During a research expedition to the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve, new data was obtained about a family of snow leopards—the female Klyopa and her two kittens born in 2023. According to photographic and video documentation, the two young irbis are female. This year, part of the snow leopard research activities in the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve is supported by the Interregional Association "Irbis". The organization initiated and supported a comprehensive survey of snow leopards in Russia at the beginning of this year, in which the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve also participated.

Observations revealed the presence of a single Western Sayan group of irbis, which inhabits the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve and the Ubsunur Basin Reserve (Khan-Daer cluster). The population comprises 14 individuals, including three adult breeding females, four males, and seven kittens. Determining the sex of young irbis is a significant event that is both informative and celebratory. The presence of females is crucial for the future viability of the population, as they are the ones who will contribute to the next generation. This ensures the continuity and growth of the snow leopard population within the reserve. While the precise timing of this occurrence remains indeterminate, it is imperative to acknowledge the significance of the kittens' growth and development.

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At Klyopa’s, the kittens are currently engaged in active play and exploration, a typical behavior for their age. The young badger family has begun to extend its range, expanding its territory and venturing into new areas. Through the use of camera traps, we have successfully determined the sex of Klyopa’s kittens, confirming the presence of two female individuals. This development is particularly significant, as the female is the foundation of the social structure within the reserve, and the increase in the number of females is expected to positively impact the population of snow leopards.

Roman Afanasiev, Senior Researcher of the Joint Directorate

Klyopa, a female translocated from Tajikistan in 2020, gave birth to her first offspring in 2023, consisting of two kittens. The offspring survived the winter under the attentive care of their mother. Presently, the young irbises have reached adult size, but Klopa will continue to raise her firstborn for several more months. Like children, young snow leopards learn about the world around them and develop various skills through play.For example, by playing attack and sneak attacks, the irbises develop the necessary skills for hunting.

By running and jumping, the kittens develop their physical abilities. In addition, kittens engage in repeated behaviors, such as sniffing and marking, in a manner similar to that of their mothers. This process is instrumental in the development of marking skills that are essential for adult animals.
Camera traps facilitate observation of a critical and consequential phase in the development of juvenile irbis, namely, their growth and maturation. Moreover, these devices enable the documentation of behavioral characteristics exhibited by a young female snow leopard, including the manifestation of maternal care. The research endeavor focused on the study of the northernmost population of snow leopards in Russia and globally, situated within the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve, remains ongoing.