Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Status in Kyrgyzstan

Authors

  • Zairbek Kubanychbekov Ilbirs Foundation, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan
  • Koustubh Sharma Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
  • Kubanychbek Zhumabai uulu Snow Leopard Foundation, Bishkek 720011, Kyrgyzstan
  • Oliver Wearn Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA
  • Ian Durbach Centre for Research in Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, St Andrews University, Scotland, UK
  • Matt Raulerson Ilbirs Foundation, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan
  • Chyngyz Kochorov GSLEP, Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan
  • Tolkunbek Asykulov NABU Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek 720011, Kyrgyzstan
  • Maxim Koshkin Ilbirs Foundation, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan
  • Gulnura Zhumabay kyzy Ilbirs Foundation, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan
  • Kabaev Eldiiar Ilbirs Foundation, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56510/slr.v5.63883

Keywords:

snow leopard, panthers uncia, Kyrgyzstan, country status, distribution, population, conservation

Abstract

This contribution presents the current distribution of snow leopards across Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan and Pamir–Alai mountain systems and summarises the proposed national IUCN Red List range map, updated using extensive camera trapping, field surveys, and community information under the Population Assessment of the Kyrgyz Snow Leopards. It reviews results from the nationwide assessment to describe current understanding of population status. The chapter outlines key threats in Kyrgyzstan, including illegal hunting of prey species, retaliatory killing, illegal trade, overgrazing, weak law enforcement, and emerging pressures from infrastructure development and climate change. It concludes with an overview of national conservation policies, protected area expansion, and strengthened monitoring and enforcement efforts.

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Published

2026-02-20

How to Cite

Kubanychbekov, Z., Sharma, K., Zhumabai uulu, K., Wearn, O., Durbach, I., Raulerson, M., … Eldiiar, K. (2026). Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Status in Kyrgyzstan. Snow Leopard Reports, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.56510/slr.v5.63883