|
|
Schutgens, M. G., Hanson, J. H., Baral, N., Ale, S. B. (2018). Visitors’ willingness to pay for snow leopard Panthera uncia conservation in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Oryx, , 1–10.
Abstract: The Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia experiences
persecution across its habitat in Central Asia, particularly
from herders because of livestock losses. Given the
popularity of snow leopards worldwide, transferring some
of the value attributed by the international community to
these predators may secure funds and support for their conservation.
We administered contingent valuation surveys to
 international visitors to the Annapurna Conservation
Area, Nepal, between May and June , to determine
their willingness to pay a fee to support the implementation
of a Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan. Of the %of
visitors who stated they would pay a snow leopard conservation
fee in addition to the existing entry fee, the mean
amount that they were willing to pay was USD  per trip.
The logit regression model showed that the bid amount, the
level of support for implementing the Action Plan, and the
number of days spent in the Conservation Area were significant
predictors of visitors’ willingness to pay. The main reasons
stated by visitors for their willingness to pay were a
desire to protect the environment and an affordable fee. A
major reason for visitors’ unwillingness to pay was that
the proposed conservation fee was too expensive for them.
This study represents the first application of economic valuation
to snow leopards, and is relevant to the conservation of
threatened species in the Annapurna Conservation Area
and elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
Augugliaro, C., Paniccia, C., Janchivlamdan, C., Monti, I. E., Boldbaatar, T., Munkhtsog, B. (2019). Mammal inventory in the Mongolian Gobi, with the southeasternmost documented record of the Snow Leopard, Panthera uncia (Schreber, 1775), in the country. Check List, 15(4), 575–578.
Abstract: Studies on mammal diversity and distribution are an important source to develop conservation and management strategies.
The area located in southern Mongolia, encompassing the Alashan Plateau Semi-Desert and the Eastern Gobi Desert-Steppe ecoregions, is considered strategic for the conservation of threatened species. We surveyed the non-volant mammals in the Small Gobi-A Strictly Protected Area (SPA) and its surroundings, by using camera trapping, live trapping, and occasional sightings. We recorded 18 mammal species belonging to 9 families and 6 orders. Among them, 4 are globally threatened or near-threatened, 2 are included in the CITES Appendix I, and 2 are listed in the Appendix II. Moreover, we provide the southeasternmost record for the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in Mongolia, supported by photographic evidence. Our study highlights the importance of this protected area to preserve rare, threatened, and elusive species.
|
|
|
|
Grachev Yu.A. (1991). Snow leopard Uncia uncia Sch. 1775 (Vol. Vol. 1. Animals.).
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.
|
|
|
|
Akimushkin I. (1988). Snow leopard or irbis.
Abstract: Snow leopard behavioral patterns, food preferences, and reproduction are described in a popular way. The population of snow leopard is defined to be 1,000 animals. A reason for the population decline is hunting for the sake of beautiful fur.
|
|
|
|
Bannikov A.G. (1973). Snow leopard (irbis). Felis uncia.
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.
|
|
|
|
Bekenov A.B. (2002). About the IUCN categories and criteria for animals inclusion in Red Data Books and lists (project INTAS 99-1483).
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.
|
|
|
|
Dementiev G.P. (1969). Mammals.
Abstract: It provides a list and discusses a status of rare and endangered predators and ungulates in the USSR (24 species in total). Snow leopard inhabits the mountain ridges of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, in the Altai and Tuva. The habitat of snow leopard had not changed significantly since recently, though its population had been reducing (according to materials of the year 1967). Such reduction of its population is because of the common assumption of its harmfulness and high demand for its fur-skin and high prices that zoos would readily pay for the animals.
|
|
|
|
Esipov A.V. (1995). Status and Conservation of Snow Leopard in Uzbekistan.
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.
|
|
|
|
Esipov A.V. (2000). Current state of snow leopard and its main preys in Hissar nature reserve.
Abstract: An expert evaluation of the numbers of snow leopard and its preys, Siberian ibex and long-tailed marmot, was made on the basis of surveys conducted in Hissar nature reserve in 1999. The total number of the snow leopard is estimated at 12-16 individuals, whereas that of the Siberian ibex at 1000 individuals. An average density of the population of the long tailed marmot ranges at 4,8 individuals per ha. The ratio of the numbers between the snow leopard, Siberian ibex and long tailed marmot is 1:68:450. The major threats for the snow leopard are poaching on the borders of the nature reserve, a decrease in of preys, shrinking of the range in areas adjoining the nature reserve as a result of intensification of industrial activities and disturbing factors. For the Siberian ibex and long tailed marmot the major limiting factors are the shrinking of the areas and deterioration of the forage value of the high-mountain pastures, as well as the direct competition for forage with domestic animals at the sites adjoining the territory of the nature, as well as disturbing factors.
|
|
|
|
Esipov A.V. (2003). Snow Leopard (Irbis) (Vol. Vol. II. Animals.).
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.
|
|
