Update from our snow leopard Kyrgyzstan expedition
We’ve hit the halfway mark for our final group of the season. Camp is quiet as all the team are out exploring the area. I find myself at camp in a period of quiet reflection.
Diverse teams putting in a great effort
Over the past week the team has got a true feel for the weather and terrain. We were out on surveys and retrieving camera traps, and dining by the time the late afternoon arrives. We have crossed loose scree slopes and high alpine meadows over the past few days and the final group’s effort has been extraordinary.
An expedition like this would be absolutely nothing without its citizen scientists, and this year’s teams have brought a remarkable array of backgrounds to the expedition. We’ve had professional biologists working alongside military nurses, data analysts, and even farmers and 4-wheel drive experts. Seeing this diverse group transform into skilled and competent citizen scientists has been inspiring.
The rewards
The hard work is paying off. Each successive week has yielded great results. In this group we’ve already recorded four distinct snow leopard events (and one of poachers) in areas where we were unsure if our efforts would yield results.
Next up is our overnight away from camp, in Jiluu Suu, the “hot water valley”. Stand by for an update later in the week.
Read also: First I second I third I fourth I fifth I sixth I seventh I eighth I ninth I tenth I eleventh I twelfth 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.