Based on the surveys of wild animals’ tracks conducted through the winter in the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve, specialists have estimated the number of animals that do not hibernate during the winter. The survey provides scientists with information about the recorded number of animals’ tracks, which they compare with the data collected four years ago. Scientists also study photographs taken by trail cameras installed in the nature reserve.   

The harsh climate, bitter frosts and abundant precipitation have made animals less active. Nevertheless, snow leopard tracks were often recorded in cliff areas, on steppe slopes and in river watersheds. Specialists also recorded the tracks of wild mountain goats – the snow leopard’s main prey – and repeatedly spotted adult ungulates with their kids during the surveys.

The presence of other animals, including wolves, Siberian stags, wild boars and wolverines, was also recorded during the tracking survey. The number of tracks of all species along the routes covered by the survey is dropping or remains at the average level.