English: Altai snowcock
Russian: Алтайский улар
German: Altai-Konigshuhn
French: Tetraogalle de l'Altai
Mongolian: Алтайн хойлог
Japanese: アルタイセッケイ (Arutai-sekkei)

Status: Rare species. Endemic. According to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the species evaluated as – Near Threatened.

Distribution and Range: Russian Altai, Sayan Range, Siilkhem and eastern Tagnyn range. In Mongolia: Mongol Altai, Govi-Altai Mountains i.e., Tsambagarav, Kharkhiraa, Turgen, Asgat, Khukh Serkh, Munkh Saridag, Sutai, Khuren Khairkhan, Jinst Khairkhan, Khongor Khairkhan, Alag Khairkhan, Jargalant Khairkhan, and Sagil Mountains in Mongol and Gobi-Altai. Khangai, Khan Khukhii and Khovsgol Mountains.

Habitat: Forest-steppe in high mountains, cliffs and rock outcrops with scree (2700-3000m), open ground and high valleys.

Population and threats: The population decreased in the early 1950’s. In recent years the distribution has expanded into former ranges. It is estimated that there are 15-30 per 100 ha in the Mongolia Altai Range. 3-30 in Khangai. Poaching for medicinal use is common. Cold spells in the summer reduce hatching success by 40%; survival to adultood is 5-10%. Predators include eagles, Northern goshawks, Snow leopards, lynxes, wolves, and foxes; nests are raided and juveniles preyed upon by badgers and Stone martens in winter.

Conservation measures: Hunting prohibited since 1953. Listed as rare animal in the Annex to the Mongolian Government Resolution #7 (2012), the Mongolia Red Book. (1987, 1997). Majority of the distribution area is included within then NSPAN.

Further actions: Assess population abundance, distribution, migration pattern, reflect the species in the SSPA’s conservation management plan, improve conservation measures, put a stop to illegal hunting, poaching and trade, include in the CITES, Annex, implement captive. breeding programs, constantly promote public awareness programs.