Northern Range: Russia

Potential snow leopard habitat in Russia totals about 60,000 km² of which about one third is occupied by 70-90 snow leopards. Since 1998 the snow leopard has been a flagship species for biodiversity conservation programs in the Altai-Sayan Mountains. Primary lessons learned during snow leopard-herder conflict mitigation and anti-poaching projects included: •Background analysis and results-based planning involving local stakeholders are critical for success.•Protection of livestock corrals is the most effective way to decrease herder-snow leopard conflicts.•Anti-poaching activities should focus on snare removal in key habitats until other conservation mechanisms are found.•Livelihood alternatives should be clearly linked to activities that increase snow leopard populations.•Financial incentives can be an effective tool. Online awareness campaigns can help change government regulations in favor of snow leopard conservation.Most importantly, snow leopard conservation programs should continually incorporate learning from previous projects and share those lessons widely to be more effective.