Kazakhstan Creates Rare Animal Database
Kazakhstan Completes Unified Database of Rare and Endangered Animal Species
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has recently completed a significant project focusing on the creation of a unified database of rare and endangered animal species, as reported by Kazinform on March 12.
Marina Chirikova, the deputy director general for science at the Institute of Zoology, stated that this project successfully integrates 2,959 records into a single information system for the first time. The system includes 217 interactive maps based on geoinformation data, which are now a part of the new edition of the Red Book. Additionally, a web portal dedicated to rare species is currently under development, along with new animal monitoring methods in protected areas.
A notable achievement of this project is the establishment of a cryobiological collection, which houses 19 rare vertebrates including the snow leopard, Tugai deer (Bactrian deer), porcupine, steppe eagle, and white-tailed eagle.
Director General at the Institute of Zoology, Roman Jashenko, highlighted the successful recovery of Kazakhstan’s antelope population, which has increased from 21,000 in 2003 to nearly four million today. Kazakhstan now proudly hosts 99% of the world’s saiga population.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan is actively pursuing conservation programs for species such as the Houbara bustard and saker falcon. Reproduction centers for these species have been established in different regions of the country, contributing to their recovery and conservation.
Currently, Kazakhstan lists 227 rare and endangered species, with ongoing research leading to a proposal to reduce the number to 217 due to improvements in some populations. Notably, 21 species have been removed from the Red Book, while 11 new species have been added.
The preservation of the snow leopard, an important symbol of Almaty, receives special attention in Kazakhstan. Conservation efforts include protecting 70% of its habitat and utilizing camera traps and satellite telemetry to monitor populations. The number of snow leopards has increased significantly from critically low levels in the 1990s.
Looking towards the future, Kazakhstan has initiated large-scale projects to restore the tiger and Przewalski’s horse, both of which historically inhabited the country but were eradicated.
Despite these successes, some species remain at risk in Kazakhstan. The populations of the griffon vulture and black vulture have declined significantly, while the jungle cat is now confirmed as endangered with minimal presence in the country.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s efforts towards the conservation and protection of rare and endangered species are commendable, with ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at ensuring the preservation of the country’s biodiversity.
