Sludsky A.A. (1982). Genus Snow leopard Uncia Gray, 1854. Snow leopard Uncia uncia Schreber, 1775 (Vol. Vol. III, Part 2.).
Abstract: Snow leopard is rare and extinctive species that have scientific and aesthetic significance. The features of genus Uncia and species Uncia uncia are described. Also distribution, habitat, way of life, reproduction biology, behavioural patterns, migration routes, infections and parasites, enemies and competitors, number and number fluctuation, practical value of snow leopard in the Kazakhstan are given.
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Smallegange, M. M. R., Dorrestein, G.M. (2002). Voortplanting van de Sneeuwpanter.
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Smirnov, M. N., Sokolov, G. A., & Zyryanov, A. N. (1990). The Snow Leopard (Uncia Uncia Scherber 1776) in Siberia. Int.Nat.Ped.Book of Snow Leopards, 6, 9–15.
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Smith, A. T., & Foggin, M. J. (1998). The Plateau Pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a Keystone Species for Biodiversity on the Tibetan Plateau. Animal Conservation, 2, 235–240.
Abstract: It is necessary to look at the big picture when managing biological resources on the QinghaiXizang (Tibetan) plateau. Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) are poisoned widely across the plateau. Putative reasons for these control measures are that pika populations may reach high densities and correspondingly reduce forage for domestic livestock (yak, sheep, horses), and because they may be responsible for habitat degradation. In contrast, we highlight the important role the plateau pika plays as a keystone species in the Tibetan plateau ecosystem. The plateau pika is a keystone species because it: (i) makes burrows that are the primary homes to a wide variety of small birds and lizards; (ii) creates microhabitat disturbance that results in an increase in plant species richness; (iii) serves as the principal prey for nearly all of the plateau's predator species; (iv) contributes positively to ecosystem-level dynamics. The plateau pika should be managed in concert with other uses of the land to ensure preservation of China's native biodiversity, as well as long-term sustainable use of the pastureland by domestic livestock.
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Smith, G. (1992). Mongolia at the crossroads. Earth Island Journal, 7(4), 1.
Abstract: Abstract: Assesses foreign investment laws adopted by the government of Mongolia which have been deemed extremely flexible and favorable for Americans. Economic benefits presented by the big game hunt industry; Consultation with Secretary of State James Baker in the formulation of said laws during his July The Mongolian government is trying its best to make the country attractive to foreign investors. Big game hunts are still Mongolia's primary source of foreign cash. European and American hunters are willing to pay as much as $90,000 for rare game such as the ibex or the snow leopard. However, a recent US Fish and Wildlife Service ruling giving protection to the Argal, a wild sheep, could mean the cutting of cash inflows from foreign hunters.
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Smith, H. F., Townsend, K. E. B., Adrian, B., Levy, S., Marsh, S., Hassur, R., Manfredi, K., Echols, M. S. (2021). Functional Adaptations in the Forelimb of the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia). Integrative and Comparative Biology, 61(5), 1852–1866.
Abstract: The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is anatomically and physiologically adapted for life in the rocky terrain of alpine zones in Central and South Asia. Panthera uncia is scansorial, and typically hunts solitarily by using overhead ambush of prey, rather than the typical stalking pattern of other large pantherines. In this study, we conducted dissections, detailed documentation, and illustrated the forelimb anatomy of two adult P. uncia specimens (1M/1F). Qualitative and quantitative data revealed an intriguing combination of functional adaptations illustrating a balance between the diverse demands of head-first descent, pouncing, climbing across rocky terrain, restraint of large prey, rapid pursuit, and navigating deep snow. In many forelimb proportions, P. uncia is intermediate between the cursorial Acinonyx jubatus (cheetah) and the scansorial forest dwelling Panthera onca (jaguar). Enlarged scapular and pectoral musculature provide stability to the shoulder girdle during grappling with large prey, as well as support during jumping and climbing. A small, unarticulated bony clavicle may provide greater stability to the forelimb, while still allowing flexibility. In the brachium and antebrachium of P. uncia, there is a functional compromise between the powerful grip needed for grasping large prey and the stability necessary for rapid pursuit of prey over uneven, rocky terrain. A unique bifurcation in the tendon of m. biceps brachii may provide additional functional stability at the radiohumeral joint. Intrinsic muscles of the palmar manus are broad and fleshy, acting as an enlarged surface area to evenly distribute body weight while walking on soft snow. However, muscles that act to provide fine manual manipulation are reduced, as in other large prey specialists. Overall, P. uncia displays morphological adaptive parallels with scansorial, large prey spe- cializing pantherines, such as P. onca, while also showing adaptations for running.
