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Abstract |
In Semerechie, snow leopard is not a rare species. In 1931, 53 snow leopards were hunted in southern Semerechie. In the past, at the markets of Central Tien Shan one could buy skins or live snow leopards, which were in demand abroad. Probably, number of snow leopards in Semerechie has increased. Now, it can be found not only in remote areas but in the vicinity of settlements (snow leopards, for instance, were observed some 20 30 km from Almaty, and 60 km from Frunze). Snow leopard preys mainly on ibex (¥…dr… sibiri¤…), snow-cock (O†traogallus himalauenses), and numerous argali – in some areas. The animal will never attack a man, even if wounded. |
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