Abstract: History of the Alma-Ata nature reserve establishment, its location physical and geographic data, climate, and vegetation zones are described. Fauna of the protected area is represented by 64 mammal species, and about 200 bird species. Briefly described are behavioural patterns of roe deer, moral, wild boar, Siberian ibex, snow leopard, lynx, brown bear, and marten, and other mammals of the mountainous area.

Abstract: A description of the Kyzylsu, Miraki, and Markakol nature reserves is given and includes as follows: data of establishment, location, physic and geographic description, types of soils, climate, vegetation, altitude zones, and fauna. In the Kyzylsu nature reserve there are 28 mammal species; in Miraki 23, and in Mirkakol 39. Snow leopard can be found in all the three nature reserves.

Abstract: The Karatau ridge is an extreme north-west spur of the Tien Shan mountain system. Flora of Karatau is represented by no less than 1,500 higher vessel plant species. Karatau and the adjacent areas host 16 reptile species, 114 bird and 42 mammal species. Snow leopard disappeared from fauna of Karatau in 20th century. In 1940-s, the animal species was met at the highest point of the ridge in the Manjilki area, particularly in tract Kor-Djailau. Now there are no snow leopards in the area under study a fact evidenced by local hunters and shepherds.

Abstract: The snow leopard faces multiple threats in the Himalayan region, from habitat degradation, loss of prey, the trade in pelts, parts and live animals, and conflict with humans, primarily pastoralists. Consequently, the populations are considered to be in decline and the species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN's Red List. As a 'flagship' and 'umbrella' species the snow leopard can be a unifying biological feature to raise awareness of its plight and the need for conservation, which will benefit other facets of Himalayan biodiversity as well. Some studies of snow leopards have been conducted in the Himalayan region. But, because of its elusive nature and preference for remote and inaccessible habitat, knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of this mystical montane predator is scant. The available information, however, suggests that snow leopards occur at low densities and large areas of habitat are required to conserve a viable population. Thus, many researchers and conservationists have advocated landscape-scale approaches to conservation within a regional context, rather than focusing on individual protected areas.This regional strategy for WWF's snow leopard conservation program is built on such an approach. The following were identified as important regional issues: 1) international trade in snow leopards and parts; 2) the human-snow leopard conflict; 3) the need for a landscape approach to conservation to provide large spatial areas that can support demographically and ecologically viable snow leopard metapopulations; 4) research on snow leopard ecology to develop long-term, science-based conservation management plans; and 5) regional coordination and dialog. While the issues are regional, the WWF's in the region have developed 5-year strategic actions and activities, using the regional strategies as a touchstone, which will be implemented at national levels. The WWF's will develop proposals based on these strategic actions, with estimated budgets, for use by the network for funding and fund-raising. WWF also recognizes the need to collaborate and coordinate within the network and with other organizations in the region to achieve conservation goals in an efficient manner, and will form a working group to coordinate activities and monitor progress.