In September, a camera trap in the Ubsunur Hollow Nature Reserve captured seven manul kittens at once — for the first time. These images became one of the highlights of the programme for studying and conserving the wild cat, the first results of which were presented by Mars and the Interregional Association "Irbis" at COP17 — the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan.
The team’s next steps include analysing data from camera traps across five regions of Russia, expanding the observation network, and developing new plans for 2027.
Manuls are rarely seen by people, so any new information about their population is especially valuable for scientists. In 2026, 190 camera traps were installed in five regions of Russia to help monitor the lives of these elusive wild cats without disturbing them in their natural habitat. In September, one of the cameras in the Ubsunur Hollow Reserve in Tuva delivered a real surprise: it captured an entire litter of seven manul kittens.
In October, volunteers went on an expedition and collected data from camera traps in the Saylyugemsky National Park in the Republic of Altai. Now the team will study the materials gathered over the year across all five project territories. This monitoring will help scientists better understand how manuls live in different regions of Russia and will provide a scientific basis for further protection of the species.
The team shared the first results and future plans on 23 October at COP17 in Yerevan. That day, the Russian pavilion’s programme focused on restoring populations and preserving the habitats of rare animal species. As part of the session "Ecology, Evolution and the Future of Big Cats", the participants were presented with the manul conservation programme in Russia. The meeting also served as a platform for exchanging experience with scientists and conservation experts from different countries.

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Participating in the Conference of the Parties is an opportunity not only to share the first results of the project but also to find partners and likeminded people. Scientists and experts from all over the world gathered in Yerevan, and it was important for us to learn about their experience and conservation initiatives. The knowledge we gained will help us develop the project further. In 2027, we plan to expand the camera trap network, involve new Russian and international experts, and increase the reach of environmental awareness activities

noted Darya Petrova, Director of the Interregional Association "Irbis".

The programme for the study and conservation of the manul started in 2025 with the signing of an agreement between Mars and the Interregional Association "Irbis". Active implementation of the project began in 2026. Scientific expertise is provided by the A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The team is looking ahead to new observations, work with the collected data, and the search for solutions that will help study the manul better and preserve it in the wild.

Reference information:
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is one of the key international events in the field of biodiversity conservation. It brings together representatives of states, scientists, and experts from around the world to discuss conservation initiatives and make joint decisions.
At COP15 in 2022, the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. Among its goals for the period up to 2030 are ensuring the effective conservation of at least 30 % of terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal areas; restoring at least 30 % of degraded ecosystems; reducing the rate of introduction of invasive alien species by at least 50 %; and reducing biodiversityharmful subsidies by at least USD 500 billion annually.
Mars, Incorporated is a familyowned company with more than a century of history in creating a variety of products and providing services for people and their pets. Mars produces products under worldrenowned brands, including Pedigree®, Whiskas®, Royal Canin®, M&M's®, Snickers®, Twix®, Milky Way®, Dove®, Orbit®, and Skittles®. In Russia, Mars LLC is one of the largest manufacturers in the pet food and food products sector. The company has more than 6,000 employees and 10 factories in different regions.
The Interregional Association "Irbis" was established in 2021 with the goal of conserving rare animal species. The Association supports scientific research, antipoaching efforts, environmental education, and major awarenessraising and international projects.