Abstract
Studies of the distribution, assessment of the Snow leopard population, as well as the state of the populations of its main prey species, the impact of anthropogenic factors are the basis for the development of long-term and effective action plans and strategies for its conservation. To this end, we have carried out work on three different territories of the Mongolian Altai: Jargalant, Bumbat and Baatar Khairkhan Mountains. All three territories differ in the nature of the location in relation to other parts of the Snow leopard's range, and in the nature of the relief and economic use. The main method of research is the search and registration of traces of life activity of the Snow leopard and its main prey species (Mongolian marmot and Siberian ibex). For this purpose, we have passed 18 research routes with a total length of 197.5 km where we recorded all traces of the Snow leopard, Siberian ibex and Mongolian marmot life activities, as well as the distribution of the number of livestock. Another research method we have used is the application of camera traps. We installed 27 camera traps in total. As a result of their work we have obtained 51 photo location of the Snow leopard and identified at least 3 females, 2-3 adult males, 2-3 young individuals, the sex of which could not be established, including individuals aged about 2 years, 2 cubs. Both methods of research (search for traces of life activities and the application of camera traps) complement each other, and the correct use of camera traps can reduce the subjectivity of the results obtained by the search for traces of life activities. Thus, the reliability of the results is significantly increased. Our studies show that the largest number of traces of Snow leopard activity (the number of scrapes per 1 km of the route) and the largest number of photo locations were recorded in the central part of the Jargalant khairkhan mountain range – the territory that is the most remote and inaccessible for grazing livestock. In this territory, the highest frequency of Snow leopard presence was noted (20-40 scratches/km), and accordingly 5 from 11 identified snow leopards were registered. A similar pattern of distribution of traces of vital activity was registered for the other two territories.
Highlights
An international forum event devoted to snow leopards (Panthera uncia) indicates the high level of interest in the state of its population at the world level, which is due to a real threat to the survival of the species
Because of factors disturbing or interrupting hunts, snow leopards follow the Siberian ibex to the upper belt of the mountains, in places with a heavily dissected relief that is inaccessible for grazing
The results of taking into account the traces of life of the snow leopard show that the greatest density is recorded on Jargalant khairkhan
Summary
An international forum event devoted to snow leopards (Panthera uncia) indicates the high level of interest in the state of its population at the world level, which is due to a real threat to the survival of the species. Lukarevskiy et al.: Factors Determining the Distribution and Status of the Snow Leopard Population (Panthera uncia) in Western Mongolia habitats [14; 22; 8; 21; 19]. Identification of factors affecting the distribution and status of the snow leopard population in the specified territories of western Mongolia. The work was carried out in these territories of the Mongolian Altai: Jargalant, Bumbat and Baatar Khairkhan Mountains. Scrapes, which are recognized and identified on rocks and soil, are long-lived In this area, there are no other animals capable of leaving similar traces of vital activity, so we consider scrapes the main indicator for monitoring the state of the snow leopard population
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