Kazakhstan’s snow leopard population has made a remarkable recovery, with an estimated 152 to 189 individuals now thriving across the nation’s mountain ranges. This rebound, nearing numbers last seen in the 1980s, highlights the success of conservation projects like the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) initiative launched in 2018. Since 2019, the population has grown by over 26%.
Protected areas such as Ile-Alatau National Park and the Zhetysu Alatau region have played a key role in this revival. Favorable conditions, including abundant prey and minimal human interference, have enabled these elusive predators to stabilize their numbers. Despite these gains, threats like poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts persist.
To address these challenges, Kazakhstan is expanding protected areas, employing satellite telemetry, and compensating herders for livestock losses. These measures, coupled with international collaborations and advanced monitoring technologies, have positioned the country as a leader in snow leopard conservation. By safeguarding this iconic species, Kazakhstan is contributing to global biodiversity and inspiring hope for wildlife conservation worldwide.