The snow leopard (also known as the irbis) is a creature that exudes a sense of mystery and possesses a distinct aesthetic quality. However, this distinctive appearance is not merely an aesthetic feature; it plays a crucial role in the preservation of the natural ecosystem. The conservation of snow leopards is therefore not just a matter of animal welfare, but also a vital element in maintaining the ecological balance.

HOW MANY SNOW LEOPARDS ARE LEFT IN RUSSIA

Snow leopard population monitoring in Russia is a crucial element of the Interregional Association "Irbis's" conservation efforts. The association, with the support of the Sailugemsky National Park, is conducting population control measures in the species' primary habitats.
A recent study in the Altai Republic’s Argut River valley yielded noteworthy findings. In the Argut cluster of Sailugemsky National Park, the largest flock in Russia—a record 20 individuals—was identified in 2023. The team also captured unique footage, including mating calls.
The first stage involved 11 people, divided into three separate groups. During the counting period, 39 camera traps were checked, and unique data on approximate numbers were collected. The discovery of a fresh snow leopard track on the ground, which allowed for the finding and recording of several individuals, was significant. New cameras were installed for further monitoring.

From February to March, the irbis population was tallied in three additional regions of the Russian Federation: the Republics of Tyva, Buryatia, and Krasnoyarsk Krai.This initiative was endorsed by the participants of the interregional conference, titled "Experience of studying and preserving the snow leopard in Russia, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan," which took place at the conclusion of the previous year with the backing of the Interregional Association "Irbis."

In Russia, the snow leopard is found in the Altai-Sayan mountain country, and in 2022, 43 individuals were recorded, half of which live in the Altai Republic, and 24 irbis were found in the Sailugemsky National Park.

Russia is home to more than 2% of the world’s snow leopard population in the Altai-Sayan mountain country on the border with China and Mongolia in the regions of the republics of Altai, Tyva, Buryatia, and the south Of the Krasnoyarsk Territory only within the boundaries of the Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve.

The number of snow leopards in Mongolia is about 1,000 individuals. Here it can be found in the Mongolian Altai and the Gobi Altai and in the Khangai Mountains.

China is home to the world's largest population of snow leopards, numbering from 2 to 2.5 thousand individuals. They are most often found in the mountains of Pamir, Tien Shan, Karakorum, Kashmir, Kunlun and the Himalayas.

The population of the snow leopard in Nepal is 300-400 individuals. They are found here from the Kangchenjunga Specially Protected Area (KCA) in the east to the Api Nampa Specially Protected Area (ANCA) in the west.

The number of snow leopards in India is 300-500 individuals.

About 200-420 snow leopards live in Pakistan in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

In Kazakhstan, the number of snow leopards is 100-200 individuals.

The number of snow leopards in Tajikistan is 300-500 individuals.

The number of snow leopards in Uzbekistan is approximately 30-40 individuals.

The number of snow leopards in Afghanistan is unknown, but camera traps have recorded the presence of snow leopards in Wakhan.

The population of the snow leopard in Bhutan is estimated at about 100-200 animals distributed over an area with a potential area of 10,000 km2.

In Kyrgyzstan, the number of snow leopards is 200-300 individuals. The habitat of the snow leopard in the Kyrgyz Republic covers all regions of the country, both the Tien Shan Mountains and the northern Pamir-Alai ranges (Alai, Trans-Alai and Turkestan ranges).

WHICH AFFECTED THE SPECIES' ABUNDANCE

The survival of snow leopards in their habitat is influenced by several factors, including:
PoachingIllegal hunting for fur and other body parts poses a significant threat to the viability of the predator population.
Decrease in the number of ungulatesIbexes and rams, the primary prey of the snow leopard, are declining due to hunting, affecting the availability of food for the irbis.
Habitat decline Factors such as infrastructure development, increased human activity, and climate change are contributing to a reduction in available territories.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the conservation of snow leopards. Urgent action is necessary to combat poaching and protect their natural habitats. Collaborations between authorities and the public are essential for preserving this unique and vulnerable species.