On 5 - 18 May 2011 with support of WWF of Russia and WWF of Mongolia, trans-border areas of snow leopard habitat were observed. The density of evidence of irbis life activity is comparable to the best habitats of this species in Nepal and India. Experts of the international expedition observed the Mongolian part of Tsagan-Shibetu range (nature preserve "Tsagaan-Shuvuut") and Chikhachev ridge (area of national park "Silkkhemin Nuruu"), adjacent to Russian border. A group of irbis inhabits this trans-border zone, the study of which is exceptionally important for protection of this rare predator in Russia and Mongolia.
Staff of Altai nature preserve, of Institute of Biology of Mongolian Academy of Sciences, WWF of Mongolia, anti-poacher brigade "Irves" (Mongolia) and Administration of specially protected natural territories of lake Uvs-Nuur basin and Mongolian Altai participated in the expedition.
