Transcript - the MSRI Knowledge Hub

Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem
Protection Program
TAJIKISTAN
Introduction
• Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are one of the
world’s most enigmatic wild cats.
• In Tajikistan this species is still largely
understudied. The capacity to study (and the
equipment available )and conserve this
species is still limited
• Since the extinction of the Amurdarya tiger,
the snow leopard is the only remaining big cat
species.
Value
• As a top predator, the snow leopard is at the
top of the food chain and is a good indicator
for health of the high-mountain ecosystem of
Central Asia.
• The high mountain ecosystem inhabited by
snow leopards is one of the most fragile and
vulnerable ecosystems on earth.
Status & Threats
Status:
• Endangered species and listed in Tajik Red
Book
Knowledge Gaps on:
• Effectiveness of alternatives to use of
teresken especially in poorer households;
• The extent of trade in snow leopard skin and
other parts; and
• Impacts of climate change on snow leopard
ecosystem.
Threats:
• Poaching and illegal hunting of the
prey of the snow leopard;
• Prey reduction due to competition with
livestock and livelihood needs (eg
teresken);
• Human-snow leopard conflict; and
• Illegal trade in snow leopard skin and
other parts.
National Goal
Maintain snow leopard’s current range and
restore its population across its historical range
wherever possible.
Key Actions
 The conservation and sustainable use of the prey of
the snow leopard;
 Strengthen the capacity of Protected Areas staff to
successfully conserve snow leopards and their prey;
 Implement practices and tools that can reduce the
reliance of local communities on teresken for
fuelwood consumption; and
 Reduce conflict between pastoralists and snow
leopards.