Reproduction of snow leopard (Panthera uncia Shreber, 1775) under conditions of Tuva

The low number and density of snow leopard population, concealed way of life and difficult habi-tats do not allow to research species ecology, in-cluding such aspect as reproduction. The question of snow leopard reproduction in Tuva is especially important because the species is on the northern border of habitat and in the ecological pessimum. On the basis of own supervision, polling data, ref-erences the question of reproduction of snow leop-ard in nature of the considered region is consid-ered. The examples of participation of certain fe-males in reproduction within several seasons are given. It is established that rutting in the studied territory takes place from February to April inclu-sive. The average value of broods on different ridges of the region is calculated. Females partici-pate in reproduction once in 2 years and bring 1-3 kittens, on average 1.6. On the example of the No-vosibirsk zoo it is shown that in the conditions of bondage under certain conditions females partici-pate in reproduction annually, an average value of broods is more and makes 2. On the example of a female on a spine to Tsagaan-Shibet the history of its participation in reproduction during the period from 2008 to 2012 is traced. For this period it brought three offsprings - 2.2 and 1.0 kittens. Fe-males with kittens are marked out on seven differ-ent ridges of the region. In general ecological con-ditions of Tuva are favorable for self-reproduction of snow leopard. At high efficiency of protection of ecosystems with habitats of the species stable re-productive of kernel is not only possible to preserve but also to increase.