Update from our snow leopard volunteer expedition
Group 2 has put in a big effort all round. The weather has settled, so we returned to Archali for further surveys. Emil and Kate took the pass on foot, overnighting at 3748 metres. The rest of us, five expeditioners in total, drove around into Archali to meet them.
We have now surveyed extensively in two of the three valleys with some new camera traps in place. Finishing the second snow leopard volunteer expedition week, we alternate big days with easier ones consisting of local interviews. These gather important local insights into raising livestock and the surrounding wildlife. Reports of face to face snow leopard encounters continue, but no hard proof yet.
More camera trapping
We have checked and set more camera traps.
Transitioning from group 2 to 3
We are now winding down with group 2 and prepare our plan for group 3. The provisional plan is to service the remaining camera traps, a thorough survey of the next valley immediately to our north, Jiluu Suu, and of course the final few interviews as the late summer flowers go to seed.
Group 3, we hope your prep is going well, we look forward to meeting you Monday.
Read also: First I second I third I fourth I fifth I sixth I seventh I eighth I ninth I tenth 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.