Kazakh Kolsay Lakes Park Inspectors Snap Rare Snow Leopard

A rare snow leopard has been captured on smartphone cameras by inspectors at Kolsay Lakes State National Nature Park.

During a routine patrol in the Taushelek forestry area along the Chilik River, state inspectors Omar Amiriyev and Keldaulet Duisen documented tracks of the snow leopard, which is listed in Kazakhstan’s Red List, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

They also photographed roe deer and a deer, highlighting the park’s thriving wildlife.

“These images show that the national park’s natural wealth is being preserved and that wildlife continues to thrive in a stable environment. Protecting nature is a shared responsibility,” the park said.

Kazakhstan is home to about 189 snow leopards in nine specially protected areas, including national parks and nature reserves, which are vital for preserving ecosystems and rare species. Earlier, five rare species, including the snow leopard, were spotted in Ile-Alatau National Park.