The rare predators were spotted during a routine inspection of the reserve's territory by staff from the Naryn regional department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision.
The video footage shows the three snow leopards calmly traversing a mountain slope, heading towards the higher parts of the mountain.
Conservation efforts in the region
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, the Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions are among the primary habitats for these animals. Ongoing conservation work in these areas is vital for protecting biological diversity and rare species.
The snow leopard serves as one of the national symbols of Kyrgyzstan. Efforts to protect the species include specialized facilities, such as the 'Ak Ilbirs' scientific research and rehabilitation center, which opened on October 23, 2026, in the village of Ananyeve, Issyk-Kul region.
Context
The Naryn region, where the sighting occurred, has a population of approximately 314,900 people as of 2025. The snow leopard is a protected species central to Kyrgyzstan's natural heritage.
