Abstract: Observed a total of 109 copulations in 6 male-female pairs from 4 species of large Felidae. The mean intromission durations were 3.0 sec for Asian leopards (Panthera pardus), 3.3 sec for African leopards (P. pardus), 12.9 sec for snow leopards (Uncia uncia), 2.3 sec for spotted jaguars (P. onca), 3.3 sec for black jaguars (P. onca), and 12.4 sec for Siberian tigers (P. tigris). Behavioral patterns were qualitatively similar across species; all displayed a copulatory pattern with no lock, no intravaginal thrusting, ejaculation on a single insertion, and multiple ejaculations. Whereas domestic cats are reported to assume a neck grip and to tread prior to insertion, these larger Felidae generally did so after intromission had been achieved. After copulation, females of some pairs swiped at the male and displayed a rolling after-reaction. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2000 APA, all rights reserved)(unassigned)

Abstract: I studied snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in Manang District, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, to estimate numbers and analyze predator-prey interactions. Five to seven adult leopards used the 10-5-km-2 study area, a density of 4.8 to 6.7 leopards/100 km-2. Density of blue sheep was 6.6 10.2 sheep/km-2, and biomass density was 304 kg/km-2. Estimated relative biomass consumed by snow leopards suggested that blue sheep were the most important prey; marmots (Marmota himalayana) also contributed significantly to the diel of snow leopards Snow leopards in Manang were estimated to harvest 9-20% of total biomass and 11-24% of total number of blue sheep annually. Snow leopard: blue sheep ratio was 1:114-1:159 on a weight basis, which was considered sustainable given the importance of small mammals in the leopard's diet and the absence of other competing predators.

Abstract: Abstract: Assesses foreign investment laws adopted by the government of Mongolia which have been deemed extremely flexible and favorable for Americans. Economic benefits presented by the big game hunt industry; Consultation with Secretary of State James Baker in the formulation of said laws during his July The Mongolian government is trying its best to make the country attractive to foreign investors. Big game hunts are still Mongolia's primary source of foreign cash. European and American hunters are willing to pay as much as $90,000 for rare game such as the ibex or the snow leopard. However, a recent US Fish and Wildlife Service ruling giving protection to the Argal, a wild sheep, could mean the cutting of cash inflows from foreign hunters.

Abstract: Most conventional spermatology research involves common mammalian species including livestock, laboratory animals and humans. Yet, there are more than 4500 mammalian species inhabiting the planet for which little is known about basic reproductive biology, including sperm characteristics and function. This information is important, not just as adjunct knowledge, but because the majority of these species are threatened with extinction, largely due to human-induced pressures. The field of conservation is changing rapidly, and global cooperation is emerging among a variety of wildlife enthusiasts, ranging from management authorities of nature reserves to curators of rare zoological collections. Conservation progress depends on systematic, multidisciplinary research first to answer basic questions, with new data then applied to endangered species management plans. The reproductive physiologist is a crucial component of this scheme. Reproduction is the essence of species survival, and enormous effort needs to be directed at these 'untraditional' research species, subspecies and populations. Spermatology research combined with simultaneous efforts in endocrinology, embryology and cryopreservation (among others) can lead to the successful application of assisted reproduction. Examples from this laboratory include an array of wild felid species and a rare cervid and mustelid. Obstacles to success are formidable, including unique species-specificities, diminished genetic diversity and a general lack of resources. Nonetheless, the field offers tremendous opportunities for generating unique knowledge of comparative interest and with conservation utility.

Abstract: The Katun River originates in the steppe of the Altai Mountains in Siberia. One of the major headwaters of the Ob River, the Katun is considered central to the culture of the indigenous Altaians. The Katun Valley contains large numbers of important cultural sites, dating from the Neolithic and representing some of the earliest human settlement in Russia. Modern-day Altaians still observe traditional ceremonies honoring the river and springs throughout the watershed and utilize traditional ecological knowledge in their management of the land and water resources. Russian and international scientists have identified the Altai Mountains as a region of high plant diversity and endemism, and as important habitat for endangered species such as the snow leopard. The Katun River itself contains species of threatened and endangered fishes, and its headwaters are part of the unusual Mongolian ichthyofaunal province that is characterized by high levels of endemism. The same regions are considered by the Altaian people to be special or sacred and are recognized by Western scientists as having great value for conservation. During the era of perestroika, a hydroelectric dam was to be built on the Katun. The large dam, a vestige of the earlier Soviet plan for the Project of the Century, would have devastated significant agricultural, ecological, recreational, and cultural resources. The indigenous Altaian people would have lost much of their sacred and cultural landscape. The Katun dam project united indigenous people, well-known Siberian writers, and scientists in protest, which became so heated that it engaged the international community, with lasting effects on Russian society. The magnitude of the protest illustrates the importance of the Altai Mountain region to all of Russia. The active participation of indigenous Altaians reflected their traditional willingness to take action against political decisions that negatively impacted the environmental, cultural, and religious values of their homeland. Their involvement also reflected the new wave of awareness under perestroika that underscored a greater respect and autonomy for indigenous peoples in Russia.

Abstract: Theory predicts that small populations may be driven to extinction by random fluctuations in demography and loss of genetic diversity through drift. However, population size is a poor predictor of extinction in large carnivores inhabiting protected areas. Conflict with people on reserve borders is the major cause of mortality in such populations, so that border areas represent population sinks. The species most likely to disappear from small reserves are those that range widely-and are therefore most exposed to threats on reserve borders-irrespective of population size. Conservation efforts that combat only stochastic processes are therefore unlikely to avert extinction.