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wildlife

Kazakhstan’s Ecology Ministry Says Saiga Population May Surpass Five Million in 2026

Kazakhstan's saiga antelope population, a key indicator of steppe ecosystem health and a globally vulnerable species, has reached unprecedented levels. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the population now numbers approximately four million. Following the 2026 calving season, that figure could rise to nearly five million, cementing Kazakhstan’s role as the primary global habitat for the species. At a recent meeting on sustainable saiga population management, Minister of Ecology Yerlan Nyssanbayev highlighted the dramatic recovery of the species. In 2005, the population had dwindled to fewer than 40,000. Thanks to a nationwide hunting ban, increased protection measures, and targeted monitoring programs, Kazakhstan has achieved one of the most notable wildlife conservation success stories in recent history. However, the rapid rebound has brought new challenges. Ecologists warn that rising saiga densities are increasing competition with agricultural activities and contributing to pasture degradation. In response, the government has begun implementing controlled population management strategies. Between July 1 and November 30, 2025, around 196,000 saigas were culled, with carcasses processed by domestic enterprises. “The work was carried out in strict accordance with scientific recommendations,” Nyssanbayev stated. A separate concern is the trade in saiga derivatives, particularly male horns, which are in high demand in traditional Eastern medicine. According to the ministry, all horns are marked and securely stored by the Okhotzooprom State Enterprise. A digital traceability system, developed in partnership with Kazakhtelecom JSC, is currently being piloted to ensure full transparency in horn origin tracking. This technology, supported at the CITES International Conference, is under consideration as a mechanism for potentially easing current restrictions on derivative exports. First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar has instructed the Ministry of Ecology and other relevant agencies to finalize regulatory frameworks for labeling and circulation of saiga products, and to develop comprehensive measures for managing the growing population in 2026. The dramatic saiga recovery has also drawn international attention. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has agreed to transfer 1,500 saiga antelopes to China in 2026 to support efforts to reintroduce the species beyond its historical range in Central Asia.

wildlife

Kazakhstan Wants to Lift Ban on Saiga Horn Trade; Some Conservationists Object

The extraordinary recovery of the saiga antelope population after being close to extinction has opened a debate about whether it is time to allow the international commercial trade of the species’ horns from Kazakhstan, home to the vast majority of saigas. Kazakhstan’s government says yes. It has submitted a pro-trade proposal that will be discussed at a conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. The United Nations meeting, which regulates trade in tens of thousands of species of animals and plants, is being held in Central Asia for the first time and runs from November 24 to December 5. It was last held in Panama in 2022. While applauding Kazakhstan’s conservation successes, some groups advise against trade in saiga horns, which are used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia. The New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society, warned on Tuesday that the population gains are fragile, saying “the saiga has a long history of boom and bust population cycles, and a precautionary approach is imperative.” Backed by international conservation groups and donors, Kazakhstan has guided the remarkable comeback of a species whose numbers were estimated at 20,000 in 2003 and then, after some growth, suffered another big population crash because of disease in 2015. A reduction in poaching and the expansion of land earmarked for conservation helped the saigas. But some farmers say rising saiga numbers threaten their crops and the government has considered mass kills and other ways to manage the population. Kazakhstan’s saiga population is estimated to be several million and the status of the species on the IUCN Red List was moved from critically endangered to near threatened in 2023. There are much smaller saiga populations elsewhere in the region, including Russia, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. Saiga populations in Kazakhstan “exceed historical levels, which has led to conflicts with local farmers over forage resources in certain regions,” according to Kazakhstan’s CITES proposal. It says that removing the current “zero quota” in the international commercial trade in saiga “derivatives” from Kazakhstan would help meet demand for horns and reduce poaching. The zero quota was introduced at the CITES meeting in Geneva in 2019. “The revival of sustainable commercial trade could not only restore the species' economic value but also regulate market pricing policies to make illegal trade unprofitable, as the price of saiga horns would no longer justify the risks and costs for poachers,” Kazakhstan’s proposal says. However, the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs programs in more than 50 countries, said the ban should stay in place for now because horn exports from Kazakhstan would increase demand, complicate efforts to distinguish between legal and illegal horns and put pressure on saigas other countries where they are more vulnerable. “Mongolia’s saiga population has grown thanks to years of collaborative effort, but Mongolia’s subspecies remains endangered,” Justine Shanti Alexander, the group’s country director in Mongolia, said in a statement. “ Any move that increases international demand for saiga horn -...

