Magnificent and imposing creature, the snow leopard has long inhabited the high mountains of Kyrgyzstan. This animal, venerated in this small Central Asian country and elevated as a symbol, is unfortunately on the brink of extinction.

It is classified as an animal « in danger » by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The number of snow leopards in the world remains very low and uncertain, and the animal is threatened by climate change and poaching.

A majestic animal

The snow leopard is surely one of the most mysterious and majestic animals on the planet. It measures up to 130 centimeters long as an adult, with a weight varying between 25 kg and 70 kg. It lives in solitude from its youth, and moves only at twilight.

The snow leopard, also called snow panther, is highly agile and swift. It is often nicknamed the « ghost of the mountains »: indeed, it is extremely difficult to spot. This animal knows how to hide when necessary, notably thanks to its white coat spotted with black, which helps it blend perfectly into a snowy and rocky landscape.

Its large paws, like snowshoes, allow it not to sink into the snow. It is also a very robust animal: it can make impressive leaps of 10 meters! Its tail, which is about one meter long, serves it for more than just balance. It wraps it around itself to stay warm.

The snow leopard can live up to 22 years in captivity, but in the wild, where survival conditions are harsh, its life expectancy is around 10-12 years.

An endangered animal

Snow leopards are found only at high altitude, usually between 3 000 and 4 500 meters elevation, sometimes even higher. It inhabits twelve Central Asian countries. There would be between 4 000 and 6 500 snow leopards in the world, a figure twenty percent lower than at the beginning of the century.

Unfortunately, the snow leopard is threatened with extinction. It is sought after by hunters for its splendid fur, which sells for high prices. Moreover, its habitat continues to diminish due to agriculture, road construction, mining operations, glacial melting and rising tree lines, and the hunting of its prey (ibex, Marco Polo sheep, etc.).

Between 150 and 500 animals are thought to remain in Kyrgyzstan, according to the Snow Leopard Trust. It is, however, difficult to count them, given that they rarely reveal themselves.

While it is rare to observe a true snow leopard, or « Ilbrys » in Kyrgyz, as these animals avoid any human encounter, you may perhaps come across its tracks during your treks off the beaten path, or admire this beautiful animal by setting up trail cameras.

Significant conservation efforts

In any case, you will see it displayed in every form throughout Kyrgyzstan. For this mountainous republic, the snow leopard is a sacred animal, emblem of the city of Bishkek and pride of the people. Many efforts are being made to conserve the snow leopard: you will regularly see races for the rescue of the snow leopard, international forums dedicated to it, environmental projects financed by the State and international organizations… The animal adorns numerous objects and souvenirs, such as plush toys, bookmarks, postcards, t-shirts… Indeed, it was the snow leopard that was chosen as mascot of the last Nomadic Games.

It was also in Kyrgyzstan that the Bishkek Declaration was signed in 2013: a promise by twelve countries to protect the snow leopard and its habitat. Two sanctuaries for snow leopards have been opened in the country: one, a rehabilitation center, is run by NABU, a German organization, north of the Issyk-Kul lake. The second, more recent, is located near the capital Bishkek, in the Shamsy valley, once a hunter's paradise.

In creating this reserve, Kyrgyzstan's former president, Almazbek Atambaiev, declared that snow leopards had always been sacred to the Kyrgyz people. « A Kyrgyz who kills a snow leopard kills his own people. A Kyrgyz who sells a snow leopard's fur sells his own hands, » he said at the time. However, poaching remains frequent, and climate change and urbanization continue to threaten snow leopards.