Update from our snow leopard volunteering expedition
When you read this group 3, which arrived and made their way to base safely, is through their training and into field research.
Preliminary results group 2
But first, let’s review group 2 results.
Emil gave us this overview on the last day:
Not bad! Thank you. Over to you, group 3!
Field survey
Looking up toward the peaks this morning, a fresh dusting of snow put the snow line at around 3,700 metre, a sure sign that summer in the Tien Shan mountains is drawing to a close, though we still have much critical work to finish before camp gets packed down for the season.
Group 3 is currently out on their short field survey, putting their intensive training straight into practice. Over the past few days, we’ve pushed them hard to bring their skills up to true citizen science standards, covering everything from data collection and safety and wildlife monitoring equipment protocols and off-road driver training specific to the area.
They should be strolling back into base camp any minute now from their trial run. When they arrive, we’ll dive into the data entry process that contributes to the report. Afterwards, dinner prepared by our neighouring family.
Tomorrow, the training wheels are off. We head out to service the remaining camera traps scattered across the mountains, expand our survey coverage and fill any gaps and squeeze in vital local interviews. Later in the week we will gear up for our overnight in the field.
Read also: First I second I third I fourth I fifth I sixth I seventh I eighth I ninth I tenth I eleventh diary entry of the Tien Shan snow leopard volunteering 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.