Snow leopard in the mountains - photo: Gerard Lacz/stock.adobe.com
15. January 2025 - The number of snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan is increasing. A new study, conducted with the support of the NABU branch in Kyrgyzstan, estimates the current population to be at 285 adult animals. This development was announced by the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).
The NABU branch office in Kyrgyzstan played a key role in this success story. Their monitoring department, the anti-poaching unit “Gruppa Bars”, and environmental education work on the ground made essential contributions to protecting snow leopard habitat and raising awareness and support among local residents for species conservation.
Snow leopard - photo: NABU Kyrgyzstan
The results of the study show the vital importance of protected areas and cross-border cooperation for snow leopard conservation. With around 285 snow leopards now living in Kyrgyzstan, NABU sees an encouraging general upward trend since the population low point of 150 to 200 animals in the year 2000. This shows that conservation measures taken to date have successfully contributed to a stabilisation of the population. Nonetheless, there is an urgend need to expand the efforts to protect this species by creating habitat corridors, in order to secure the long-term future of the population.
Hunted for its beautiful fur coat and the alleged healing properties of its bones, the snow leopard is threatened with extinction. Adopt a snow leopard or support our project with your donation! Thank you! more →
The study was conducted from 2020 through 2024, as part of the project “Population assessment of snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan” (PASK). The project is a joint initiative within the framework of GSLEP and represented the first systematic approach to scientifically assessing the country's snow leopard population. The goal of the study was to close an important knowledge gap identified in the Bishkek Declaration 2017. With the help of 875 installed camera traps and spatial modelling, over 335 sightings were registered over a land area of more than 125,000 square kilometres. The population estimates ranged from 234 to 349 animals, for an overall average of 285.
Seen in a global context, the results emphasise the importance of Kyrgyzstan for the ongoing conservation of this endangered species: Worldwide, the total snow leopard population is estimated at around 4,000 to 6,400 animals. The mountains of Kyrgyzstan shelter a significant part of this global population.
The conservation of endangered species and the establishment of protected areas have been at the centre of our activities in Kyrgyzstan since the early 1990s. Through its projects, NABU supports sustainable regional development and preserves valuable habitats. more →
Injured snow leopards can recover from their tribulations in the NABU wildlife rehabilitation centre, where they are nursed back to health. more →
Snow leopards are among the most endangered big cats on earth. Only 4,000 to 6,400 animals now live in the wild. NABU has been committed to the survival of snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan since 1999 and has extended its commitment to Tajikistan, Pakistan and Nepal. more →
