Baiboosun Nature Reserve is located in the Central Asian Republic of Kyrgyzstan. It is in the Issyk-Kul region, with an area of 14 thousand hectares and with mountain peaks reaching 4763 metres altitude. The reserve is a refuge for many endangered species included in the Red Book and specifically the elusive snow leopard.
The Snow Leopard Range
The snow leopard Panthera Uncia is the smallest and rarest of the so-called ‘big cats’ from the genus Panthera. The estimated population of snow leopards remaining in the wild is as few as 3500 to 5500. Their elusive behaviour and expansive habitats have made it difficult to estimate their population size accurately. The majority are thought to be found in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The Tien-Shan and Pamir mountain ranges are among the highest in the world. These environments are ideal living conditions for the preferred prey of the snow leopard. Snow leopards act as regulators of prey populations within their habitat, and therefore, the ensuring of their well-being would ensure the stability of the whole ecosystem.
From Baiboosun to Now
Baiboosun was crucial in starting Now for Wildlife. Our two-year volunteer residence in the reserve, alongside communities cohabiting with snow leopards, offered profound lessons and posed notable challenges. This unique encounter opened our minds to the immense potential that remote landscapes hold for the preservation of endangered species and became the cornerstone for our ongoing commitment to innovative and effective conservation practices.
© Copyright Notice:
The camera trap images are credited to Baiboosun Nature Reserve and Luciano Foglia. Kindly acknowledge the source when sharing. High-resolution videos and images are available upon request for press purposes and scientific research.
The camera trap images are credited to Baiboosun Nature Reserve and Luciano Foglia. Kindly acknowledge the source when sharing. High-resolution videos and images are available upon request for press purposes and scientific research.