OCTOBER 23 INTERNATIONAL SNOW LEOPARD DAY

International Snow Leopard Day was established on the initiative of countries that are part of the snow leopard's habitat.

The first International Snow Leopard Day was celebrated on October 23, 2014. Its goal is to draw attention to the importance of protecting the snow leopard population, to consolidate the efforts of environmental organizations in the snow leopard's habitat, and to remind people of the importance of taking measures to prevent poaching.

On October 23, 2013, at the First World Snow Leopard Forum, held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), the Bishkek Declaration on the Conservation of the Snow Leopard was adopted.

It was signed by representatives of 12 countries in the snow leopard's habitat: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The snow leopard or snow leopard is otherwise known as the irbis - a mammal of the cat family.

This unique animal is listed in the International Red Book due to its small numbers and the risk of becoming an endangered species. At present, the population of snow leopards in the world is from 4080 to 6590 individuals. The total number of leopards in Tajikistan is from 350 to 400 individuals.

On the eve of this significant day, the National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan held an International Conference on “Preservation of Snow Leopard Ecosystems” under the slogan “Snow Leopard – National Treasure of Tajikistan”, which was attended by more than 250 guests, including the Deputy Prime Minister of the country, the First Deputy of the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of authoritative international and national organizations, national and international scientists and specialists, representatives of ministries and departments, international organizations and representatives of local communities.

The conference featured presentations and reports on issues of preserving snow leopard ecosystems, its prey species, methods and technologies for monitoring and controlling ecosystems using modern technologies and equipment, the state of mountain forests, pastures and methods of their restoration, and studying snow snow leopard and ecosystems. International experts presented videos and other information related to the snow leopard, ecosystems and, in general, the activities carried out to protect the environment and sustainable use of biodiversity.

The Conference participants highly appreciated the importance and timeliness of this event, during which issues of multilateral cooperation in the snow leopard habitat, conducting scientific research, joint monitoring and creating a unified system for recording the snow leopard and its prey, as well as strengthening work on raising awareness and awareness of the local population were discussed.

Representatives of the Center noted that the Republic of Tajikistan has signed a number of agreements on the protection of snow leopard ecosystems and wild animals, which contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and rare species of flora and fauna, as well as the sustainable use of the country's biodiversity. International scientists and experts presented their reports and presentations on the results of initiatives implemented at the international level and achievements in the conservation of snow leopard ecosystems and their hunting objects, restoration of forests and pastures, and international experience and skills in general. A thematic exhibition was organized within the framework of the conference, where the achievements of the center were presented in the form of publications, books, albums, paintings, and a photo exhibition. Scientists and experts were interviewed about the importance of snow leopard conservation both nationally and internationally.