Abstract: This study presents the testing of two unsupervised classification methods for their ability to accurately identify unknown individual tigers, Panthera tigris, and snow leopards, Panthera uncia, from their footprints. A neural-network based method, the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM), and a Bayesian method, AutoClass, were assessed using hind footprints taken from captive animals under standardized conditions. AutoClass successfully discriminated individuals of both species from their footprints. Classification accuracy was greatest for tigers, with more misclassification of individuals occurring for snow leopards. Examination of variable influence on class formations failed to identify consistently influential measurements for either species. The self-organizing map did not provide accurate classification of individuals for either species. Results were not substantially improved by altering map dimensions nor by using principal components derived from the original data. The interpretation of resulting classifications and the importance of using such techniques in the study of wild animal populations are discussed. The need for further testing in the field is highlighted.

Abstract: Status: rare (Category III). Distribution: Tien Shan mountains, Tarbagatai, Saur and Altai mountains. Total number in Kazakhstan does not exceed 200 individuals. The main threats are poaching and reduction number of preys. In Almaty Zoo captive breeding was successful in 1976 and 1985. Snow leopard is protected in Aksu Jabagly, Almaty and Markakol nature reserves. To ensure the survival of the species it is necessary to establish a reserve in Dzhungar mountains and to improve protection in existing nature reserves.