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Massive Reserve for Red-Listed Animals to Be Created in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has proposed the creation of a new state natural park, Chon-Alai, in the southern region of Osh oblast. The planned park, covering an area of 66,830.79 hectares, aims to protect unique natural ecosystems and conserve endangered species of flora and fauna. A draft resolution has been published for public discussion. Land Reallocation for the Park To establish the Chon-Alai Nature Park, the government plans to reallocate 23,473.79 hectares of land from the “Reserve Land” category in the Chon-Alai district, as well as 43,357 hectares from the “State Forest Fund” under the Alai Forestry Administration. The combined area will be designated as a specially protected natural area. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the proposed territory meets all the criteria for protected areas, as it contains rare ecosystems and populations of endemic species. The park will span three sites on the southern macro-slope of the Alai Ridge and two sites on the northern slope of the western Zaalai Ridge, including part of the Kyzyl-Suu-Zapadnaya River valley. This region has been recognized for its environmental significance for years. As far back as 2004, there have been plans to establish a transboundary Pamir-Alai Nature Park in this area. Protecting Red-Listed Species The primary purpose of the Chon-Alai Nature Park is to ensure the protection of species listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The park will help preserve habitats for rare and endangered species, including: Mammals: Snow leopard, brown bear, Central Asian otter, Turkestan lynx, and warthog; Birds: Golden eagle, black vulture, and Alayan shieldbill; Fish: Turkestan catfish; Flora: Christoph's jaundice, Romanov's parnassus, evasive alaya, and Kostychev's prostrel. The creation of the park will provide a safe haven for these species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. A Milestone for Conservation The establishment of the Chon-Alai Nature Park represents a significant step forward in Kyrgyzstan's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. By protecting critical habitats and endangered species, the park will contribute to both national and global conservation goals.

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Turanian Tigers From the Netherlands Survive First Winter in Kazakhstan

Two Turanian tigers brought from the Netherlands last year have successfully completed their first winter in Kazakhstan’s Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. The tigers are housed in spacious enclosures, each exceeding 0.5 hectares. Their adaptation is progressing well, with the predators actively hunting small game, including birds such as magpies and crows that venture into their feeding areas. Historically, Turanian tigers thrived in the reed beds and forests at the mouth of the Ili River near Lake Balkhash. However, the species was last sighted in the region in 1948, and subsequently declared extinct. Revival Program for Turanian Tigers Kazakhstan is undertaking an ambitious program to restore the Turanian tiger population. In addition to the two Amur tigers brought to the Ile-Balkhash Reserve for captive breeding, three or four more wild tigers are expected to arrive from Russia in 2025. Efforts to establish a sustainable ecosystem for these predators have been ongoing since 2018. To create a natural prey base, the reserve has introduced 205 riparian deer and over 100 kulans. Additionally, populations of roe deer and wild boars have been bolstered to support the tigers' dietary needs. This marks a significant step in Kazakhstan's conservation journey, reviving an iconic species that once roamed its landscapes.

Nature Nature Reserve snow leopard Wildlife Conservation wildlife

Kazakhstan’s Snow Leopard Population Reaches Near-Historic Levels

The snow leopard population in Kazakhstan has rebounded to near-historic levels, with an estimated 152 to 189 individuals now residing in the country. This marks a significant achievement in conservation efforts, as such numbers were last observed in the 1980s. Despite this progress, human activity remains the most significant threat to the survival of this elusive predator. Known as the irbis, the snow leopard is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List and the national Red Books of all 12 countries within its range. In Kazakhstan, these majestic predators reside in mountainous areas such as the Altai, Tien Shan, Zhetysu Alatau, and other large mountain systems. Since 2018, Kazakhstan has implemented a snow leopard conservation project under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). As a result, the snow leopard population has increased by more than 26% since 2019. Alexei Grachev, executive director of the Snow Leopard Foundation and head of the Snow Leopard Monitoring Center, noted that the species' numbers have stabilized, with protected areas playing a crucial role in their survival. Key habitats include Ile-Alatau National Park, Altyn-Emel, and the Katon-Karagai Reserve. The Zhetysu region, in particular, boasts the highest population density thanks to favorable conditions such as abundant prey, effective protection, and minimal human interference. In contrast, the snow leopard population in Katon-Karagai Park remains small. Their presence was first confirmed by photo traps in 2020. A recent sighting of a female with two cubs in the park indicates a gradual recovery. Despite the positive trends, snow leopards face several threats including poaching, expanding economic activities, climate change, and conflicts with local communities. To mitigate these risks, efforts are being made to establish new protected areas, such as the Merken Regional Park in Zhambyl Oblast. Satellite telemetry has also been introduced, with 11 leopards collared in 2021 to track their movements and better understand their behavior. The high mortality rate among young leopards is a pressing issue. Without the expansion of protected areas, juvenile leopards are forced to migrate to neighboring countries, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts. To address this, Kazakhstan is offering financial compensation to herders whose livestock is attacked, thereby reducing the retaliatory killing of the predators. Kazakhstan’s conservation measures have been widely praised by the international community. Unlike many countries where snow leopard populations are declining or stagnating, Kazakhstan has achieved tangible growth. Collaborative efforts with Kyrgyzstan, bolstered by international memorandums, have further enhanced regional conservation efforts. Additionally, UNDP initiatives have improved protection in 14 natural areas across the country through the use of advanced technologies, including camera traps, drones, and thermal imaging devices. The recovery of the snow leopard population in Kazakhstan is a rare and noteworthy example of successful conservation. By safeguarding this iconic species, the country is contributing significantly to global biodiversity, demonstrating the impact of focused and sustained environmental efforts.

