Zhirnov L.V. (1975). Extinct mammals of the USSR fauna and their distribution over natural zones.
Abstract: 18 taxons of rare and endangered mammals of the USSR are distributed over natural zones such as deserts and semi-deserts including riverine forests and elevations; mountains and highlands; forests and forest-steppe; and offshore strips of closed seas. A majority of endangered species is associated with deserts and mountains of Central Asia and Kazakhstan.
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Yanushevich A.I., T. Y. S. (1968). Mountain animals.
Abstract: Fauna of invertebrate and vertebrate species in highlands of Kyrgyzstan is described. Mammals are represented by ibex and mountain sheep, snow leopard, dhole, stone marten, Royle's mountain vole, picas, bear, grey and long-tailed marmot; birds are represented by black and griffon vultures, Egyptian vulture, snow-cocks, chukars, rose finch, swallows, swifts, etc. A brief description of their way of life is given.
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Zhou, S. (1991). On “uncia uncia” and “meng ji” in Shan Hai Jin (Vol. 13).
Abstract: Meng ji is described in Shan Hui Jin (Classic of Mountains and Rivers) as a leopard-like animal adept in hiding with white fur and a patterned forehead. This article makes a comparison between “meng ji” and “uncia uncia” in terms of their shapes, fur colors, natural environments of habitats, habits, characteristics and native areas, and comes to the conclusion that “meng ji” is what we call “uncia uncia” nowadays. The description of “meng ji” in Shan Hui Jin should be the first record of Uncia uncia in the world.
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Chundawat, R. S. (1990). Habitat Selection by a Snow Leopard in Hemis National Park, India. In L.Blomqvist (Ed.), (pp. 85–92). Helsinki, Findland: Leif Blomqvist and Helesinki Zoo.
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Jackson, R., Zongyi, W., Xuedong, L., & Yun, C. (1994). Snow Leopards in the Qomolangma Nature Preserve of Tibet Autonomous Region. In J.L.Fox, & D.Jizeng (Eds.), (pp. 85–95). Usa: Islt.
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Kovshar A.F. (1985). Snow leopard. Uncia uncia.
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.
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Moiseev V.A. (1988). Mountain nature.
Abstract: The snow leopard inhabits the upper belt of the Tien Shan, Hissar Alai and Pamir mountains. More often it hunts for wild ibexes. Irbis avoids meeting … man, and even wounded it rarely attacks him. At the beginning of spring … snow leopard gives birth to two-five cubs. It lives up to 21 years. The snow leopard is registered in the Red Data Book of USSR and IUCN Red List.
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Shnitnikov V.N. (1934). Rocks and taluses. Alpine meadows. Economic value of local animals (Vol. Part. 1. South Kazakhstan.).
Abstract: It reviews fauna of rocks, taluses, and alpine meadows of South Kazakhstan. The most typical mammal of rocks and taluses are picas (I¤hotona rutila and I. macrotis), ibex (¥…dr… sibirica), and snow leopard (Felis irbis). Besides, snow leopard, along with Tien Shan bear (Ursus l†u¤Œn¢o), ibex, mountain wolf (¥uŒn alpinus) and others, is met in the alpine meadow zone. Zoo-export of snow leopards to the zoos does not result in extermination of the animals but generates income. Various animal species are subject to trade as zoos do not limit their collections with some specific species or groups; quite the contrary they are interested in obtaining each species. Valuable animals exported from Kazakhstan are tiger, snow leopard, Tien-Shan bear, argali, and mountain wolf. The latter costs 1,000 roubles in gold, and argali even 1,500 roubles.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2009). Expedition report: Mountain ghosts: snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, Central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 30 June to 23 August 2008. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 square kilometers). In 2007 surveys were extended to areas away from the Tapduair massif site to the valley and surrounding ridges of Irbistu Mountain, Tara Valley and Karaghem Mountain Pass. Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
The fluctuations in numbers of the primary prey species observed recently could make it very likely that food availability is not in favour of the snow leopard in the study area. In addition human disturbance is considered to be a severe threat. This is supported by the fact that in 2006 there were no records of snow leopard sign in the core area, in 2007 only a few were found, and in 2008 no records whatever. Nevertheless, the study area still retains its importance as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection, but involving the local community and raising public awareness is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed. Today work on establishing four additional nature parks in the Republic of Tuva and the Sailugem Nature Reserve in the Republic of Altai that will protect the biggest Russian population of the snow leopard is in progress.
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Schaffer, E., Wiesner, H., & Von Hegel, G. (1988). Multiple ocular coloboma (MOC) with persistent pupillary membrane in the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Tierarztl Prax, 16(1), 87–91.
Abstract: In a litter of three snow leopards, bilateral colobomata of the upper temporal eyelids, bilateral persistent pupillary membranes and a unilateral coloboma of the optic nerve entrance are described as “Multiple Ocular Colobomata” (MOC). The causal pathogenesis of each of the colobomata is discussed comparatively. The colobomata of the eyelids, essential feature of the MOC syndrome in snow leopards, are most probably not of hereditary, but rather of intrauterine infectious viral origin.
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