Kazakhstan fights to save its endangered snow leopards with bold new measures

The snow leopard, often called the irbis, remains one of the world's most endangered big cats. Listed in the Red Book, this elusive predator serves as a vital indicator of mountain ecosystem health. Kazakhstan, where it holds national symbol status, is now taking steps to protect its dwindling population of around 140–180 individuals.

Globally, only 2,700–4,000 mature snow leopards survive, mostly in Central Asia's rugged landscapes. Poaching, shrinking habitats, declining prey, and conflicts with humans continue to drive their decline. In Kazakhstan, illegal hunting of the species can lead to severe penalties, including up to ten years in prison and property confiscation.

Recent conservation efforts have relied on camera traps to track these rare cats. In the Ile-Alatau State National Park, footage revealed the presence of five wild species, including the snow leopard. The park and its surrounding areas now host roughly forty of the animals. Similar traps in Kolsai Lakes National Park and Altynemel Nature Reserve have also captured images of the leopards moving through their territory.

To further safeguard the species, authorities restrict access to key areas during breeding season. Popular tourist routes near Almaty—such as the Aysay, Prokhodnoye, and Chin-Turgen gorges, along with Kaskeleu and Big Almaty Lake—face temporary closures. The camera trap data supports ongoing research, helping scientists monitor populations and protect critical habitats.

Kazakhstan's strict laws and monitoring programmes aim to stabilise the snow leopard's fragile numbers. By limiting human disturbance in breeding zones and using technology for tracking, conservationists hope to slow the species' decline. The efforts also reinforce the animal's role as a barometer for the health of the region's high-altitude ecosystems.