Kazakhstan Commits to Restoring and Preserving Endangered Wildlife

Astana, April 8, 2025 – Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its global leadership in wildlife conservation through ambitious efforts to restore endangered animal species and expand protected natural areas. Significant progress has been made in increasing populations of iconic species, including the snow leopard, Przewalski’s horse, and the Houbara bustard.

Speaking at the National Kurultai (Congress) on March 14 in Burabai, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that protecting biodiversity is an urgent priority for Kazakhstan. “The burden on the ecosystem has increased. I instruct the government to comprehensively study the situation with the participation of specialists and make a balanced decision,” he stated, addressing concerns about the growing saiga antelope population. While the species has made a strong recovery due to stricter anti-poaching laws introduced in 2019, new challenges have emerged, including its impact on agriculture and potential disease risks.

Kazakhstan is leading efforts to reintroduce the Turan tiger to the Balkhash region, a project requiring careful environmental and economic planning. There is also growing momentum to preserve and expand the snow leopard population, and to bolster protections for vulnerable species such as the Caspian seal and pink flamingo, which remain under threat from human activity. To support long-term conservation, a new Fund for the Protection of Biological Diversity has been proposed. “I am ready to personally head this public organisation to emphasize the special importance of this great work,” said President Tokayev.

Since independence, Kazakhstan has expanded protected natural areas from 869,000 to 30.9 million hectares, reinforcing its long-term commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Snow Leopard and Przewalski’s Horse Conservation: A Global Model

Kazakhstan’s innovative approach to protecting the snow leopard, a globally threatened species, has gained international attention. Advanced monitoring technologies, including video traps and satellite telemetry, have been deployed, enabling precise population tracking. Eleven snow leopards have been fitted with satellite collars to support habitat management efforts.

“Thanks to dedicated conservation measures, the snow leopard population has more than doubled since the critical 1990s, now exceeding 180 individuals,” said Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, in December last year. “Our work continues through expanded cross-border and international collaboration.”

The reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse, extinct in the wild by the late 1960s, is another success story. In partnership with international organisations, seven Przewalski’s horses were transported from the Prague Zoo to Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Reserve in June last year. Plans are underway to reintroduce 40 horses by 2029, restoring this species to its historical habitat across nine Kazakh regions.

Houbara Bustard and Turan Tiger Conservation

In cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan has established a Houbara Bustard Reproduction Center in Turkistan. Since 2009, the centre has released nearly 73,000 Houbara bustards into the wild, reinforcing efforts to sustain this vulnerable species.

Kazakhstan’s Turan Tiger Restoration Program aims to reintroduce the majestic tiger to its native habitat in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. Since 2018, 205 Tugai deer, along with more than 100 kulans, have been relocated to the reserve to restore the natural prey base. Two tigers arrived from the Netherlands for enclosure breeding, with three to four more expected from Russia this year.

Global Collaboration and Future Goals

Kazakhstan’s wildlife conservation achievements result from collaborative partnerships with international organizations, scientific institutions, and conservation experts. As global challenges such as climate change and habitat loss intensify, Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its mission to preserve biodiversity and restore endangered species.

Kazakhstan’s conservation success underscores its role as a global environmental leader. Through continued scientific research, international cooperation, and proactive wildlife management, the country is setting a benchmark for conservation programs worldwide.