A meeting was convened to summarize the results of an international expedition to the South Chuysky Ridge in the Altai Republic. This expedition, which was supported by the Interregional Association "Irbis," concluded in late September. The expeditioners were employees of the Sailugem National Park. During the meeting, specialists from protected areas of Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and four regions of Irbis habitat in Russia convened to discuss methodologies for snow leopard census, research, and protection.

They also exchanged experiences in collecting and processing scientific data.

On the agenda for today is a visit to the South Chuysky Ridge, where an expedition to study the irbis will be held until September 27 with the support of the Interregional Association "Irbis".

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The South Chuysky Ridge is home to at least 13 irbis, making it the second most significant irbis habitat in the Altai Mountains after the Argut River valley, where up to 20 irbis have been documented. Given the hunting ban in the area and the increasing disturbance from unorganized tourists during summer, constant observation is crucial. During the expedition, both Siberian ibex and Altai mountain sheep were observed, indicating that the irbis population is viable, but that hunting pressure is also high. A consensus was reached with the shepherds to promptly report any irbis attacks on livestock. Sailugemsky National Park employees will respond to the scene, and if it is confirmed that the attack was by an irbis and not a wolf, the shepherds will be compensated. Support will be provided by the Interregional Association "Irbis".

Denis Gulyaev, acting director of Sailugemsky National Park.

The expedition, which was conducted by conservationists from the Republics of Tyva, Altai, Buryatia, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan, entailed the installation and inspection of new automatic cameras by field workers. Scientists on the expedition confirmed the division of the irbis grouping on the ridge into western and eastern parts.

In the middle part of the ridge, the experts installed additional camera traps with the objective of identifying snow leopards in this area. Additionally, biologists conducted a census, documenting at least five irbis, including male snow leopards Saylu and T03, a female, and kittens up to two years of age.

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In contrast to the Altai Republic, where cameras are positioned at altitudes up to 3,000 meters above sea level in inaccessible, harsh terrain, cameras in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan are placed at the bottom of ridges. This difference in placement is indicative of the differing activity levels of irbis in these regions. The staff of the Sailugem National Park has accumulated a substantial amount of experience in studying and protecting snow leopards, and we had a considerable amount to share with our colleagues.

Denis Gulyaev, Deputy Director of Sailugemsky National Park.