Abstract: We used logistic regression to examine factors that affected the spatial distribution of sign (scrapes, feces, footprints, spray or scent marks, and rubbing sites) in a newly reestablished population of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, Nepal. Our results indicate that terrain and human activity were the most important factors determining the spatial distribution of leopard activity, whereas presence of their major prey species (Himalayan tahr [Hemitragus jemlahicus]) had only a moderate effect. This suggests that localities at which these animals are active represent a trade-off between suitable habitat and avoidance of potential risk from anthropogenic origins. However, the influence of prey presence was likely underestimated because of the methodology used, and likely weighed in the trade-off as well.

Abstract: In the 1960s, the endangered snow leopard was locally extirpated from the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) region of Nepal. In this Sherpa-inhabited high Himalaya, the flourishing tourism since the ascent of Mt Everest in 1953, has caused both prosperity and adverse impacts, the concern that catalyzed the establishment of Mt. Everest National Park in the region in 1976. In the late 1980s, there were reports that some transient snow leopards may have visited the area from adjoining Tibet, but no biological surveys exist to confirm the status of the cats and their prey. Have snow leopards finally returned to the top of the world? Exploring this question was the main purpose of this research project. We systematically walked altogether 24 sign transects covering over 13 km in length in three valleys, i.e. Namche, Phortse and Gokyo, of the park, and counted several snow leopard signs. The results indicated that snow leopards have made a comeback in the park in response to decades of protective measures, the virtual cessation of hunting and the recovery of the Himalayan tahr which is snow leopard's prey. The average sign density (4.2 signs/km and 2.5 sign sites/km) was comparable to that reported from other parts of the cats' range in the Himalaya. On this basis, we estimated the cat density in the Everest region between 1 to 3 cats per 100 sq km, a figure that was supported by different sets of pugmarks and actual sightings of snow leopards in the 60 km2 sample survey area. In the study area, tahr population had a low reproductive rate (e.g. kids-to-females ratio, 0.1, in Namche). Since predators can influence the size and the structure of prey species populations through mortality and through non-lethal effects or predation risk, snow leopards could have been the cause of the population dynamics of tahr in Sagarmtha, but this study could not confirm this speculation for which further probing may be required.

Abstract: Fauna of large predatory mammals in the Kazakhstan Altai is represented by five species: wolf, bear, glutton, lynx, and snow leopard. Snow leopard inhabits the Sarymsakty and Tarbagai ridges and South Altai. This species is observed to regularly penetrate into the Kutun and Kurchum ridges. Its habitat covers an area of 1,800 sq. km, its population being 14-16 animals. The population density is 0.7 1.0 animals per 100 sq. km. A hunting area of a female animal with two cubs is 45 85 sq. km; a male 120 sq. km. Snow leopard main preys on ibex (41.1 percent), roe-deer (31.0 percent), and moral (13.8 percent); in summer on gray marmot (28.6 percent). Snow leopard is also known to prey on hares, birds, argali, and elks.

Abstract: It gives the description of genus Panthera: lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar and snow leopard. The mountains of Central Asia and South Siberia limit the habitat of snow leopard in the USSR. This species is also distributed in the Himalayas, Tibet, and mountains of Mongolia. In summer, it lives at 3,660 3,970 m above sea level, while in winter, following the ungulates; snow leopard descends to 1,800 m. In the Himalayas, it ascends up to 5,500 m above sea level in summer. In Djungar and Talas Ala-Tau, snow leopard keeps at 600 1,200 m. It takes refuge in caves and cracks of rocks. Snow leopard is mostly active in twilights and night, rarer in daylight, and preys on ungulates, hares, marmots, and others. The coupling period is winter or early spring. A gestation is about 90 days. It has 3 5 cubs in a litter.