Abstract: The continuing debates about trophy hunting should be underpinned by an understanding of at least the basic characteristics of the practice (e.g. species, quotas, areas, prices). Whilst many countries in Asia have established trophy hunting programmes of considerable importance to conservation and local livelihoods, there remains some ambiguity over the extent of trophy hunting in Asia as its basic characteristics in each country have not been compiled. In this study, we compile information on various ecological and socioeconomic characteristics of trophy hunting of mammals for countries across Asia by reviewing published and unpublished literature, analysing trade data, and obtaining contributions from in-country contacts. Across Asia, established trophy hunting programmes exist in at least 11 countries and target at least 30 species and one hybrid (incl., five Vulnerable and one Endangered species). Trophy hunting in these countries varies markedly in areas (e.g. >1 million km2 in Kazakhstan, 37% of country, vs. 1325 km2 in Nepal, <1% of country) and annual offtakes (e.g. Kazakhstan: 4500 individuals from 4 of 5 trophy species; Pakistan: 229 from 4 of 7; Mongolia: 155 from 6 of 9; Tajikistan: 126 from 3 of 6; Nepal: 22 from 3 of the 4 that are trophy hunted in practice). Permit prices also vary across species and countries, with domestic and international hunters sometimes charged different rates. Hunters from the USA appear overwhelmingly prominent among international clients. National legislations typically mandate a proportion of trophy hunting revenue to accrue locally (range: 40–100%). We provide five key recommendations for research to inform trophy hunting policy in Asia: (1) Ecological impact assessments; (2) Socioeconomic impact assessments; (3) Evaluations of the contributions of trophy hunting to conservation spending; (4) Evaluations of the contributions of trophy hunting to the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework; (5) Further examinations of perceptions of trophy hunting.

Abstract: In 1980-s, in Central Asia there were 1,500-1,700 snow leopards: 800-900 in Kyrgyzstan, 500 in Tajikistan, 200 in Kazakhstan, and 100 in Uzbekistan. During the last century the number of snow leopard was constantly decreasing, though a its drastic reduction was observed after the collapse of the Soviet Union because of increased poaching for snow leopard and its objects of prey. The highest level of poaching was observed to occur in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan's population of snow leopard reduced to 200 animals. A decrease of snow leopard number in other parts of its habitat with less intense hunting (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, south-west Kyrgyzstan) was mostly because of depletion of food resources (population of ungulates reduced five eight times). The reasons are corruption and unemployment. In order to improve the situation it is required to improve regulatory framework and replicate existing positive experience in economic motivation of nature protection activities.

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.

Abstract: Habitat, status of population, geographical distribution, number, and ecology of snow leopard in Tien Shan are analyzed based on original realistic material collected 1981 through 1988.Information about irbis in the `foreign' part of its habitat is given for comparison. The reasons for snow leopard habitat shrinkage in Central Asia and Kazakhstan for over 100 years are assessed. Status of ungulate populations snow leopard prey on is given. The predator's behavioral pattern and condition in enclosure are given consideration. Protection measures are proposed.

Abstract: Among large predators included in the Red Data Book of the USSR and Red List of IUCN the author describes snow leopard. A population of snow leopard in the USSR is estimated to be 500 animals, and no more than 1,000 in the world. In the past, irbis was believed to be a harmful animal and hunting for this species was encouraged. Today, population of the predator is reducing because of poaching and decreasing number of species it preys on such as ibex, wild sheep, wild boar, and marmots. The situation is exacerbated by biological features of this species first of all its slow rate of reproduction. It is concluded that snow leopard needs urgent protection measures since the species is on the verge of disappearance.