Kazakhstan's Snow Leopard Population Estimated at Around 190
Today marks International Snow Leopard Day, 24KZ reports. The observance was established in 2013 at a global forum in Bishkek. In December 2024, International Snow Leopard Day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to draw global attention to the conservation of this rare predator and the protection of its high-altitude habitat. Kazakhstan is home to around 190 snow leopards, whose populations are regularly monitored.
The animal is often called the “ghost of the mountains” because of its elusive nature and ability to remain almost invisible among the rocks. It inhabits mountainous areas of Central, South and East Asia at elevations of 2,000 to 6,000 metres above sea level. The snow leopard plays an important role in maintaining the natural balance of mountain ecosystems. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are just over 3,000 mature snow leopards worldwide. In Kazakhstan, this rare predator is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species. According to the Institute of Zoology, the country’s total snow leopard population is estimated at 190. The animal’s main habitats include the Tian Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, Tarbagatai and Altai mountain ranges.
Grigory Bedenko, correspondent:
- Here, near Big Almaty Lake, begins the protected area of Ile-Alatau National Park. Snow leopards live farther up in the mountains, at elevations of around 3,000 metres above sea level. There are approximately 40 snow leopards on the northern slopes of the Tian Shan, although camera traps regularly capture images of around 25 of these large and extremely elusive cats.
Ile-Alatau National Park conducts year-round monitoring of the snow leopard population. More than 50 camera traps help specialists document the animals, track their movements and monitor reproduction. Stronger conservation measures have helped preserve the predator’s habitat and restore populations of its prey, including Siberian ibex, red deer and roe deer.
Khamit Akhmetov, Deputy Director of Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park:
- There is currently a cross-border project between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan involving Ile-Alatau National Park and Chong-Kemin National Park. The snow leopard is a migratory animal, so its habitat requires further in-depth research. Scientific studies and monitoring of the species and its migration will therefore continue.
Since 2021, scientists have been using satellite telemetry to monitor snow leopards. A total of 17 animals have already been fitted with GPS collars. Just a few days ago, specialists carried out this procedure for the first time in Katon-Karagay National Park. The region lies on the northern edge of the snow leopard’s range, where climatic conditions can make survival more challenging. A GPS collar was fitted to a young male estimated to be around two years old.
Alexey Grachev, Head of the Theriology Laboratory at the Institute of Zoology of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan:
- This is very important for identifying the most suitable habitats for the species and protecting them. This could involve expanding national parks and nature reserves or creating ecological corridors for wildlife movement.
One of the main concerns among scientists is the development of tourism in the northern Tian Shan. Snow leopards are increasingly being spotted on mountain trails in heavily visited areas of Ile-Alatau National Park. Satellite tracking data shows that one male inhabits the Ayusai Gorge, just two kilometres from the visitor centre. The predator has settled in the area because roe deer are abundant there. Experts emphasise that further tourism development must go hand in hand with preserving the natural balance. It is important to manage visitor pressure and prevent negative impacts on wildlife habitats.
Authors: Grigory Bedenko, Eduard Kon
