The snow leopard, also known as the irbis, is one of the rare animal species of Tajikistan and is listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The total area of the snow leopard’s distribution in Tajikistan covers 87,000 square kilometers, with 70% of its habitats located in eastern Badakhshan. These 70% represent the territory of Tajikistan and approximately 3% of the global range of this rare species.
The snow leopard is a large predator, mainly inhabiting mountainous regions at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 meters above sea level. Therefore, it is considered the highest-dwelling big cat species in the world.
The irbis is well adapted to cold environments, which is why it is often called the “snow leopard.” In winter, its fur turns grayish, providing excellent camouflage. Its dense, soft coat protects it from extreme cold. In summer, the fur becomes almost white. The snow leopard has a slender, long, and flexible body, relatively short legs, a small head, and a very long tail. The total body length, including the tail, reaches 2–2.3 meters, and the animal can weigh up to 55 kilograms.
In Tajikistan, to protect and prevent the decline in the population of snow leopards, the species has been included in the Red Book of Tajikistan. In addition, the State Program for the Conservation of the Snow Leopard for 2024–2028 has been adopted, within the framework of which scientific research is being conducted. According to the current legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan, illegal hunting of snow leopards entails both administrative and criminal liability.
In Tajikistan, the snow leopard mainly inhabits the mountains of the Pamirs, as well as the Turkestan, Zeravshan, Gissar, Karategin, Hazrat Shoh, Vakhsh, Darvoz, Vanj, Yazgulom, Rushon, Shohdara, Pshart, Muzkul, and Sarikul ranges, and also in the southern and northern parts of Alichur.
Besides Tajikistan, the snow leopard is also found in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, India, Russia, and China.
