Abstract: An extension of the Aksu Jabagly nature reserve is suggested in order to improve effectiveness of rare and endemic species conservation in the West Tien Shan. The existing area of the nature reserve is large enough for conservation and reproduction of most of the large mammal species such as ibex, bear, wild boar, snow leopard; the area is however insufficient for species such as Tien Shan argali, roe-deer, whose seasonal migrations extend beyond the area of the nature reserve, as well as Menzbier's marmot a rare endemic to the West Tien Shan, whose habitat is situated 10 15 km from the nature reserve.

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: Data on distribution, number, diet and breeding of snow leopard in NW spurs of the Hissar Ridge were collected over long-term studies in the span from 1981 to 1994. An increase in the number of this animal from 4 to 17 individuals has been recorded in the Hissar Nature Reserve (Uzbekistan).