Abstract: It describes appearance, distribution and behavioral patterns of snow leopard in the USSR. The predator inhabits the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the Altai and mainly feeds upon ungulates, and also snow-cocks, marmots, small birds, and rodents. Sometimes attacks sheep. Number of snow leopards is very low.

Abstract: Habitat, status of population, geographical distribution, number, and ecology of snow leopard in Tien Shan are analyzed based on original realistic material collected 1981 through 1988.Information about irbis in the `foreign' part of its habitat is given for comparison. The reasons for snow leopard habitat shrinkage in Central Asia and Kazakhstan for over 100 years are assessed. Status of ungulate populations snow leopard prey on is given. The predator's behavioral pattern and condition in enclosure are given consideration. Protection measures are proposed.

Abstract: In the Soviet Union snow leopard inhabits highlands of Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Altai and the Sayans. In Kazakhstan, this species can be found in Jungara Alatau, Tien Shan, Tarbagatai, Saura, and Altai; formerly was seen at the Karatau ridge. It mostly preys on ibex and argali. The heat time is February April, cubs are born in May June. Its population has decrease because of the initiation of livestock grazing on mountain pastures, poaching, and wild ungulates population shrinkage. This species is protected in Aksu Jabagly and Almaty nature reserves. More nature reserves need to be established in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Abstract: Irrigation and drainage activity in Tien Shan led some bird species to disappear. Number of species to build their nests in tree holes has dropped. Mongolian sandpiper and black-bellied sand grouse disappeared in the steppe areas. Great bustard, formerly nesting in this area, can now be rarely seen only in migration. The direct anthropogenic influence resulted in shrinkage of game animal and bird populations such as moral, goitered gazelle, argali, snow leopard, and stone marten.

Abstract: Snow leopards are to be found in the most extreme eastern, southeastern and southern mountainous regions, including the Altai. Saur, Tarbagatai. Dzhungarian, Alatau, Northern and Western Tian-Shan ranges. The snow leopard or irbis is the most rare in eastern Kazakstan in the ranges of Katunskie Belki, South Altai, Kurchumski, Sarymsakty, Saur and Tarbagatai. Total snow leopard population in Kazakstan is estimated at no more than 100-110 animals, including 20-25 in the central part of the Zailisky-Alatau. Although there are nine protected areas in Kazakstan, snow leopards are only regularly reported
from the Aksu-Dzhabagly and Almaty reserves and occasionally in Markakolsky Reserve. The major threats to the species include: Deliberate poaching with the aim of selling the valuable fur of the snow leopard; habitat loss resulting from the expansion of human activity in its mountain habitat, and deliberate or retaliatory killing by shepherds in response to predation upon livestock.