Community-based and led conservation practices have been part of Snow Leopard Trust’s modus operandi for decades. However, the performance of such programs is rarely measured, making it difficult to assess their impact. A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of our large-scale, community-based conservation initiatives in five countries.
Category: Kyrgyzstan
Petal Power: How Photography Fosters Coexistence with Snow Leopards
A friendly flower photography competition during a recent Snow Leopard Trust eco-camp was an opportunity for students to learn more about Kyrgyzstan’s mountain ecosystem. If you’re looking for environmental education opportunities, many activities can be replicated in your backyard!
Snow Leopard Ranger Program Expands to Mongolia and Pakistan
Snow Leopard Trust’s citizen-ranger program in Kyrgyzstan has been crucial in combating illegal wildlife trade. Building on this success, we are expanding the program to Mongolia and Pakistan to protect even more snow leopards across their vast habitat.
President of Kyrgyzstan Calls for Action to Protect Snow Leopards and Mountain Ecosystems
In 2013, under the leadership of the then-President of the Kyrgyz Republic, we helped create the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP). Since then, the Snow Leopard Trust has continued to support the Secretariat of this intergovernmental cooperation alliance of Environment Ministers of all 12 snow leopard range countries. Recently, the incumbent President, Sadyr Zhaparov, visited snow leopard habitat with our staff and recorded a video appeal to the people of the world.
“Give a boy a camera, and he’ll photograph birds all day”
That quote is from the director of our Kyrgyzstan program, who recently traveled with students to one of our summer eco-camps to inspire a connection with nature and conservation. He shared a heartwarming story about two boys who came home with a newfound passion for wildlife.
When the ‘snow’ in snow leopard conservation becomes perilous
Aibek Sergek uulu, the eco-education coordinator from our Kyrgyzstan Program, recently shared his harrowing experience traveling to set up research cameras in the Sarychat mountains during a snowstorm.
How Sustainable Tourism Could Benefit Snow Leopards and Communities
“Have you seen the snow leopard? No! Isn’t that wonderful?” That famous quote by renowned author and naturalist Peter Matthiessen invokes a mysticism about the snow leopard like no other. Once-in-lifetime tourist expeditions to snow leopard habitat in search of the elusive mountain ghost are becoming increasingly popular. But should you go?
How Bees and Trees Protect Snow Leopards
One hundred fifty honey bee hives were successfully delivered to their new homes in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Relocating the bees was a challenge, as Benazir, our Project Assistant, shares, “The delivery process was so nerve-wracking because we were transporting live creatures over a long distance. The delivery kept getting postponed due to rainy weather. To add to the complexity, honey bee families are supposed to be delivered at night so they can orient themselves once they are settled. Due to the specific challenges and risks involved, we did not sleep for two nights, constantly checking on the location of the truck with the bee families.”
Rangers Honored for Outstanding Wildlife Protection Efforts
On World Wildlife Day, 16 rangers were awarded for their vital role in protecting Kyrgyzstan’s precious wildlife.
Where the Snow Leopard Roams – A Journey to Ak Shiyrak
Follow our team on a trip to our Kyrgyz partner community of Ak Shiyrak, high up in the snow leopard habitat of the Central Tian Shan mountains.