87 snow leopards now: snow leopard survey completed in russia

The results of the Annual All-Russian accounting of snow leopards in 2024 with the support of the Interregional Association "Irbis" and the coordination of the National Park "Sailyugemsky" showed that there are 87 snow leopards in Russia.

Results of the All-Russian snow leopard count:

• Altai Republic — 54 snow leopards
• Republic of Tyva — 15 snow leopards*
• Krasnoyarsk Territory — 11 snow leopards
• Republic of Buryatia — 7 snow leopards

*The data has been reliably confirmed using camera traps, each individual has been identified. Additionally, it should be noted the presence of 11 more individuals (identified by footprints in the snow) during the surveys in the Republic of Tuva.

In February and March, scientists, volunteers and specialists from 4 regions of the country (the Republics of Altai, Tyva and Buryatia, as well as the Krasnoyarsk Territory) conducted expeditions to places inhabited by snow leopards. At this time, snow leopards begin their breeding season, so they actively move and leave a lot of footprints, which helps to collect accurate information about their numbers.

Most snow leopards were recorded in the Altai Republic, where 54 individuals were found, including 8 females and 18 kittens. In addition, 15 individuals were observed in the Republic of Tyva, where there are 3 females with 7 kittens. In the Krasnoyarsk Territory, 11 snow leopards were recorded in the Sayano-Shushenskoye Nature Reserve, and in Buryatia — 7 leopards. Additionally, it should be noted the presence of footprints in the snow of 11 more individuals, which were identified during the surveys in the Republic of Tyva. The results of the "census" of snow leopards pleased experts, as previously there were no more than 75 snow leopards in Russia.

To set up camera traps, the researchers made their way through hard-to-reach places using off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, horses, and even helicopters. It is worth noting that this year the weather conditions were particularly difficult for the expedition: deep snow and severe frosts. In this regard, some of the camera traps could not be found, and some were out of order. Nevertheless, the researchers coped with the task and reliably counted the number of leopards.

The snow leopard plays a key role in the ecosystem of the regions, so it is important to take measures to preserve it. The Interregional Association "Irbis" is actively working in this direction.