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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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Sobanskiy G.G. (1988). The cat family. Snow leopard, or irbis.
Abstract: In the Altai, there are three cat family species: snow leopard, lynx, and manul. Several tens of snow leopards inhabiting the area along river Argut and its tributaries remained in Altai. They are rarer met in south Altai along the Chikhachev, Shapshal, and Sailyughem ridges. They prey on ibex, wild sheep, roe deer, and moral. They can also attack livestock but would never kill more than one animal.
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Tserendeleg, J. (1994). On Protection and Survey of Snow Leopards in Mongolia. In J.L.Fox, & D.Jizeng (Eds.), (pp. 43–46). Usa: Islt.
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Tserendeleg, J. (1997). Status and Conservation of Snow Leopard in Mongolia. In R.Jackson, & A.Ahmad (Eds.), (pp. 42–47). Lahore, Pakistan: International Snow Leopard Trust.
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Yondon, O. (2010). Long-Term Conservation of Argali and Snow Leopard in the Trans-Boundary Areas of the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion between Mongolia and Russia (Second Phase). Mongolia: WWF Mongolia.
Abstract: Objective 1: To ensure long-term conservation of Argali and Snow leopard in the selected areas through proactive involvement of local communities and local organisations.
Objective 2. Facilitate establishing new PA in priority areas (critical habitat and migration corridors) of Argali and Snow leopard, which includes also trans-boundary PA’s
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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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Baidavletov R.J. (2002). Large predators of the Kazakhstan Altai and their importance for hunting industry.
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.
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