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.

Abstract: Twenty-five years ago, the snow leopard Uncia uncia, an endangered large cat, was eliminated from what is now Sagarmatha National Park (SNP). Heavy hunting pressure depleted that area of most medium-large mammals, before it became a park. After three decades of protection, the cessation of hunting and the recovery of wild ungulate populations, snow leopards have recently returned (four individuals). We have documented the effects of the return of the snow leopard on the population of its main wild prey, the Himalayan tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus, a 'near-threatened' caprin. Signs of snow leopard presence were recorded and scats were collected along a fixed trail (130 km) to assess the presence and food habits of the snow leopard in the Park, from 2004 to 2006. Himalayan tahr, the staple of the diet, had a relative occurrence of 48% in summer and 37% in autumn, compared with the next most frequent prey, musk deer Moschus chrysogaster (summer: 20%; autumn: 15%) and cattle (summer: 15%; autumn: 27%). In early summer, the birth rate of tahr (young-to-female ratio: 0.8-0.9) was high. The decrease of this ratio to 0.1-0.2 in autumn implied that summer predation concentrated on young tahr, eventually altering the population by removing the kid cohort. Small populations of wild Caprinae, for example the Himalayan tahr population in SNP, are sensitive to stochastic predation events and may be led to almost local extinction. If predation on livestock keeps growing, together with the decrease of Himalayan tahr, retaliatory killing of snow leopards by local people may be expected, and the snow leopard could again be at risk of local extinction. Restoration of biodiversity through the return of a large predator has to be monitored carefully, especially in areas affected by humans, where the lack of important environmental components, for example key prey species, may make the return of a predator a challenging event.

Abstract: Below works has been implemented by Irves-1 operative group of Specialized Inspection Agency.

Abstract: Apparently with the decrease of number of globally endangered snow leopard due to reduction of prey species and loss of habitat, new approaches have been initiated to mitigate conflicts between herders and wildlife, ensuring local participation and building up stakeholders’ responsibility in nature conservation through supporting and guiding of local communities in participation and implementation of collaborative management in sustainable natural resource use. Actually, herder communities, aimed to protect the nature become one of that approaches and made it common consideration, especially in the buffer zones of the Turgen mountain SPA, Tsagaanshuvuut SPA and Gulzat local protected areas of Uvs aimag, where WWF MPO, UNDP and MNET are performing projects, such as “Community based conservation of biodiversity in the mountain landscapes of the Mongolia’s Altai Sayan ecoregion”. Since 2007, in Uvs aimag, particularly in Khaliunbulag bag of Khovd soum, WWF MPO initiated the compensation scheme for herders, aimed to mitigate conflicts between herders and snow leopard, reducing their loss caused by snow leopard and to support them mentally as well.
Current assessment focused on performance evaluation of “Buy sheep” program in Khaliunbulag bag and capability of herder communities , that are established around protected areas, in developing their yearly environmental workplan, including its implementation process.