Famous snow leopard caught on video

Tengrinews.kz — The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has provided an update on a snow leopard that was fitted with a satellite collar in February. The department shared unique footage of the animal and reported on its condition.

Video

The video of the snow leopard was published on the official Telegram channel of the Ministry of Ecology.

According to the ministry, the predator was captured by a camera trap in the Ile-Alatau National Park.

Based on the timestamp in the footage, the video was recorded on April 19. The recording shows the snow leopard calmly walking past the camera trap. A satellite collar, fitted this February to track the animal's movements in the wild, is visible around its neck.

Current status of the snow leopard

According to the Ministry of Ecology, the snow leopard continues to move within its natural habitat.

"Based on satellite telemetry data, the snow leopard is exhibiting natural behavior typical of its species. This data allows for the study of its adaptation to the natural environment. Additionally, specialists are continuously monitoring the predator's condition using camera traps," the statement reads.

Over three months of observation, the predator has demonstrated normal feeding behavior and is in good physical condition.

The ministry explained that monitoring the snow leopard with a satellite collar is essential for tracking its movements and ensuring more effective real-time protection of the rare species.

Context

In Kazakhstan, satellite telemetry is used to track rare animal species, including the saiga antelope, snow leopard, kulan, argali, Bukhara deer, goitered gazelle, and the Tien Shan brown bear. Monitoring also covers several migratory bird species: the greylag and white-fronted goose, red-breasted goose, Caspian gull, Pallas's gull, relict gull, and Caspian tern.

In February of this year, the aforementioned snow leopard "took up residence" in the Big Almaty Gorge. For three days, the predator remained at a critically low altitude. Scientists and park staff had to protect the predator from curious tourists and photographers. Eventually, the leopard was fitted with a satellite collar, after which it moved higher into the mountains.