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Kyrgyzstan Establishes Ecological Corridor to Protect Snow Leopards and Biodiversity

Kyrgyzstan has created the Ak Ilbirs (Snow Leopard) Ecological Corridor in the northeastern Issyk-Kul region, a major step in safeguarding rare wildlife and preserving the country’s rich biodiversity. The corridor encompasses over 792,000 hectares, linking several protected areas: the Khan-Tengri State Nature Park, the Sarychat-Eertash Nature Reserve, and the Naryn Nature Reserve. It is designed to serve as a safe habitat for the snow leopard and other endangered species, while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. [caption id="attachment_30972" align="aligncenter" width="794"] Image: mnr.gov.kg[/caption] Key Objectives The Ak Ilbirs Ecological Corridor aims to: Conserve wild animal populations, including the endangered snow leopard Protect diverse ecosystems and their biological richness Safeguard rare and threatened plant and animal species To preserve the integrity of the corridor, strict prohibitions have been introduced. These include a ban on the introduction of non-native species, the use of pesticides, radioactive waste disposal, and any other activities that could harm the ecosystem. At the same time, the corridor supports legal and environmentally responsible activities, such as scientific research, reforestation, forest management, and population regulation of certain wildlife species. National and Global Significance The initiative marks a significant advancement in Kyrgyzstan’s environmental policy. Notably, the corridor strengthens efforts to protect the snow leopard, a species regarded as an indicator of the stability and health of mountainous ecosystems. In December 2023, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic. The species is classified as rare or endangered across 12 countries. Kyrgyzstan has also played a leading role in international snow leopard conservation. At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the country introduced the resolution establishing October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day, backed by other range states including Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. According to the Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards, conducted between 2020 and 2024 under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), Kyrgyzstan is estimated to have an average snow leopard population of 285.

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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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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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New Neural Network for Kazakh Study of Snow Leopards

Kazakhstan has launched an innovative project to study and protect snow leopards supported by a new neural navigation network, Yandex Qazaqstan. The network, developed with Kazakh-British Technical University students, scientists from the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Snow Leopard Foundation, will significantly accelerate and simplify data analysis from camera traps and other sources, enabling a more effective means of tracking these rare animals' behavior and migration routes. The snow leopard, a symbol of Kazakhstan's mountain ecosystems, is found in regions such as Altai, Zhetysu Alatau, Saur, and Tien Shan. Although Kazakhstan's leopard population has doubled over the past 30 years, to between 141-183, their existence remains under threat from human activities and climate change, making conservation projects essential. Yandex Qazaqstan will help optimize the monitoring of snow leopards by automatically analyzing images from camera traps and quickly identifying the presence of the animals. As a result, scientists will be able to more accurately and quickly track changes in these rare predators' populations and migration routes. This collaboration between scientists, students, and IT specialists demonstrates Kazakhstan's commitment to protecting its nature and sustainable development and moreover, provide a template for the application of similar technologies in other conservation projects.

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Kyrgyzstan’s Eco-Activists Question Official Data on Rare Animals

According to the state gold mining company Kumtor, operating near the Sarychat-Ertash high-mountain reserve, the number of red-listed animals has increased significantly as a result of ecological improvements to their environment. Local ecologists, however, believe that the data has been intentionally exaggerated. In its report, Kumtor said, "Annual monitoring of the state of biodiversity, conducted by the company, allows us to accurately track the ecological situation on the ground. Care for ecology and the environment is also evident in the increasing numbers of argali, ibex, and snow leopards. For example, the number of argali in the Sarychat-Ertash reserve increased from 750 to 2,500, making it the country's largest population. Capricorns, argali, and snow leopards have also increased in number." Environmental scientists at the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan (NAS KR) state that whilst a rough count of red-listed animals in hunting farms and state nature reserves shows an increase in all argali and snow leopard subspecies, the state authorities have not provided an accurate calculation for 14 years. "All hunting farms of the republic every year give the state structures data on the number of argali, ibex, and other red-listed animals. According to their data, the number of animals is growing, but how much this data can be believed remains a question. They are interested parties and may present distorted data,” Askar Davletbayev, an ecologist with the National Academy of Sciences, told The Times of Central Asia. In Kyrgyzstan, the state protects argali and snow leopards. During the hunting season, however, authorities issue a yearly license to shoot the animals. A popular and lucrative sport, it attracts visitors from all over the world who willingly pay around 10 thousand dollars to bag an argali. According to eco-activist Vlad Ushakov, the fact that predatory animals living on high mountain ranges have begun to descend to the lower reaches to hunt, has also impacted the figures. "This does not speak of an increase in snow leopards but rather a lack of prey; the forage base has been undermined. In the gorges, where wild animals traditionally used to graze, there is now mass grazing. The snow leopard will not voluntarily change its natural habitat. Ten years ago, we were told there were 300-350 leopards in Kyrgyzstan; today, the same figures apply. Perhaps these are just invented figures with no basis,” Ushakov explained to TCA.