Abstract: Rare, elusive predators offer few sightings, hindering research with small sample sizes and lack of experimentation. While predators may be elusive, their prey are more readily observed. Prey respond to the presence of a predator, and these fear responses may have population- and community-level consequences. Anti-predator behaviors, such as vigilance, allow us to sidestep the difficulty of direct field studies of large predators by studying them indirectly. Here we used a behavioral indicator, the vigilance behavior of the Himalayan tahr, the snow leopard’s main local prey, to reveal the distribution and habitat use of snow leopards in the Mt. Everest region of Nepal. We combined techniques of conventional field biology with concepts of foraging theory to study prey behavior in order to obtain insights into the predator’s ecology. The Himalayan tahr’s vigilance behavior correlates with the distribution of snow leopard signs. Tahr actually led us to six sightings of snow leopards. We conclude that behavioral indicators provided by prey offer a valuable tool for studying and monitoring stealthy and rare carnivores.

Abstract: Since the early 2000s snow leopards Panthera uncia have re-colonized the southern slopes of Mt. Everest after several decades of extirpation. Are they now beginning to disperse to the adjoining valleys that may serve as habitat corridors linking the Everest region to other protected areas in Nepal? We conducted a cursory survey in autumn 2009 in Rolwaling lying west of Mt. Everest and detected snow leopard presence. We conclude that in these remote valleys snow leopards must rely upon livestock given the low abundance of natural prey, Himalayan tahr. Livestock-rearing is unfortunately declining in the region. Rolwaling requires immediate conservation attention for the continued survival of the endangered snow leopard and other high altitude flora and fauna.

Abstract: In the 1960s, the endangered snow leopard was locally extirpated from the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) region of Nepal. In this Sherpa-inhabited high Himalaya, the flourishing tourism since the ascent of Mt Everest in 1953, has caused both prosperity and adverse impacts, the concern that catalyzed the establishment of Mt. Everest National Park in the region in 1976. In the late 1980s, there were reports that some transient snow leopards may have visited the area from adjoining Tibet, but no biological surveys exist to confirm the status of the cats and their prey. Have snow leopards finally returned to the top of the world? Exploring this question was the main purpose of this research project. We systematically walked altogether 24 sign transects covering over 13 km in length in three valleys, i.e. Namche, Phortse and Gokyo, of the park, and counted several snow leopard signs. The results indicated that snow leopards have made a comeback in the park in response to decades of protective measures, the virtual cessation of hunting and the recovery of the Himalayan tahr which is snow leopard's prey. The average sign density (4.2 signs/km and 2.5 sign sites/km) was comparable to that reported from other parts of the cats' range in the Himalaya. On this basis, we estimated the cat density in the Everest region between 1 to 3 cats per 100 sq km, a figure that was supported by different sets of pugmarks and actual sightings of snow leopards in the 60 km2 sample survey area. In the study area, tahr population had a low reproductive rate (e.g. kids-to-females ratio, 0.1, in Namche). Since predators can influence the size and the structure of prey species populations through mortality and through non-lethal effects or predation risk, snow leopards could have been the cause of the population dynamics of tahr in Sagarmtha, but this study could not confirm this speculation for which further probing may be required.

Abstract: Snow leopard behavioral patterns, food preferences, and reproduction are described in a popular way. The population of snow leopard is defined to be 1,000 animals. A reason for the population decline is hunting for the sake of beautiful fur.

Abstract: In Kyrgyzstan, snow leopard can be met almost in all mountain ridges (Kok-Kiya, Atbasha, Kyrgyz, Terskey, Kungei, Talas, Chatkal, Alai, Zaalai), where it keeps to alpine meadow, woodless rock and snowfield zones. The number of snow leopard does not exceed 1,500 animals. Seven to 10 animals are annually caught for the needs of zoo-export.

Abstract: Snow leopard is a rare and endangered species, distributed in all mountain ridges of Kyrgyzstan. Its population is 1,400 animals, density being 0.2 0.5 animal per 1,000 ha. Its population was noticed to decrease in some ridges because of decreasing populations of mountain ungulates. 200 snow leopards were caught for the purpose of zoo-export over the last 20 years. This species is protected in the nature reserves Sary Chelek, Besh Aral, and natural park Ala Archa.

Abstract: An issue of wildlife conservation in game preserves, forestries, and sanctuaries is discussed. In some regions of Uzbekistan there are various protected wildlife areas preserving unique and game species: marchor in the Kugitan hunting farm, Bukhara deer the Bukhara region, bear and snow leopard, argali, ibex, wild-boars, snow-cock, partridge, eagle, etc. in the Miraki hunting farm, pheasants in the Karadara forestry. To restore and upgrade the game management level in the country it is required to properly create game preserves, enlarge reproduction activity, strictly follow rules and terms of hunting and cultivate careful and solicitous attitude to wildlife and its resources in all hunters.

Abstract: Problems of conservation of large predators (Felis tigris L., Panthera pardus L., Felis uncia Schreb., Acinonyx jubatus Schreb., Hyaena h¢…†n… L., Cuon alpinus Pall., Ursus maritimus Phipps, U.tibetanus Cuv.) inhabiting territory of USSR are discussed.

Abstract: The network of Tajikistan's protected areas (four nature reserves, 14 national and 18 regional sanctuaries, one national park) is described. The establishment of `Shakhristan state complex nature reserve' and `Sarykamish state complex reserve', and interstate nature complex park on northern slope of the Turkestan ridge is recommended to improve conservation practices for a number of endangered vertebrate animal species in Northern Tajikistan (such as brown bear, snow leopard, wild sheep, and others).

Abstract: 41 percent of all vertebrate species listed in the Red Book of the Uzbek SSR (18 mammal species, 29 bird, 6 reptile, and 8 fish species) inhabit the Kashkadarya region. The mammals are Tien Shan brown bear, Central Asian otter, Turkistan lynx, snow leopard, and goitered gazelle. Nesting bird fauna includes the following species: black stork, Turkistan white stork, short toed eagle, booted eagle, golden eagle, bearded vulture, black vulture, griffon vulture, saker falcon, houbara bustard, and eagle owl. Migrating and wintering bird species are dalmatian pelican, rose pelican, mute swan, osprey, tawny eagle, imperial eagle, pin-tailed sandgrouse; and possibly Bonnli's eagle and Barbary falcon that have not been seen here since 1950-s. Rare reptiles are represented by two species: desert monitor and Central Asian cobra.