wildlife

Kyrgyz Authorities Tighten Hunting Regulations

Kyrgyzstan has introduced stricter hunting regulations, updating the rules for the first time in a decade. The new regulations govern hunting farms, the hunting of wild animals -- including species listed as endangered in Kyrgyzstan's 'Red Book' -- and define the rights and responsibilities of hunters. Stricter Control Over Hunting Activities Under the revised rules, simply being present in hunting grounds within specially protected natural areas while carrying firearms, pneumatic weapons, or throwing weapons is now considered hunting. The same applies if an individual is found with traps, snares, or game, regardless of whether they were caught in the act of hunting. Hunting in Kyrgyzstan is now only allowed with the following criteria: Possession of a valid hunting license issued by the relevant authorities; Payment of the state fee for hunting; A police permit for the possession, carrying, and use of firearms. Additionally, foreign hunters can now only participate in hunting tours when accompanied by a gamekeeper. Approved Hunting Methods and Seasonal Restrictions The law specifies approved hunting methods, allowing the use of: Smooth-bore and rifled firearms (except for hunting birds); Crossbows and bows; Traps (within size restrictions); Hunting dogs and birds of prey for tracking game. The hunting season may be shortened by up to 15 days, depending on environmental conditions and the biological cycles of wild animals. Additionally, hunting is now banned on Tuesdays and Wednesdays year-round, designated as "quiet days." Limits on Hunting of Endangered Species The new regulations set strict quotas for the hunting of wild animals in Kyrgyzstan. “It is prohibited to hunt wild animals and birds that are not included in the official list of authorized hunting species. Hunting of Red Book-listed wildlife, birds of prey, and songbirds is allowed only by a decision of the authorized state body, with a maximum limit of 1% of the total population,” the law states. Foreign hunters, in particular, are drawn to endangered argali and Marco Polo rams, which are listed in Kyrgyzstan’s Red Book. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, a U.S. citizen attempted to smuggle parts of a hunted argali back to the United States for cloning. Unlimited Hunting of Wolves and Jackals One notable exception to the new restrictions is wolves and jackals, which pose a serious threat to rural communities. Unlike other species, their hunting is neither restricted nor subject to quotas. These predators frequently attack livestock, and as a result, villagers often offer significant bounties for their removal.

wildlife

Cat Houses Installed at Tashkent Airport

Tashkent International Airport has introduced a heartwarming initiative by installing cat houses in the green space between the departure hall and the main terminal. Designed by students from the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the structures provide a safe and comfortable habitat for the airport's feline residents. According to the press service of Uzbekistan Airports, cats have long been part of the airport's ecosystem. “Cats are natural inhabitants of the urban environment and play a vital ecological role. Apart from their aesthetic charm, they are skilled hunters, helping control populations of mice and rats,” the service said. The idea to construct cat houses had been under consideration for years but was delayed due to ongoing construction at the airport. With the involvement of the Mushukkent project and university students, the houses were finally completed and installed in locations safe for both the animals and airport operations. Materials used in building the cat houses are durable, resistant to decay, non-combustible, and environmentally friendly. The houses are equipped with heating systems for winter and ventilation for summer, ensuring the cats' comfort year-round. [caption id="attachment_27583" align="aligncenter" width="1151"] Image: Uzbekistan Airports Telegram[/caption] “For Uzbekistan Airports, this is more than just an ecological project - it’s a social initiative that reflects the company’s commitment to animal welfare. It symbolizes Uzbekistan’s hospitality, beginning right at the airport, and highlights the city’s humane values,” the company added. The Mushukkent project, launched in 2019, is supported by various government agencies, the National Guard of Uzbekistan, and non-governmental organizations. Its goals include fostering kindness towards animals, establishing shelters, controlling the stray cat population, and increasing penalties for animal cruelty. This initiative is not unique to Uzbekistan. Two years ago, animal rights activists in Almaty, Kazakhstan, installed wooden shelters for street cats. These huts, raised above the ground, feature a roof, ladder, and feeder, providing a safe and comfortable place for up to nine cats to sleep, eat, and stay protected from the elements.

Nature Reserve

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.

wildlife

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.