Western Tian Shan Prepares for Winter Wildlife Census

July 15, 2020

Representatives of seven specially protected nature areas (SPNAs) of the Western Tian Shan at the ceremony of handing over of field gear and optical equipment. Photo: UNDP Kyrgyzstan

UNDP donated binoculars to Sary-Chelek, Padysh-Ata, Dashman, Besh-Aral and Saimaluu-Tash Protected Areas. Alatai and Kan-Achuu Nature Parks additionally received sleeping bags and winter tents. Such support was provided as part of the UNDP-GEF five-year project to safeguard the biodiversity of ​​the Western Tian Shan

Atai Kambaraliev, an engineer at the Kan-Achuu State Nature Park, expressed confidence that using the binoculars with wider capabilities will make it easier for park rangers to observe wild animals without disturbing them, and will allow them to detect poachers as well.

“In October, we will begin the annual winter wildlife counting. That will last until December. Now we have winter tents and sleeping bags. During previous year’s winter counting, we had to spend the night in caves, constantly carry blankets. In general, we somehow managed to cope with winter cold. As you know, the natural and climate conditions in Kan Achuu are quite severe,” says Atai Kambaraliev.

This is not the first support of the project to strengthen the environmental activities of specially protected nature areas. Alatai and Kan-Achuu Nature Parks previously received new SUVs and office equipment. The rangers are also equipped with communication devices, field uniforms, optics, expedition gear and horses.

Rangers of Alatai State Nature Park received communication devices, optics, camera traps, expedition equipment and horses in 2018. Photo: Mirlan Dyikanbaev / UNDP Kyrgyzstan

About the Project

UNDP is currently implementing the project “Conservation of globally important biodiversity and associated land and forest resources of Western Tian Shan mountain ecosystems to support sustainable livelihoods”, which is aimed at preserving unique natural complexes and biodiversity, to promote the protection of rare and endangered species of fauna and flora. The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and is being implemented in partnership with the State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. Read more about the project here.

About the Western Tian Shan

Western Tian Shan is a mountain system characterized by a high level of endemism and rich flora and fauna. The region is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. It is one of the 34 global Biodiversity Hotspots and is included in the world Ecoregion rating of Global 200 according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The territory of the Western Tian Shan is inhabited by 27 species of animals that are on the verge of extinction and 54 red book species of plants grow here.