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Snow Leopard Conservancy. (2011). Snow Leopard Scouts from Mt. Everest (Anil Adhikari & Basu Kshitiz, Ed.). Callifornia, US: Author.
Abstract: Snow Leopard Scouts from Mt. Everest -- a sketch booklet – targeted to school students, their parents and other stakeholders to generate their interest on conservation. Because it is their effort, participating students are expected to share the booklet that vividly illustrates their own contributions -- with their parents, teachers, fellow villagers, and cohorts in the other schools. Note that all participants, snow leopard scouts, took part in outdoor activities – they were exposed to snow leopard habitat, encouraged to observe Himalayan tahr and other wildlife, and were engaged in nature debates, essay writings, a quiz contest, and wildlife drawings – all formed the basis for preparing this simple (trial) booklet – all materials for the booklet came from participating students.
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Snow Leopard Conservancy. (2001). Snow Leopard Conservancy Annual Report, 2001.
Abstract: This report outlines the conservation and education actions undertaken in 2001 by the Snow Leopard Conservancy(SLC) toward preserving the endangered snow leopard, which is found in the mountains of twelve Central Asian countries. We augmented our program in Ladakh, India and launched new projects in Nepal and Tibet. We also laid the ground work for new community-based snow leopard conservation initiatives in Nepal's former Kingdom of Mustang,and in Manang, the country's most frequented trekking region after Mt. Everest.
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Snow Leopard Conservation Fund, S. L. T., Panthera. (2010). Mining and Snow Leopard Conservation: Tost- Tosonbumba Mountains of Gurvantes Soum, South Gobi Mongolia.
Abstract: The Tost-Tosonbumba Mountains of South Gobi represent one of the most impressive habitats for the endangered snow leopard Panthera Uncia, supporting amongst the highest population density of this rare cat reported so far from across it's global range. A prestigious multi-institutional internal research collaboration was initiated in Tost-Tosonbumba in 2008 with the establishment of a sate of the art research station. Yet, lying outside any protected area, this important snow leopard population and its habitat face direct and urgent threats due to mining. Initiation of mining in the region would (i) severely impact an important snow leopard population and destroy much of its habitat, (ii) compromise the possibility of genetic exchange of snow leopards over a much larger landscape (iii) lay to waste ten years of effort with local communities that have involved improving livelihoods and seeking their co-operation in snow leopard conservation and (iv) squander the opportunity for Mongolia to continue a prestigious one of a kind, long-term international collaborative program on snow leopard research. It is critical that mining licenses in snow leopard habitats of the region be immediately revoked, and the local communities be supported in their efforts to develop the Tost-Tosonbumba Mountains into a local protected area.
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Sobanskiy G.G. (1988). The cat family. Snow leopard, or irbis.
Abstract: In the Altai, there are three cat family species: snow leopard, lynx, and manul. Several tens of snow leopards inhabiting the area along river Argut and its tributaries remained in Altai. They are rarer met in south Altai along the Chikhachev, Shapshal, and Sailyughem ridges. They prey on ibex, wild sheep, roe deer, and moral. They can also attack livestock but would never kill more than one animal.
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