Snow leopard – a living symbol of Kazakhstan

The snow leopard is a magnificent wild cat found exclusively in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. These regions include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, India, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Tibet, and more. The snow leopard is a large cat with a long and flexible body, short yet powerful paws, and a long, fluffy tail. Their smoky gray fur is covered in spots that form unique rings and rosettes, much like human fingerprints.

Ghosts of the mountains

Despite the latest technologies, snow leopards are still shrouded in mystery and have not been fully researched due to their ability to skillfully hide among mountain rocks in hard-to-reach places. The limited information available about these amazing animals only adds to their aura of mystique. Even scientists cannot agree on the origin of the snow leopard.

The French naturalist and biologist G. Buffon first described the snow leopard in 1761. His notes stated that leopards were used for hunting in Persia. Later, other biologists, scientists, encyclopedists, and zoologists supplemented this information about the snow leopard. Genetic examinations have shown that snow leopards lived in Central Asia as early as 1.5 million years ago, and the first remains of this animal (Mongolia, Altai) date back to the era of the late Pleistocene. Initially, leopards were classified in the same category as panthers, but it was later discovered that they have different characteristics.

However, the inhabitants of Central Asia had knowledge of these animals long before researchers discovered them. Locally, snow leopards were known as irbises. The word «irbis» was borrowed by Russian merchant furriers from Turkic hunters as early as the 17th century. The Turkic peoples had their own names for the snow leopard, with the Tuvans calling it «irbish», the Jetysu inhabitants calling it «ilbers», and the Turks calling it «irbiz». The etymology of the name of the animal refers to the Turkic language, where the word «irbiz» meant a snow cat.

A symbol of Kazakhstan

Snow leopards in Kazakhstan primarily inhabit the southeastern regions, specifically the Altai, Tien Shan, Tarbagatai, and Saur mountains, where protected areas have been established to conserve the leopard population. These areas include national parks such as Altyn-Emel, Ile Alatau, Katon-Karagai, Kolsay Lakes, Zhongar-Alatau, and Tarbagatai, as well as nature reserves like Aksu-Jabagly, Markakol, and Almaty.

Snow leopards are most commonly found in Ile Alatau Park and Almaty Reserve, which are located in the Ile Alatau Mountains. The number of snow leopards in Kazakhstan has drastically declined from several hundred in the early 20th century to only about 100-110 individuals per 50,000 square kilometers at the start of the 21st century.

The Dzungarian Alatau mountain range is a crucial link for the snow leopard's range as it connects other habitats of the snow cat in the Himalaya-Tien Shan and Altai-Sayan regions. The snow leopard is the only modern cat genus that can survive in harsh, cold climates due to their long, warm wool.

Sadly, snow leopards are on the brink of extinction due to human activities, such as poaching and degradation of their habitats, and the decline in the population of their main food source, Siberian mountain goats. Many natural parks and reserves, like Altyn-Emel, aim to preserve both of these species. The snow leopard feeds on a variety of prey, including deer, wild boars, roe deer, argali, hares, and birds.

The snow leopard is a symbol of Kazakhstan, representing strength, power, and prosperity. It is featured on the official coat of arms of Almaty and some Kazakh banknotes, and was the mascot of the Asian Winter Games in 2011. To preserve this unique animal species, it is crucial for humans to take conservation measures, as even the loss of one individual snow leopard can have a significant impact on the ecosystem.

Some interesting facts about snow leopards:

• October 23 is celebrated as International Snow Leopard Day
• They can jump up to 6 meters in length and 3 meters in height
• Snow leopards are the highest mountain cats and live at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 4000 meters, with some individuals even found at an astonishing 6000 meters.
• Despite their solitary nature, snow leopards occasionally form pairs and mark their territory with claw marks on trees and a specific scent.
• They are the only wild cats that cannot roar. Instead, they make a unique lingering sound to greet each other and communicate. They also use facial expressions and eye contact to convey messages, while an aggressively tuned leopard will demonstrate its fangs by opening its mouth wide.
• Snow leopard cubs also enjoy playing in the snow and sliding down slopes on their backs.
• Each individual requires a large area of land ranging from 20 to 150 square kilometers for a comfortable life.
• Snow leopards are also excellent navigators, remembering the location of reservoirs, rocks, and other landmarks throughout their entire route.