285 snow leopards inhabit territory of Kyrgyzstan

285 snow leopards inhabit the territory of Kyrgyzstan. This became known at the event, dedicated to the International Day of the Snow Leopard, Kabar reports. 

Snow leopard
Photo credit: Kabar

In 2024, the UN General Assembly proclaimed Oct.23 as the International Day of the Snow Leopard in order to strengthen international and regional cooperation in support of efforts to preserve the snow leopard, taking into account its role in the overall ecosystem.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Asein Isaev, coordinators of the global program for the protection of snow leopard ecosystems, international donors and representatives of diplomatic missions.

Snow leopard
Photo credit: Kabar

Within the framework of this global program, experts presented the results of a comprehensive assessment of the number of snow leopard individuals in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and measures for the conservation of this species and its ecosystems.

International coordinator of the global program Kostub Sharma said that during the research in 2020-2024 the most modern methods were used. In particular, photo traps helped to collect more information on the number of snow leopards and their habitat.

“Scientists have studied more than 125 thousand square meters. More than 875 camera traps were installed. According to the results of the research, it became known that from 234 to 349 snow leopards live in Kyrgyzstan. On average, we concluded that 285 individuals live on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic,” he said.

Kostub Sharma noted that these data show the importance of protecting and preserving ecosystems, and the implementation of comprehensive measures will contribute to increasing their numbers.

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