Abstract: It provides information about the cat family species in Uzbekistan (steppe cat Felis libyca, reed cat Felis chaus, Turkistan lynx Felis lynx isabellina, manul Felis manul, sand cat Felis margarita, Turan tiger Felis tigris virgata, Middle Asia leopard Felis pardus tullianus, and snow leopard Felis uncia. Snow leopard is distributed over the Hissar ridge, and the mountains of Kuydytavak, Khoddjachilimakhram, Zardalyupaz, Khodjapiriyah and Belata. Trade significance of snow leopard is negligent. In the Sary-Asia district one skin was traded in 1934 and 1935, three in 1936, four in 1937, one in 1946, and two in 1947.

Abstract: Snow leopard inhabits Tien Shan, Pamir, Bukhara and possibly Kopet-dag, as well as the Altai, Tibet, and northern slopes of the Himalayas. It preys on ibex, wild sheep, roe deer, hare, keklik (partridge), snow-cock and porcupine and sometimes attacks livestock. Snow leopard is not considered a dangerous animal since even being wounded, it would escape from men and could only rush to the attack when deadlocked.

Abstract: This project is part of an ongoing snow leopard study established in 2003 with support from the ISLT. The study involves a multifaceted approach designed to provide important baseline data on the status of the snow leopard population in Langtang National Park (LNP), Nepal and to generate long-term support and commitment to the conservation of snow leopards in the park. The specific aims include: 1) conducting a population survey of the snow leopards in LNP, focusing on distribution and abundance; 2) assessing the status of prey species populations in the park; and 3) providing educational outreach programs on snow leopard conservation for local school children (K-8) living in the park. During the 2004 study period, snow leopard signs were observed (including pugmarks and scats) although somewhat fewer than in 2003. Similarly, the average herd size of the snow leopards' primary prey species in LNP (the Himalayan thar) was a bit lower than in 2003. There is speculation that the thar populations and the snow leopards may be moving to more remotes areas of the park perhaps in response to increasing pressure from domestic livestock grazing. This possibility is being addressed during the 2005 study period.

Abstract: The structure of the foramen ovale from 16 species representing 4 carnivore families, the Felidae, Canidae, Ursidae and Hyaenidae, was studied using the scanning electron microscope. The Felidae were represented by 9 domestic cat fetuses (Felis catus), 2 snow leopard neonates (Uncia uncia), an ocelot neonate (Leopardus pardalis), 2 lion neonates (Panthera leo), a panther neonate (Panthera pardus) and 3 tigers (Neofelis tigris), comprising 2 fetuses and a neonate. The Canidae were represented by a golden jackal neonate (Canis aureus), a newborn wolf (Canis lupus), 8 domestic dog fetuses (Canis familiaris), 3 red fox neonates (Vulpes vulpes) and a dhole neonate (Cuon alpinus). The Ursidae were represented by a brown bear neonate (Ursus arctos), a day-old grizzly bear cub (Ursus arctos horribilis), a polar bear neonate (Ursus maritimus), and 2 additional bear fetuses (species unknown). The Hyaenidae were represented by a striped hyaena neonate (Hyaena hyaena). In each species, the foramen ovale, when viewed from the terminal part of the caudal vena cava, had the appearance of a short tunnel. A thin fold of tissue, the developed remains of the embryonic septum primum, extended from the distal end of the caudal vena cava for a variable distance into the lumen of the left atrium and contributed towards the 'tunnel' appearance in all specimens. It constituted a large proportion of the tube, and its distal end was straight-edged. There was fibrous material underlying the endothelium of the flap, the apparent morphology of which suggested that it comprised cardiac muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)