Update from our snow leopard volunteer expedition to the Tien Shan mountains
We have arrived and spent the last two days training our snow leopard volunteers from six countries. Training involves everything from safety in the mountains, looking after the expedition 4x4s and how to drive them off road, camp tasks and etiquette, and of course all the science: What to look out for, how to collect data, how to set camera traps. And the equipment: Compass, map, GPS, radio, camera traps etc. etc.
Training in Beautiful Surroundings
It’s a lot to take in over two days. The team did very well. The weather helped. When the sun shines and reaches base at about 07:30, things quickly heat up and dry. The inside of the tents get hot. By 10:00 it’s time for T-shirts and sun cream and sunglasses.
A side arm of the Burkhan river gurgles alongside camp, our all-important water source. Glacial snow glistens on the mountain tops. The craggy valleys we can see, and where we know the snow leopard lives, beckon. Camera traps from last year want to be checked, batteries and SD cards changed.
Taking it all in
But first we grapple with GPSs and maps and compasses and datasheets below, taking it all in. Eyes on our target.
Emil tells us about his home country and the snow leopard, about our neighbours, the livestock herders, and their lives.
We learn about our 4x4s and take them for a spin to see what they can do and where they can take us.
It’s a whirlwind of new skills and awareness for our group of snow leopard volunteers with one goal: Find more evidence of the mountain ghost so that we can protect it.
And as I type, three groups are out on their first full data collection day. Wish them luck.
Read also: First I second I third diary entry of the Tien Shan snow leopard volunteer expedition. All Tien Shan 2026 diary entries on one page.
Author: Darran Keogh
Darran Keogh grew up in Ireland and has spent much of his adult life travelling and working in the outdoor industry. He has a degree in Outdoor Education and Geography and is a qualified Mountain Leader and an International Mountain Leader Aspirant. An adventurous spirit has taken him to explore remote areas around the world and in recent years Europe’s great mountain ranges from a base in Chamonix Valley, France. Happiest sleeping under the stars, climbing, surfing or exploring snowy mountains, he is now based in Ireland once again, with his attention turned to conservation: Darren is a member of Ireland’s Governing Body for mountaineering’s Climate action group, has another degree in studying Climate, Sustainability and Environment and is a proud member of the Biosphere Expeditions team. More about Darran.