Cheetahs may appear in the Kazakh steppes – scientists are ready to consider a new project to restore the population of rare animal species. The country has approved a long-term Concept for the Conservation of Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, and the area of protected lands has been expanded to 31 million hectares, reports 24KZ .
Roza Satkanova, correspondent:
The Amur tigress Umit, who was released this year in the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve, has become a Kaznet star. An entire miniseries featuring the tiger recounting her daily life on Balkhash has gone viral online. The inspiration for this popular narrative was a fake photo of the animal, supposedly wandering near residential buildings. The Ministry of Ecology hastened to reassure the public: the tigress is under strict 24-hour surveillance with a GPS collar. But views have shown that Kazakhstanis are interested in the idea of the tiger's return.
The return of the Turanian tiger to Kazakhstan was one of the main themes of the Head of State's speech at the recent COP17 Biodiversity Summit in Yerevan. The President emphasized that this is an important step in the recovery of this extinct species.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
There are also encouraging signs of recovery in the snow leopard population—a majestic symbol of the natural wealth of our mountains. About 70% of this species' habitat in our country is in protected areas. Thanks to reliable and ongoing protection and systematic scientific monitoring, the snow leopard population has increased from critically low levels in the 1990s to approximately 190 individuals.
The decision was made to restore the snow leopard population in the Altyn-Emel Nature Park. It is home to 70 mammal species, more than half of which, including the kulan, argali, snow leopard, Tien Shan brown bear, and Turkestan lynx, are listed in the Red Book. Incidentally, the kulan population has increased more than 100-fold over the past few decades. The success of this project has inspired scientists: they are now discussing another ambitious goal: restoring the country's cheetah population.
Vera Voronova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Biodiversity Association:
"In fact, the cheetah has long lived here, and the saiga was one of its food sources. Saigas learned to run so fast to outrun the cheetah. And such a wild cat would be interesting for restoration. The only thing is, we have no other sources of wild life left in the world—the cheetah that once lived here, this subspecies now lives in Iran. But given the unfavorable geopolitical situation, it's unclear how such a reintroduction project could be carried out. The climate in Africa doesn't suit us. But on the other hand, this isn't some dream. Kazakhstan is the only country in the world that is reintroducing tigers, so perhaps the cheetah will be the next step."
Another project is to reintroduce Przewalski's horses. Incidentally, this is the only remaining wild horse species. Seven individuals were brought from Prague Zoo to the Altyn Dala Nature Reserve two years ago. They have adapted successfully: now, 22 horses inhabit the Toragay steppes. Experts call the restoration of the saiga population a true achievement in biodiversity conservation. Twenty years ago, only 21,000 steppe antelopes remained in the country. By the spring of this year, their numbers had grown to almost 5 million—98% of the global population. However, today another question arises: how to find a balance between nature and human economic activity?
Saken Dildahmet, independent environmentalist and commentator:
"The saiga population has grown dramatically in recent years. There have been some encounters with farms. The main problem is the shortening of migration routes. The authorities have converted former migration routes into agricultural land. Conflicts of interest must be considered and studied. Not only farmers but also zoologists must work to address these migration routes."
Scientists believe that any infrastructure project should be launched only after assessing the potential risk to biodiversity. No program to reintroduce rare species will be successful if the animals have no place to live and nothing to eat.
Vera Voronova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Biodiversity Association:
One of the global issues is how to integrate biodiversity conservation into other economic sectors—agricultural development, water resource management. How to develop routes so they don't harm migratory wildlife, such as saiga antelopes and goitered gazelles in the southern regions. When we expand cropland, we're effectively taking away suitable habitats from steppe bird and animal species.
Experts suggest linking eco-projects with tourism. For example, steppe safaris could provide additional income for villagers. To support long-term programs, they proposed establishing an International Fund for the Conservation of Rare Species.
