The Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve is preparing a field expedition to study the snow leopard. The researchers will continue to study snow leopard groups inhabiting the reserve. The scientists will cover existing routes, check camera traps and analyse signs of life to count of snow leopards and other animals. The researchers will have to determine spoor activity, collect fecal samples and identify what animals snow leopards are eating by examining the remains of their prey. In addition, the scientists plan to expand the area of the snow leopard habitat under study and, if necessary, install additional camera traps. The expedition will consist of two stages and conclude by mid-March.

The snow leopard’s mating season begins in early March. Around this time, environmental activities in this rare animal’s habitat take on added importance. The reserve’s protection service will work simultaneously with the expedition to find and remove traps installed by poachers inside and outside the reserve.  Protection of the reserve and the adjacent territories will also be improved.