In June 2018, trail cameras set up in the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve spotted a male snow leopard called Ichthyander. This animal first appeared in the reserve four years ago and received his unusual name because he managed to swim across the Yenisei River, covering a distance of 800 metres.

Earlier, in February, researchers working on the winter count identified the northernmost point in the reserve where Ichthyander had been recorded. Motion-sensor cameras were set up along a trail of paw prints. The camera check in May showed that the leopard is expanding his territory by exploring more northern areas of the reserve.

The reserve staff keeps track of snow leopards and determines their number in the reserve independently. This information is included in the general data collected on the number of snow leopards in Russia.