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Endangered Great Bustard Named Tajikistan’s Bird of the Year

The great bustard, also known as the red-breasted bustard, has been named the bird of the year for 2025 in Tajikistan. The decision, announced on December 11, followed a vote by the National Academy of Sciences. The rare bird, locally called dugdogi zebo, is listed in both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Red Book of Tajikistan, signifying its endangered status. Since 2007, Tajikistan has annually designated a bird of the year to raise awareness about avian conservation. Previous honorees include an owl, corncrake, pheasant, paradise flycatcher, Tibetan eagle, peregrine falcon, white stork, and oriole. The common turtle dove has held the title this year. The great bustard resides in Tajikistan as both a breeding and migratory species. Experts estimate that only 23 breeding pairs inhabit the country, though the population temporarily rises to 50-60 individuals during migration periods. Slightly larger than a domestic hen, male great bustards have a body length of 65-75 cm and weigh between 1.8 and 3.2 kg, significantly smaller than the common bustard, which can weigh up to 15 kg. Omnivorous by nature, the bird’s diet includes fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, locusts, beetles, and small reptiles. Known for their cautious behavior, great bustards avoid human contact and prefer to hide or flee when threatened. Their average lifespan in the wild is approximately 20 years. Globally, the International Bustard Conservation Foundation, supported by the UAE government, leads efforts to protect the species. To date, the foundation has bred over 480,000 bustards in captivity and released 285,000 into the wild. In Kazakhstan, the foundation releases great bustards into the wild while simultaneously issuing hunting licenses for $1,280 per bird, catering to Arab hunters. Uzbekistan hosts an Emirati conservation center in the Kyzylkum Desert, dedicated to breeding and protecting the species, as well as releasing them into their natural habitat. Despite these international initiatives, Tajikistan has yet to leverage Arab funding or hunting tourism to support conservation efforts. Utilizing such resources could bolster the great bustard population while generating additional economic benefits.

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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Cooperate on Snow Leopard Conservation

As reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, a memorandum of understanding on snow leopard conservation was signed on October 17 between Kazakhstan's and Kyrgyzstan's protected nature reserves. Initiated by UNDP in Kazakhstan with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year agreement aims to conserve the snow leopard and its habitats in the northern Tien Shan Mountains within four of the countries' Specially Protected Nature Areas: the Kolsay Kolderi State National Park, the Almaty State Nature Reserve, the Ile-Alatau State National Park in Kazakhstan, and the Chon Kemin State Nature Park in Kyrgyzstan. The two countries will coordinate joint measures and share experiences in researching and strengthening snow leopard protection. Over the next five years, the parties will also develop and implement several initiatives to monitor the snow leopard, its habitats and food supply, promote transboundary and international cooperation, and increase public awareness and participation through snow leopard conservation programs. Nurken Sharbiyev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, citing the fact that the country's snow leopard population has increased by over 20% since 2019, to between 152 and 189 animals, stated, “This memorandum will strengthen the links between our countries to conserve this globally important species." Mirslav Amankulov, Vice Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, said that Kyrgyzstan currently has over 400 snow leopards but noted: “As it is a migratory species, its habitat is not limited to the territory of the country. To study and preserve the snow leopard and its habitat, prevent the impact of serious threats such as illegal hunting and reduction of food supply and habitats due to human activities, interaction between stakeholders is needed, which will be facilitated by the implementation of measures under the signed memorandum between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic." The snow leopard is recognized as a rare or endangered species in 12 countries and its population is indicative of the stability and health of the mountain ecosystem, which occupies a third of the globe. At the first International Forum on Snow Leopard Conservation in Bishkek in 2013, with the support of representatives of 12 snow leopard range countries and the international community, the Bishkek Declaration on the Protection of the Snow Leopard was unanimously adopted, and the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Program was approved. Later, in December 2023, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov signed a Decree “On recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic.”

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Tajikistan to Strengthen Protection of Mulberry Trees

In a move to strengthen its silk industry, Tajikistan's parliament has approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, increasing fines for damaging mulberry trees. Bakhodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, who forwarded initiative, emphasized that the new measures will help protect the environment and restore mulberry plantations, which are vital for silkworms. Under the new rules, individuals damaging mulberry or other crops will face a fine of three to five calculation indexes. In comparison, officials can be fined seven to ten indexes (for 2024, 1 calculation index is 84 somoni, equivalent to $7.50). The final amounts will be approved following the adoption of amendments to the Code. Because the leaves of the trees are the main food base for mulberry silk worms, their preservation is critical for the restoration of an industry which has suffered a sharp decline over the last 30 years. In 1991, the country produced 4,528 tons of silk cocoons but by 2024, this figure had fallen to 361 tons. According to experts, the reason for the decline is a reduction of mulberry plantations, especially on private land on which trees have been felled and sold as firewood. Back in 2021, in an address to parliament , Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, called for special attention to be paid to the development of silk farming, emphasizing its importance in creating jobs, especially for women and girls. To encourage cocoon processing, he also waived land tax for a period of ten years on areas where mulberry trees are grown. Despite such measures, the situation barely improved. In response and to achieve its aim of increasing silk production to 1,867 tons by 2027, the Tajik government has introduced a program to plant over 4.3 million mulberry trees across the country. The total area covered by mulberry trees in Tajikistan is currently about 5,500 hectares. In addition to their economic importance, mulberries play an essential role in environmental conservation. Mulberry trees prevent soil erosion and the spread of dust storms. Also of note, is that rich in vitamins C, K, iron, and potassium, the berries provide an important food source and are widely used in traditional medicines. Additional measures to protect mulberry trees include strengthening local authorities' control over land allocation for new plantations and preventing the felling of existing trees. A comprehensive approach, including economic incentives and administrative measures, is expected to help Tajikistan bring silk production back to its previous level and make it one of the country's leading agricultural sectors.