A snow leopard in the Ile-Alatau National Park near Almaty was fitted with a satellite collar after people began approaching the animal too closely, QazMonitor reports.
Visitors were gathering near the Big Almaty Gorge, close to a road, despite warnings from park staff and scientists. They made noise and flew drones near the predator, causing stress to the endangered snow leopard and creating potential danger for humans, as the animal was guarding prey.
To prevent incidents, specialists temporarily captured the snow leopard, fitted it with a satellite collar, and collected biological samples to assess its health. All procedures were performed under short-term anesthesia following international veterinary and ethical standards.
The collar, installed by the Institute of Zoology with the Ile-Alatau National Park, Almaty Zoo, and Snow Leopard Foundation, allows experts to track the predator’s movements near urban areas, respond if it enters risky zones, and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. It has a remote automatic release feature and will detach in one to two years.
Lab tests confirmed the snow leopard is fully healthy. After the procedures, it returned to its natural roaming area.
Experts remind residents and visitors to follow safety rules in the mountains and respect wildlife.
