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Abstract |
It provides description of appearance, distribution, behavioral patterns, and use of snow leopard in the USSR. The predator inhabits the mountains of Central Asia, east of the Amudarya river, along the ridges of Djungar Ala-Tau and Tarbagatai, South Altai, West and East Sayans. Its main food is ungulates, though it also preys on snow-cocks, marmots, small birds, and rodents. Sometimes attacks sheep. It has no enemy other than wolf; its diseases are not studied. Snow leopard is not dangerous for man. The fur-skin is used for making rugs and fur. Less than 1,000 animals are hunted globally. Before 1960, in the USSR less than 120 skins were annually purchased. Its total population is several thousand animals. |
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