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Ming, M. (1985). Expedition to Murzat River Valley. Urumqi Evening Paper.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2006). Expedition report: Surveying snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 20 June to 13 August 2004. The aim was to conduct a continuing survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species, as well as relative abundance studies (SLIMS form 2), were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 sq km). Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
No evidence was found implying a resident animal and/or more than one snow leopard in the research area. The only finding of one rather old scat sample (very likely belonging to the species), shows that snow leopards recorded in the year before may have left the area, been poached or visit it only sporadically. However, surveys show that the habitat is varied and capable of sustaining a healthy prey base for snow leopard, This, together with evidence from local people, confirmed the importance of the study area as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection but involving the local community is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
Abstract also available in Russian.
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Tytar, V., McGregor, T., Hammer, & M. (2007). Expedition report: Surveying snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 3 July to 26 August 2005. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species, as well as relative abundance studies (SLIMS form 2), were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 square kilometres). Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
Fresh signs of snow leopard presence recorded this year are an indication that the core area is being repeatedly used, due, perhaps, to the tentative increase in the pool numbers of the primary prey species, particularly Siberian ibex. Continued surveys show that the habitat is varied and capable of sustaining a healthy prey base for snow leopard. This, together with evidence from local people, confirmed the importance of the study area as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection, but involving the local community is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2007). Expedition report: Surveying snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 2 July to 13 August 2006. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species, as well as relative abundance studies (SLIMS form 2), were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 square kilometers). Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
In 2006 there were no records of snow leopard sign in the core area, but outside of it to the northwest. Presuming an increase in numbers of the primary prey species (particularly the Siberian ibex), it is very likely that other factors (perhaps poaching and other sorts of human disturbance) are gaining an overwhelming impact on snow leopard presence in the study area. Nevertheless, the study area retains its importance as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection, but involving the local community is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
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McGregor, T., & Hammer, M. (2005). Expedition report: Surveying snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 6 July to 29 August 2003. The aim was to conduct the first survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard’s main prey species; in this case argali (Ovis amon) and Siberian ibex (Capra ibex sibirica) together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 sq km). Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. cat collected in the field was sent to Brunel University where it is awaiting DNA analysis. The expedition also collected data on local geology and generated mammal, bird and plant inventories.
Surveying a very large study area without snow cover made it difficult to find signs of snow leopard and primary prey species. Despite these constraints, snow leopard sign was found in each of the four two-week slots of the expedition. The field evidence indicated there was at least one resident adult. This, together with evidence from local people, confirmed the importance of the study area as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection but involving the local community is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2008). Expedition report: Mountain ghosts: snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, Central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 8 July to 17 August 2007. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 square kilometers). In 2007 surveys were extended to areas away from the Tapduair massif site to the valley and surrounding ridges of Irbistu mountain. Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
The decrease in numbers of the primary prey species observed recently makes it very likely that food availability is not in favour of the snow leopard in the study area. This is supported by the fact that in 2006 there were no records of snow leopard sign in the core area and in 2007 only a few were found.
Nevertheless, the study area retains its importance as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. Unfortunately, privatisation of formerly common land is on the increase as is a lack of respect traditional land management practices, so the survey area urgently needs protection, but involving the local community and raising public awareness is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2009). Expedition report: Mountain ghosts: snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, Central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 30 June to 23 August 2008. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species.
Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area (approximately 200 square kilometers). In 2007 surveys were extended to areas away from the Tapduair massif site to the valley and surrounding ridges of Irbistu Mountain, Tara Valley and Karaghem Mountain Pass. Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories.
The fluctuations in numbers of the primary prey species observed recently could make it very likely that food availability is not in favour of the snow leopard in the study area. In addition human disturbance is considered to be a severe threat. This is supported by the fact that in 2006 there were no records of snow leopard sign in the core area, in 2007 only a few were found, and in 2008 no records whatever. Nevertheless, the study area still retains its importance as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection, but involving the local community and raising public awareness is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed. Today work on establishing four additional nature parks in the Republic of Tuva and the Sailugem Nature Reserve in the Republic of Altai that will protect the biggest Russian population of the snow leopard is in progress.
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Tytar, V., & Hammer, M. (2010). Expedition report: Mountain ghosts: snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, Central Asia. Biosphere Expeditions.
Abstract: This study was part of an expedition to the Altai mountains in the Kosh Agach region of the Altai Republic, run by Biosphere Expeditions from 29 June to 22 August 2009. The aim was to continue a survey of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in this area, as well as surveying the snow leopard's primary prey species, argali (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), together with secondary prey species. Using the Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS)developed by the International Snow Leopard Trust (ISLT), presence/absence surveys (SLIMS form 1) of snow leopard and prey species were conducted throughout the study period across the entire survey area. In 2009 surveys were extended to areas away from the Talduair massif site (core area) to the valleys and surrounding ridges of the Karaghem mountain pass. Interviews with local, semi-nomadic herders also formed an important part of the research procedure. The expedition also collected data for extended mammal, bird and plant inventories. Fresh signs of snow leopard presence recorded this year are an indication that the core area once again has been visited and used. The developing relationship between the predator and prey species seems to be very fragile, so any decline (perhaps even slight) in the prey species may drive the snow leopard out of the core area. In addition, human disturbance is considered to be a severe threat. Yet the study area still retains its importance as a habitat for snow leopard and as a corridor for snow leopard dispersal. The survey area urgently needs protection, but involving the local community and raising public awareness is vital if conservation initiatives are to succeed. Today work on establishing four additional nature parks in the Republic of Tuva and the Sailugem Nature Reserve in the Republic of Altai, which will protect the biggest Russian population of the snow
leopard is in progress.
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Kosharev, E. P. (1990). Excerpts from “The snow leopard in Kirgizia”. Snow Line, 8(2), 7–8.
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Atzeni, L., Cushman, S. A., Wang, J., Riordan, P., Shi, K., Bauman, D. (2021). Evidence of spatial genetic structure in a snow leopard population from Gansu, China. Heredity, . Retrieved July 28, 2024, from http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-021-00483-0
Abstract: Understanding the spatial structure of genetic diversity provides insights into a populations’ genetic status and enables assessment of its capacity to counteract the effects of genetic drift. Such knowledge is particularly scarce for the snow leopard, a conservation flagship species of Central Asia mountains. Focusing on a snow leopard population in the Qilian mountains of Gansu Province, China, we characterised the spatial genetic patterns by incorporating spatially explicit indices of diversity and multivariate analyses, based on different inertia levels of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We compared two datasets differing in the number of loci and individuals. We found that genetic patterns were significantly spatially structured and were characterised by a broad geographical division coupled with a fine-scale cline of differentiation. Genetic admixture was detected in two adjoining core areas characterised by higher effective population size and allelic diversity, compared to peripheral localities. The power to detect significant spatial relationships depended primarily on the number of loci, and secondarily on the number of PCA axes. Spatial patterns and indices of diversity highlighted the cryptic structure of snow leopard genetic diversity, likely driven by its ability to disperse over large distances. In combination, the species’ low allelic richness and large dispersal ability result in weak genetic differentiation related to major geographical features and isolation by distance. This study illustrates how cryptic genetic patterns can be investigated and analysed at a fine spatial scale, providing insights into the spatially variable isolation effects of both geographic distance and landscape resistance.
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