kurama, Chatkal and Ugam ridges. Here it keeps at up to 3,000 4,000 m above sea level. Snow leopard feeds upon wild ungulates ibex and sheep, and sometimes attacks livestock but never man. A brief information concerning peculiarities of snow leopard biology and behavioral patterns is provided.
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Thapa, K., Schmitt, N., Pradhan, N. M. B., Acharya, H. R., Rayamajhi, S. (2021). No silver bullet? Snow leopard prey selection in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal. Ecology and Evolution, , 1–13.
Abstract: In this study, we investigated the impact of domestic and wild prey availability on snow leopard prey preference in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area of eastern Nepal-a region where small domestic livestock are absent and small wild ungulate prey are present. We took a comprehensive approach that combined fecal genetic sampling, macro- and microscopic analyses of snow leopard diets, and direct observation of blue sheep and livestock in the KCA. Out of the collected 88 putative snow leopard scat samples from 140 transects (290km) in 27 (4x4km2) sampling grid cells, 73 (83%) were confirmed to be from snow leopard. The genetic analysis accounted for 19 individual snow leopards (10 males and 9 females), with a mean population size estimate of 24 (95% CI: 19-29) and an average density of 3.9 snow leopards/100km2 within 609km2. The total available prey biomass of blue sheep and yak was estimated at 355,236 kg (505 kg yak/km2 and 78kg blue sheep/km2). From the available prey biomass, we estimated snow leopards consumed 7% annually, which comprised wild prey (49%), domestic livestock (45%). and 6% unidentified items. the estimated 47,736 kg blue sheep biomass gives a snow leopard-to-blue sheep ratio of 1:59 on a weight basis. The high preference of snow leopard to domestic livestock appears to be influenced by a much smaller available biomass of wild prey then in other regions of Nepal (e.g., 78kg/km2 in the KCA compared with a range of 200-300 kg/km2 in other regions of Nepal?. Along with livestock insurance scheme improvement, there needs to be a focus on improved livestock guarding, predator-proof corrals as well as engaging and educating local people to be citizen scientists on the importance of snow leopard conservation, involving them in long-term monitoring programs and promotion of ecotourism.
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