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Snow Leopards in Kazakhstan

The snow leopard is often called the "ghost of the mountains" because of its elusive nature and remarkable ability to remain virtually invisible among the rocks. It inhabits the high mountain regions of Central, South, and East Asia, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 metres above sea level. The snow leopard plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of mountain ecosystems. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are just over 3,000 mature snow leopards remaining in the wild worldwide. In Kazakhstan, this rare predator is listed in the country's Red Data Book as an endangered species. According to the Institute of Zoology, the country's snow leopard population is estimated at 190 individuals. Its main habitats are found in the Tian Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, Tarbagatai, and Altai mountain ranges.