The current state of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia, carnivora) population in Russia

Based on the analysis of the field materials and literature data on the distribution of Uncia uncia Shreber 1775, the most part of its range in Russia was investigated. The current distribution of this species in southern Siberia was studied. The marking activity of the animal was used for the assessment of the density and number of its population. The main groups of snow leopard were revealed, and their size was determined. The most preferential habitats of the animal are areas, where small open plateau, gentle slopes and narrow valleys alternate with rocky gorges, taluses and mountains with dissected gorges, as well as slopes without snow cover. The pathways and preferential biotopes for the movements of the animal, as well as the main regularities of the leopard distribution were revealed. The higher the altitude of mountains, the higher the altitude this predator prefers. The range of snow leopard is fragmentary, probably, due to the mosaic pattern of its habitats. Problems of conservation and the main reasons for the reduction of the range and number of snow leopard in Russia are discussed. Such a reduction appears to relate to the application of toxic substances against wolves and wide use of loop traps for legal and illegal hunting for musk deer.