International Day of Snow Leopard: How Kazakhstan protects this rare predator

The snow leopard population in Kazakhstan has reached approximately 190 individuals. To mark International Day of Snow Leopard, environmental organisations have highlighted ongoing conservation efforts and the use of new technologies to monitor this rare predator, El.kz reports.

The snow leopard, also known as the irbis, inhabits remote mountainous areas of Central Asia. Due to its nature and ability to blend almost seamlessly into rocky slopes, it is often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains”.

A Snow Leopard Named Altai Is Helping Scientists

According to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, a satellite tracking collar has been fitted to a snow leopard for the first time in Katon-Karagay National Park in the Southern Altai Mountains. The predator has been named Altai, enabling researchers to track its movements.

Satellite tracking enables scientists to study the animal’s movement patterns, determine the boundaries of its home range and identify areas of particular importance for population conservation. The data collected can be used to plan conservation measures and protect the snow leopard’s natural habitat.

Snow Leopard Population More Than Doubles

In the 1990s, 80–90 snow leopards existed in Kazakhstan. Today, the population is estimated at 190–200 individuals.

According to the Ministry, approximately 70% of the snow leopard’s range in Kazakhstan lies within specially protected natural areas. Data on the animals’ movements are used to determine the boundaries of protected zones and plan their expansion.

How Kazakhstan protects this rare predator

Since 2021, satellite tracking collars have been fitted to 16 snow leopards in Kazakhstan. This technology enables researchers to collect data on the animals’ movements and study the areas they inhabit.

In addition to satellite monitoring, specialists use camera traps. By analysing the unique patterns of spots on the animals’ coats, scientists can identify individual snow leopards, record their presence in specific areas and monitor their offspring.

At Katon-Karagay National Park, the first documented evidence of a snow leopard’s presence captured by a camera trap was obtained in 2014. Subsequently, specialists managed to record a male and a female accompanied by three cubs.