Abstract: A description of snow leopard, its taxonomy, distribution, habitat, number, behavior, food, reproduction, parasites, infections, and practical importance is given. In Kyrgyzstan, irbis was found in the Chatkal, Kyrgyz, Talas ridges, and Terskei Alatoo. An official annual snow leopard hunting rate ranged from 10 (1955) to 54 skins (in 1936) in 1930-s through 1950-s. 17 snow leopards were caught for the purpose of zoo-export only in 1965-1966. Its skin has no special value and is used by local people for decoration of dwellings and making collars.

Abstract: A description of snow leopard number, distribution, reproductive biology, death reasons, and conservation measures in the USSR, where northern and north-western border of its habitat runs, is given. The population of snow leopard in the USSR is 500 1,000 animals. In the Inner Tien Shan, 400 snow leopards were caught 1936 through 1970. The maximum of 120 skins was purchased in Pamir in 1956 1958. Population of snow leopard directly correlates with population of ibex, a fact being verified by data collected on a long-term basis. Moreover, snow leopard was for a long time considered as a harmful animal, shooting of which was encouraged by premiums and resulted in reduction of snow leopard population.

Abstract: The failure of top-down environmental conservation practices gave rise to the so-called
`Community Based Conservation' or CBC approach. CBC promises to achieve the dual goals of
conserving nature and improving peoples' livelihoods. CBC programs also aim to involve local
communities as active partners in conservation efforts, and to use traditional knowledge and
local values in management of resources (Adams & Hulme 2001; Agrawal & Gibson 1999).
There are variations between different CBC programs; however, the underlying rationale of the
approach, common to all programs, is that introducing or changing economic incentives into the
conservation calculus of local people will bring about the behavioural change necessary for
successful conservation (Kellert et al 2000). Thus, the major emphasis in CBC programs is
conserving nature based on its utilitarian value. Since utilitarian value is measured in terms of
economics, hence the emphasis of CBCs on economic incentives in promoting conservation.
Recent evaluation of the CBC approach has shown that while local people may have benefited in
economic terms from the use of nature, no tangible improvements in biodiversity conservation
have occurred (Kellert et al 2000; Terborgh 1999). The disappointing performance of CBC
programs, which promised so much and yet have failed in practice to deliver, has recently lead to
a resurgence of the protectionist approach, calling for a renewed separation between the
conservation and human development objectives (Redford & Sanderson 2000; Terborgh 1999;
Oats 1999). Others, however, believe that the CBC approach has enormous potential, and that a
return to protectionist strategies would be disastrous, like `reinventing the square wheel'
(Brechin 2001; Wilhusen 2001). It is crucial that the flaws in the CBC approach are remedied if
there is to be any hope of a conservation agenda that does not conflict with the needs, aspirations
and interests of local people, and that therefore has a chance of having a long term, sustainable
conservation outcome.

Abstract: Reports probable sighn of snow leopard at two high elevation points in the Langtang National Park

Abstract: It describes distribution and number of ibex in four parts of the Hissar nature reserve in Uzbekistan. The total number of ibex is estimated to be 1,500 animals. The natural enemies of ibex are snow leopard, wolf, and lynx. Data about ibex's food, seasonal migrations, and threats are given. Decreasing forage reserve and poaching are considered as the most serious threats. A buffer zone is suggested to be established in the areas adjacent to Tajikistan and the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan.