Abstract: The National strategy and action plan of the Republic of Uzbekistan was signed on April 1, 1998. Snow leopard was included in the list of rare and endangered animal species and referred to category 2 a rare, not endangered species. It is distributed in highlands of the West Tien Shan and Pamiro-Alay. Its population is 30-50 animals. Snow leopard is protected in the Chatkal, Gissar nature reserve, and Ugam-Chatkal national park.

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: It provides a brief description of nature reserves network in Uzbekistan: Karakul and Vardanza (in desert); Chatkal, Zaamin, Nurata, and Kyzylsu (in mountains); Aralpaigambar, Kyzylkum, Badaitugai, Zeravshan (riverine forests). Snow leopard is protected in the Chatkal, Zaamin, and Kizilsu nature reserves.

Abstract: The suggestion in the early 20th century that top predators were a necessary component of ecosystems because they hold herbivore populations in check and promote biodiversity was at Wrst accepted and then largely rejected. With the advent of Evolutionary Ecology and a more full appreciation of direct and indirect effects of top predators, this role of top predators is again gaining acceptance. The previous views were predicated upon lethal effects of predators but largely overlooked their non-lethal effects. We suggest that
conceptual advances coupled with an increased use of experiments have convincingly demonstrated that prey experience costs that transcend the obvious cost of death. Prey species use adaptive behaviours to avoid predators, and these behaviours are not cost-free. With predation risk, prey species greatly restrict their use of available habitats and consumption of available food resources. Effects of top predators consequently cascade down to the trophic levels below them. Top predators, the biggies, are thus both the targets of and the means for conservation at the landscape scale.

Abstract: The wild populations of snow leopards are threatened in Nepal. For their effective conservation, this paper seeks to build a strategy based not only on protected enclaves but also on landscapes, using an integrated grass-roots approach that essentially reduces poverty and addresses the needs of human beings and that of wildlife. Also equally relevant in places with a strong hold by religious and cultural authorities in the decision-making processes is the recognition and possible integration of cultural and traditional belief systems in overall snow leopard conservation schemes.