Abstract: The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut (Mongolia) – Tsagan-Shibetu (Russia) was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual. The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites. The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method (MCP) 100, the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method. The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs (minimal fixation index [FST]), and the data testify to the unity of the cross-border group. Moreover, 5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories. This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries. In addition, regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross-border snow leopard group. These data support that trans-boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries. We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.

Abstract: Snow leopards that prey on poor farmers' livestock pose a twofold problem: they endanger farmers' precarious mountain livelihoods as well as the survival of the snow leopard as a unique species since farmers engage in retaliatory killings. Project Snow Leopard (PSL), a recent pilot initiative in Baltistan, involves a partnership between local farmers and private enterprise in the form of an insurance scheme combined with ecotourism activities. Farmers jointly finance the insurance scheme through the payment of premiums per head of livestock they own, while the remaining funds are provided by profits from trekking expeditions focusing on the snow leopard. The insurance scheme is jointly managed by a village management committee and PSL staff. The scheme is structured in such a way that villagers monitor each other and have incentives to avoid cheating the system.

Abstract: Human population growth in the Mountain Badakhshan autonomous province will result in changes of wild life habitat. The first highland nature reserve (Muksu river basin) is proposed to be established within the habitat of Marco Polo sheep, Siberian ibex, Tien Shan brown bear, snow leopard, Himalayan and Tibetan snow-cock, bar-headed goose, bearded and Himalayan vultures. The Mountain Badakhshan nature reserve will serve as a reference for other highland landscapes of the USSR, a `fiduciary' of gene bank containing valuable endemic, rare, and endangered animal and plant species.

Abstract: It describes fauna of the Tien Shan, Pamir and Hissar mountains of Central Asia. The mountains of Central Asia. Ibex (Capra sibirica) and snow leopard (Uncia uncia) are listed among other inhabitants of highlands in Tien Shan and Pamir Hissar.

Abstract: Snow leopard inhabits the mountainous ecosystems from Tarbagatai to Hissar and Pamir. It feeds upon large animals such as ibex, argali, roe deer, and sometimes domestic sheep, rodents, and birds (most frequently snow cock). The skin of this animal is not of significant value and is rarely an item of trade. In many countries, zoos will readily buy snow leopards. There is no danger for a man to catch snow leopard since even being wounded during a hunt, the animal would never attack the man. An encounter with snow leopard in the mountains will always end safely for human being, as it is always first to spot a man and go away unnoticed.

Abstract: Genus Uncia has only one species snow leopard. Described is the length of body, length of tail, body weight, colour, skull, number of teeth, habitat, reproduction, and life expectancy. This species has no essential practical value and is included in the Red Data Book as an endangered species.

Abstract: There are more than 40 species of mammals in Sary Chelek nature reserve, Kyrgyzstan. Brief characteristics of these species and their distribution. Also current status of important species, tendencies in number dynamic are presented. Snow leopard inhabited in alpine zone of Muz-Tor, Kara Toko, Kulatai, Alatai mountains. Total number is 2-3 individuals according data of 1997-2000.

Abstract: The author describes fauna of the Central Asia sub-area. Snow leopard is a typical inhabitant of the sub-area highlands.

Abstract: Totally in Uzbekistan inhabited about 40 game species, but many of them became rare (Mellivora capensis indica, Lutra lutra seistanica, Hyaena hyaena, Felis pardus ciscaucasicus, Felis uncia, Felis ¤…a…c…l michaelis, F.manul ferrugineus, Cervus elaphus bactrianus, ¥…da… falconeri heptneri, Ovis orientalis bochariensis, I. about severtsovi, About ammon k…a†1ini), from fauna of region have disappeared Cuon alpinus hesperius, D…nthera tigris virgata, Acion¢o jubatus, Cervus elaphus sibiricus, Equus h†mionus, E. dazewalskii, Camelus bactrianus. For protection of valuable species of animals in Uzbekistan 6 nature reserves and 6 zakazniks were established.

Abstract: Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora bantiana was diagnosed in a 5-month-old snow leopard with spastic paralysis of the hind legs and inability to defaecate or urinate. At post-mortem examination, a greenish soft mass resembling an abscess was found on one side of the epidural space at the fourth lumbar vertebral body. Histological examination revealed a purulent meningitis with myelomalacia. Dematiaceous fungal hyphae, present within the inflammatory infiltrate, were identified as C. bantiana by culture and sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. This neurotropic fungus rarely affects organs other than the brain in human beings and cats, and has been reported only occasionally in Europe. The case described suggests that phaeohyphomycosis due to C. bantiana infection may be recognized more frequently in the future and the possible involvement of organs other than the brain should be borne in mind.

Abstract: Status: rare (Category III). Distribution: Tien Shan mountains, Tarbagatai, Saur and Altai mountains. Total number in Kazakhstan does not exceed 200 individuals. The main threats are poaching and reduction number of preys. In Almaty Zoo captive breeding was successful in 1976 and 1985. Snow leopard is protected in Aksu Jabagly, Almaty and Markakol nature reserves. To ensure the survival of the species it is necessary to establish a reserve in Dzhungar mountains and to improve protection in existing nature reserves.

Abstract: The marchor habitat in Tajikistan is fragmented. The animals are reproduced in enclosures of the Ramit nature reserve and released into wildlife in Khel canyon. Two females were killed by snow leopard.

Abstract: The Aksu-Djabagly nature reserve is a real guarantor for conservation of gene pool of five species Tien Shan bear, golden eagle, bearded vulture, Blue whistling thrush, and probably Central Asia stone marten. To strengthen the role of the nature reserve in the rare species conservation it is necessary to extend its area to a number of additional land plots belonging to forestries.