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METHODOLOGY
A large part of this report is based on literature, both published and unpublished, and
correspondence. Much of the information derives from unofficial or anecdotal reports and
“grey literature”, owing to the unavailability of comprehensive government-held data on Snow
Leopard killings, trade, or seizures of products in most range States. The web-based
bibliography generated by the International Snow Leopard Trust, as part of the Snow Leopard
Survival Strategy, holds more than 450 references and over 200 full text documents and this
source was widely consulted (see www.snowleopard.org/sln/Bibliography.htm). Additional
information was gathered as part of the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy, through interviews
and questionnaires, which were distributed to more than 60 scientists, conservationists and
government personnel in Snow Leopard range States and elsewhere. (The Snow Leopard
Survival Strategy is an initiative of the International Snow Leopard Trust and partner organizations,
designed to co-ordinate efforts to conserve the species throughout its range).
First-hand surveys were undertaken for this project in Mongolia and Pakistan, with the aim of
gaining a better understanding of Snow Leopard trade in these countries. The survey in
Mongolia was conducted between mid-June and July 2002, in co-operation with Irbis Mongolia
Centre, the Mammalian Ecology Laboratory of the Institute of Biology of the Mongolian
Academy of Sciences in Ulaanbaatar, and WWF Mongolia. Market and field surveys were
undertaken in south, south-west and western Mongolia. Among the markets visited were two
markets in Ulaanbaatar (Tsaiz market and Tavan Erdene market) and several smaller markets
located in the towns of Altay, in Govï-Altay province, Hovd in Hovd province, Ölgiy in Bayan-
Ölgiy province, Ulaangom in Uvs province and Dalanzadgad in Ömnögovi province. In
addition, interviews were conducted with a variety of local stakeholders, such as local
government authorities, wildlife rangers and herders in the areas of Mongolia where Snow
Leopards occur, including the Altai, Hangayn Nuruu, Harkhyra and Haanhöhiy Uul mountain
ranges, and with traders of wildlife products at local markets. Available information on Snow
Leopard poaching and trade in Mongolia was collected from the Ministry of Nature and
Environmental Protection Agency, the General Customs Department, the Railroad Customs
Office and the Border Control Agency. In Pakistan, surveying was carried out in July and
August 2002, in collaboration with WWF Pakistan (Peshawar Regional Office). The
availability of Snow Leopard products in different cities in Pakistan was investigated. Similar
surveys had already been undertaken in January 2002, in Lahore, Peshawar and Skardu. In July
2002, investigators revisited the markets in Lahore and Peshawar and additionally surveyed
markets in the cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi, reported to be important trading
centres for wildlife products, especially skins. At least 12 market areas and more than 100 shops
were surveyed.
Additional first-hand information was received, on Russia, from Andrey Poyarkov of the
Russian Academy of Science; on India, from Manoj Misra, TRAFFIC consultant; and from
TRAFFIC’s own questionnaire survey of experts and government personnel in Snow Leopard
range States and other countries (see Annex).
Local currencies have been converted into US dollars (USD), at rates for September to March
2002, using an internet-based currency converter.
FADING FOOTPRINTS: the killing and trade of Snow Leopards 3