Snow Leopard / Ilbirs / Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard
Status: III. Critically Endangered, CR C2a(i): R, C1.
Distribution overall and in the country. Found in 12 mountainous countries of Asia. In Kyrgyzstan - in the Pskem, Chandalash, Talas, Kyrgyz, Suusamyr, Chatkal, Fergana, Turkestan, Alay ridges, as well as in Kungei and Teskei Ala-Too, Naryn-Too, Moldo-Too, At-Bashi, Sary-Jaz, and Kokshaal-Too [19].
Habitat. In alpine and subalpine landscape zones at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,000 m, prefers moderately rugged terrain with individual elevations for observation and hiding spots in the form of stones and thickets of shrubs (Caragana, Juniper). Typically visits the forest belt when moving from one river valley to another. In winter, it is also found in the upper forest zone, following mountain goats.
Population. Previously considered a common species in many mountain ranges, the total population was estimated at 1,400 individuals at the beginning of the 1980s [9], according to E. Koshkarev - 600-700 individuals, but no more than 1,000 [19]. Over the last 10-12 years, the population has decreased by 5-10 times [9, 20] and continues to decline, currently not exceeding 150-250 individuals [20]. The highest density is in the high mountains of Northern Tien Shan, approximately the same in Alay, Inner and Central Tien Shan, and the lowest in Western Tien Shan [19]. The global population of the species is estimated at 5-7 thousand individuals.
Life style (life cycles). Lives a sedentary lifestyle. Active during twilight and nighttime, in winter and spring, when ungulates are active during the day, it is also encountered during daytime. Breeding occurs in February-March, gestation lasts 98-103 days, with 1-3 cubs in a litter (very rarely up to 5). The female gives birth once every 2 years, and sexual maturity is reached at two years of age. Main prey includes mountain goats, argalis, marmots, and less frequently - roe deer, marals, wild boars, hares, snowcocks, and chukars. Diseases are poorly studied, with known cases of rabies and mange [4, 19].
Limiting factors. Anthropogenic: permitted hunting (late 19th-early 20th century); development of sheep farming and mountain exploitation, poaching.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Successfully bred in many zoos around the world, with a total population of at least 700 individuals, including in 6 zoos of the CIS.
Existing conservation measures. Hunting in Kyrgyzstan has been prohibited since 1948, and since 1959, legal responsibility has been established for hunting and trapping without licenses. Included in the International Red List and Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Since 1975, it has been included in the List of specially protected species of Kyrgyzstan. Protected in the Sarychelek, Besharal, Naryn, Karatal-Japyrik, and Sarychat-Ertash (established in 1993 primarily for this species) reserves, as well as in Ala-Archa, Karakol, and Chon-Kemin national parks. Since 1999, a joint Kyrgyz-German project "Snow Leopard" has been operating, and since 2002, a joint Kyrgyz-American project for monitoring and protecting leopards based in the Sarychat-Ertash reserve.
Recommended conservation measures. Establishment of a protected area in Alai. Strengthening public awareness of species conservation among local populations, enhancing protection, and implementing relevant articles of the Law on Wildlife Conservation of Kyrgyzstan (2000).
Ilbirs
Snow Leopard
Uncia uncia Shreber, 1775
Status: III, Critically Endangered, CR, C2a(i): R. Occurs in Pskem, Chandalash, Talas, Kyrgyz, Suusamyr, Chatkal, Fergana, Turkestan, Alay, Kungei, Teskei, Naryn-Too, Moldo-Too, At-Bashi, Sary-Jaz and Kokshaal-Too Mountainous Ridges. Inhabits in subalpine and alpine belts: 3,000-4,000 m (9,800-13,100 feet) above sea level. Prefers partitioned relief with hills for observations and hiding spots among stones and bushes (Caragana, Juniperus). Visits forest belt only during roaming from one river valley to another. Occurs in forest zone in winter following wild goats. It was a common species in the past, total numbers were up to 1,400 animals. For the last decade, the Leopard’s numbers drastically reduced and do not exceed 150-200 individuals. The highest density is in Northern Tien Shan. World’s total numbers are 5-7,000 animals. Resident species are most active in dusky and nighttime. Heating season begins in February-March, pregnancy lasts for 98-103 days, female delivers 1-3 cubs, rarer - up to 5, once in two years. Uses for food wild goats, sheep, marmots, and relatively rare deer, hares, snowcocks, chukars. Diseases poorly investigated, rabies and mange are well known. Limiting factors are reduction in numbers of wild goats and sheep populations, poaching. Hunting is prohibited in Kyrgyzstan since 1948. Protected in all zapovedniks (protected areas), Sarychat-Ertash protected area was established with the major purpose to conserve Snow Leopard. Several international projects are designed to introduce protection interventions: Kyrgyz-German and Kyrgyz-American ones. It is recommended to establish a protected area in Alai Ridge, increase public awareness among local communities, better implementation of Kyrgyz Law about Wildlife Conservation.
