Musk deer
Saker falcon
Pallas’s cat
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The Irbis Association supported the development of a scientific program for the study and conservation of the snow leopard
The document outlines a long‑term scientific and practical project developed for the Autonomous Non‑Profit Organization "Snow Leopard" under the guidance of the A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The program’s goal is to restore a viable population of snow leopards in the wild. To achieve this, a wide range of genetic studies is planned: whole‑genome sequencing to assess genetic diversity and identify genes associated with adaptation to high‑altitude hypoxia; examination of the variability of genes in the major histocompatibility complex; transcriptome analysis; and research into microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA for individual genotyping.
Particular attention is paid to preparing animals for release back into their natural habitat — specifically, to developing hunting skills and teaching individuals raised for reintroduction to avoid human contact.
The program includes assessing the suitability of territories for releasing the animals, modelling potential habitats, and setting up long‑term monitoring using satellite collars and camera traps. The laboratory component covers non‑invasive methods for monitoring hormonal status, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to evaluate the immune system, and studies of pathogen load. A cryobank for reproductive materials and somatic cells is being established to store biological samples.
Scientific support for the project is provided by the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, while practical implementation is carried out at a specialized center in the Republic of Altai and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
The need for the program stems from the vulnerable status of the species: the snow leopard is listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and the IUCN Red List, and its population in Russia numbers only 94 individuals. The program is designed for the long term — at least 10 years of phased implementation of activities.
The Irbis Association thanks VTB Bank and the "Living Nature and the World" Foundation for their financial support in developing the program.
The program’s goal is to restore a viable population of snow leopards in the wild. To achieve this, a wide range of genetic studies is planned: whole‑genome sequencing to assess genetic diversity and identify genes associated with adaptation to high‑altitude hypoxia; examination of the variability of genes in the major histocompatibility complex; transcriptome analysis; and research into microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA for individual genotyping.
Particular attention is paid to preparing animals for release back into their natural habitat — specifically, to developing hunting skills and teaching individuals raised for reintroduction to avoid human contact.
The program includes assessing the suitability of territories for releasing the animals, modelling potential habitats, and setting up long‑term monitoring using satellite collars and camera traps. The laboratory component covers non‑invasive methods for monitoring hormonal status, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to evaluate the immune system, and studies of pathogen load. A cryobank for reproductive materials and somatic cells is being established to store biological samples.
Scientific support for the project is provided by the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, while practical implementation is carried out at a specialized center in the Republic of Altai and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
The need for the program stems from the vulnerable status of the species: the snow leopard is listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and the IUCN Red List, and its population in Russia numbers only 94 individuals. The program is designed for the long term — at least 10 years of phased implementation of activities.
The Irbis Association thanks VTB Bank and the "Living Nature and the World" Foundation for their financial support in developing the program.
© The Interregional Association “Center for the Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard ”Irbis”, 2021 — 2026
Musk deer
Saker falcon
Pallas’s cat
