Abstract: In a popular form, it tells about rare vertebrate animals included in the Red Data Book of the USSR, their biology, behavioral patterns, threats and measures being taken to protect them. Total number of snow leopard in the USSR is defined as 2,000 animals. 200 snow leopards live in zoos throughout the world. The animals successfully reproduce themselves in the Moscow, Kaunas, and Alma-Ata zoos. Snow leopard's maximum life expectancy in enclosures is 22 years.

Abstract: Established in 1990, the Ugam-Chatkal national park occupies an area of 668,350 ha and is the largest protected natural area in Uzbekistan. This area is famous for its rich species diversity. A number of rare and endangered plant and animal species, including among the others snow leopard, is found here. Being a core zone (strictly protected natural area), the Chatkal nature reserve is an integral part of the park. Snow leopard is periodically observed in the Tereksay river valley in the Maidantal area.

Abstract: Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive endangered carnivores found in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. New methods for identifying and counting snow leopards are needed for conservation and management efforts. To develop molecular genetic tools for individual identification of hair and faecal samples, we screened 50 microsatellite loci developed for the domestic cat (Felis catus) in 19 captive snow leopards. Forty-eight loci were polymorphic with numbers of alleles per locus ranging from two to 11. The probability of observing matching genotypes for unrelated individuals (2.1 x10-11) and siblings (7.5x10-5) using the 10 most polymorphic loci was low, suggesting that this panel would easily discriminate among individuals in the wild.

Abstract: The high altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh,India, located in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, remain zoologically unexplored and unprotected. We report results of recent mammal surveys in the high altitude habitats of western Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 35 mammal species (including 12 carnivores, 10 ungulates and 5 primates) were recorded, of which 13 are categorized as Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. One species of primate, the Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala, is new to science and the Chinese goral Nemorhaedus caudatus is a new addition to the ungulate fauna of the Indian subcontinent. We documented peoples' dependence on natural resources for grazing and extraction of timber and medicinal plants. The region's mammals are threatened by widespread hunting. The snow leopard Uncia uncia and dhole Cuon alpinus are also persecuted in retaliation for livestock depredation. The tiger Panthera tigris, earlier reported from the lower valleys, is now apparently extinct there, and range reductions over the last two decades are reported for bharal Pseudois nayaur and musk deer Moschus sp.. Based on mammal species richness, extent of high altitude habitat, and levels of anthropogenic disturbance, we identified a potential site for the creation of Arunachal's first high altitude wildlife reserve (815 km2). Community-based efforts that provide incentives for conservation-friendly practices could work in this area, and conservation awareness programmes are required, not just amongst the local communities and schools but for politicians, bureaucrats and the army.

Abstract: The network of Tajikistan's protected areas (four nature reserves, 14 national and 18 regional sanctuaries, one national park) is described. The establishment of `Shakhristan state complex nature reserve' and `Sarykamish state complex reserve', and interstate nature complex park on northern slope of the Turkestan ridge is recommended to improve conservation practices for a number of endangered vertebrate animal species in Northern Tajikistan (such as brown bear, snow leopard, wild sheep, and others).