Tien Shan: 2023 roundup

Update from our snow leopard volunteer project to the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Biosphere Expeditions has this year completed its first snow leopard expedition to the mountains surrounding the Archaly valley, in Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountain range. Expedition scientist Taalai Mambetov describes the goals for the inaugural year in this location as “our primary focus was to identify indicator species, track argali sheep and ibex, and gather evidence of the elusive snow leopard”. If successful, the expedition would be the first to scientifically document snow leopards in the Archaly valley.

Biosphere Expeditions in collaboration with NABU started the 2023 snow leopard expedition by moving base camp 135 miles from the Karakol valley (home to the expedition since 2014) to the Archaly valley. The new location was selected for its potential prime snow Leopard habitat and the fact that no snow Leopard research has previously been conducted there.

The only way to prove the presence of one of the world’s rarest and most elusive predators is either with a photo or with DNA evidence. With a new and updated scientific methodology to accompany the new survey area, the 2023 expedition had a trailblazing feel to it. Citizen scientist Tobias Müller from Germany commented that “it was great to discover new promising areas”. Surveys saw groups venturing into the mountains recording snow leopard signs, their prey and livestock numbers, while walking routes that will be walked again as transects by future expeditions.

The team placed 20 camera traps between altitude of 3700 m and 4150 m, and collected 12 potential snow leopard scats throughout the expedition. The scats will be sent for DNA testing and the camera traps will be collected at the beginning of the 2024 expedition.

Taalai’s initial thoughts on the 2023 expedition and the new study area are positive: “Our expedition was a pioneer venture into previously unresearched terrain, yielding significant findings regarding indicator species, tracks of argarli and ibex, and evidence of snow leopard. These findings hold promise for the future of wildlife research and conservation efforts in this remote and ecologically valuable region”.

Another important task in the Archaly valley was to build positive connections with the local community who use the valley to graze livestock during the summer. This year the expedition concluded with a well-received event that introduced Biosphere Expeditions, NABU and the research in the area. Going forward, the expedition will look for ways to engage the local community in a collaborative and constructive manner. Camera trap servicing teams and alternative livelihoods capacity-building are both potential projects for the coming years.

Little is known about the snow leopard population in this area, so in the coming years the expedition hopes to shed more light on the population dynamics and highlight the importance of protecting this ecosystem. Taalai’s final thoughts were: “The Archaly valley presents a valuable opportunity for research focused on snow leopard conservation and the establishment of a sustainable community-based protection programme. By conducting research, addressing human-wildlife conflicts and engaging local communities, there is a strong potential to protect this wild area while benefiting both wildlife and people. Biosphere Expeditions’ citizen science projects serve as a collaborative force, uniting the passion and expertise of professional, citizen scientists and and the community alike”.

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Some expedition videos:

Picture impressions of the 2023 expedition:

Update from our Kyrgyzstan expedition to the Tien Shan mountains, volunteering in snow leopard conservation.