Abstract: On March 26, 2011, the world of conservation became poorer by the passing away of Rinchen Wangchuk, the Founder and Director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy-India Trust (SLC-IT) in Leh. Rinchen had been ill for the past three years, having been diagnosed with a deteriorating neurological condition for which traditional medical systems and allopathy have no cure yet. Over the past decade, Rinchen, affectionately referred to as the “snow leopard man” by friends, had played a pivotal role in Ladakh, having initiated one of the most successful community-based initiatives that had changed local people’s perceptions of predators like the snow leopard and Tibetan wolf from “pests” to a valued asset.

Abstract: This publication reviews potential actions for the long-term conservation of
snow leopards and their habitat in Russia in conditions of anthropogenic influence
and climate change in high elevation ecosystems. This edition is the result
of many years of research conducted in the framework of WWF’s “Ensuring the
long term protection of biodiversity in the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion” (1998-2011)
and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) financed by the Global
Environment Facility “Conservation of Biodiversity in the Russian portion Altai-
Sayan Ecoregion” (2005-2010).
The publication contains materials needed to prepare a Russian Snow Leopard
Conservation Strategy and was prepared for use by the Russian Ministry
of Natural Resources to develop comprehensive priority conservation measures
to protect this species. In addition, this publication is intended for protected
area specialists and staff at federal and regional government agencies
responsible for the conservation and monitoring of species listed in the
Russian Federation Red Book.
Reviewer: B. Munkhtsog, Candidate in Biological Sciences, staff scientist at
the Institute for Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and president of the
Mongolian Snow Leopard Center.
Translation to English: J. Castner.

Abstract: Non-invasive genetic techniques utilising DNA extracted from faeces hold great promise for felid conservation research. These methods can be used to establish species
distributions, model habitat requirements, analyse diet, estimate abundance and population density, and form the basis for population, landscape and conservation genetic analyses. Due to the elusive nature of most felid species, non-invasive genetic methods have the potential to provide
valuable data that cannot be obtained with traditional observational or capture techniques. Thus, these methods are particularly valuable for research and conservation of endangered
felid species. Here, we review recent studies that use non-invasive faecal genetic techniques to survey or study wild felids; provide an overview of field, laboratory and analysis techniques; and offer suggestions on how future non-invasive genetic studies can be expanded or improved to more effectively support conservation.

Abstract: While the world is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent, physically and culturally, the wildlife of remote mountain regions is being affected both positively and negatively by such interconnectedness. In the case of snow leopards, the conservation impact has been largely, and rather unexpectedly, positive: Species-focused conservation projects, such as Project Snow Leopard (PSL) in
Gilgit-Baltistan, remain mainly externally driven initiatives. PSL, initiated as a small pilot project in 1998, has relied on an approach that includes the use of an insurance scheme, the deployment of mitigation measures, and the empowerment of local governance. This approach has been successful in
reducing the conflict with snow leopards and has built greater tolerance toward them. PSL is managed by local communities and cofinanced by them. PSL communities throughout the region are bearing the burden of carnivore conservation, and they are unwittingly subsidizing their populations by ‘‘feeding’’
them their livestock even though they are an economic threat to them. In this article, we argue that external intervention in the form of efforts that help alleviate the consequences of conflict through local empowerment have had a positive impact on the local mountain societies. We also show that such interventions have resulted in tangible conservation results, with the number of snow leopards staying at least stable. Our experience also shows that while the incentive component is critical, it is also part of a larger approach—one that includes developing and supporting local governance structures, improving access to education, and offering a range of tools to reduce the conflict that can be implemented
locally. Finally, we suggest that investing in this approach— one that recognizes the species and local-context complexities surrounding the implementation of conservation incentives—can continue to inform international practices and guidelines for reducing human–wildlife conflicts worldwide.

Abstract: The Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia experiences
persecution across its habitat in Central Asia, particularly
from herders because of livestock losses. Given the
popularity of snow leopards worldwide, transferring some
of the value attributed by the international community to
these predators may secure funds and support for their conservation.
We administered contingent valuation surveys to
 international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation
Area, Nepal, between May and June , to determine
their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation
of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the %of
visitors who stated they would pay a snow leopard conservation
fee in addition to the existing entry fee, the mean
amount that they were willing to pay was USD  per trip.
The logit regression model showed that the bid amount, the
level of support for implementing the Action Plan, and the
number of days spent in the Conservation Area were significant
predictors of visitors’ willingness to pay. The main reasons
stated by visitors for their willingness to pay were a
desire to protect the environment and an affordable fee. A
major reason for visitors’ unwillingness to pay was that
the proposed conservation fee was too expensive for them.
This study represents the first application of economic valuation
to snow leopards, and is relevant to the conservation of
threatened species in the Annapurna Conservation Area
and elsewhere.