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Bulletin of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University

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Some monitoring studies of wild animals of the Turkestan Range

T Tolkunbek Asykulov Z Zhyrgalbek Sagyndykov O Omurbek Kadyrov S Suiunbek Makhmutov A Aigul Kenzhebaeva
Received 28.12.2025
Revised 12.05.2026
Published 15.06.2026

Abstract

The conservation of mountain ecosystem biodiversity in Kyrgyzstan remains one of the priority tasks of modern ecology and nature conservation practice amid increasing anthropogenic pressure, including year-round livestock grazing, poaching and habitat fragmentation. The aim of the study was to analyse the results of monitoring the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) population and associated fauna in the Turkestan Range. The work employed remote monitoring methods using 87 Reconyx HC500 camera traps installed in a targeted manner in Sarkent State Nature Park, Surmatash State Nature Reserve and the Leylek Forestry in 2020-2021. Camera traps were placed along animal trails and passes at 2-3 km intervals. Individual identification was carried out by the unique spot pattern by two independent experts. Spatial analysis of the data was performed in ArcGIS and QGIS using a digital elevation model. As a result, 21 snow leopards were identified, including 4 cubs, confirming successful reproduction of the local population. The species demonstrated high ecological plasticity, occupying an altitudinal range from 1,973 to 3,993 m above sea level. A strong positive spatial correlation was revealed between the snow leopard’s distribution and the concentration of ungulates (ibex – 120 independent events, 38% of all records). A total of 320 independent events were recorded for 15 mammal and bird species, with ibex, Himalayan snowcock and Tolai hare dominating. Detailed maps of animal distribution and seasonal dynamics of altitudinal records were compiled, showing predominance in mid- and high-mountain belts. The analysis confirmed a balanced trophic structure of the ecosystem and the presence of rare protected species (lynx, bearded vulture). The obtained materials are of practical value for the development of snow leopard conservation measures and optimisation of management of specially protected natural areas in the Turkestan Range

Keywords

snow leopard; camera traps; population assessment; altitudinal distribution; trophic relationships; spatial analysis; GIS technologies
Suggested citation
Asykulov, T., Sagyndykov, Zh., Kadyrov, O., Makhmutov, S., & Kenzhebaeva, A. (2026). Some monitoring studies of wild animals of the Turkestan Range. Bulletin of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University, 24(2), 51-61. https://doi.org/10.63621/bknau./2.2026.51

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