Abstract: There are two isolated snow leopard populations in Uzbekistan, both of which are located along the fringe of the species' distribution. These groups are the Pamir-Alai and the Tien-Shan, of which are united to snow leopard range in neighboring Tadjikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Apart from animals inhabiting the Hissar Nature Reserve, the Pamir-Alai population consists of animals inhabiting the upper portion of the Tupalang River basin and the mountains around Baisuntau. This population is currently estimated at about 30 individuals, from which as many as 10 individuals are reported to be killed or captured annually. However, we suspect the loss rate is more like five to eight individuals, with the entire Pamir-Alai group in Uzbekistan numbering 22 – 25 animals. The Tien-Shan snow leopard sub-population group of Uzbekistan occupies the high-mountain portions of practically all of the large ridges in the area, including Chatkal, Pskem, Ugam and Talass Alatau. The number of snow leopards harvested from this sub-population appears to be five or seven individuals, with the total number placed at 27-32 individuals. The major factors restricting snow leopard numbers in Uzbekistan appears to be poaching of both snow leopard and its large prey species like ibex, as well as disturbance associated with the intensive development of the alpine lands for pasturing livestock. In order to preserve the snow leopard in Uzbekistan it will be necessary to control and eliminate poaching. Additional habitat could be provided by expanding the Chatkal Nature Reserve by adding lands in the Shavassai River basin as well as Akbulak River basin.

Abstract: Critically Endangered l (CR C2a(i); D), locally distributed western subspecies of Central Asian species. It occurs in Western Tien Shan and Western Pamir Alay. It inhabits middle and high belts of the mountains. It prefers watersheds and rocky talus slopes. It never was numerous; last decades the numbers have been decreasing. In 1980's-1990's in Hissar nature reserve 5-11 individuals were counted, in 1970's-1980's in Chatkal nature reserve the 1-3 specimens were observed. Perhaps, total number is 20-30 individuals. The threats are development of high mountain pastures, decreasing of prey numbers, human persecution and poaching. Included in the IUCN Red List [EN] and in Appendix I of CITES.

Abstract: Uncia uncia in Kazakhstan is defined as EN C 2a(i); D1. The International Red List (2000) attributes this species to EN C 2a, which is an example of concurrence in the assessments at regional and global levels.

Abstract: Irbis is distributed in highlands of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Altai. It preys mainly on wild sheep and ibex, marmots, pica, snow-cock, rarer other ungulates, rodents and birds. Sometimes it attacks domestic sheep. At the beginning of spring this species is on heat, gestation period being 90 100 days. Female bears two three (to five) cubs. The litter splits in one year. The animal sheds hair twice a year. It has a low population and therefore hunting for snow leopard is prohibited.

Abstract: Snow leopard is a rare species with shrinking habitat and decreasing population (category III). It is distributed in Tien Shan (the ridges of Karjantau, Ugam, Talas, Kyrgyz, Zailiyskiy, Kunghey, Terskey, Ketmen), Djungar Alatau, Tarbagatai, Saur, and South Altai. This species has disappeared in the Syrdarya Karatau and the mountains of North Tien Shan. Its total number in Kazakhstan is estimated to be 180-200 animals. The threats are reduction of mountain ungulates and poaching. Snow leopard is protected in the Aksu-Djabagly, Alma-Ata, and Markakol nature reserves and the Alma-Ata, Lepsin, and Tokhta sanctuaries. The Djungar nature reserve needs to be established.