Kyrgyzstan has officially declared the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) as its national symbol, indicating its commitment to conservation and ecological balance. President Sadyr Zhaparov, through a signed decree, recognized the snow leopard not only as a symbol of natural wealth and cultural richness but also as an important indicator of the sustainability and health of mountain ecosystems covering a large part of the global territory.
President Zhaparov's order highlights the important role of snow leopards in maintaining ecological balance. The loss of these magnificent creatures in the wild poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems, with potentially harmful effects on various animal species and even human populations.
Snow Leopard
- The snow leopard is historically significant in Kyrgyz culture, appearing in the story of the Kyrgyz folk hero Manas, revered as a symbol of greatness, courage, and resiliency. It is also called 'Ghost of the Mountain'.
- Snow leopards are important for the ecological balance, inhabiting 1/3 of the global area. The decline in their population has increased the threat to various species.
Snow leopards play an important role as apex predators, indicating the health of their high-altitude ecosystems. - Furthermore, they have become increasingly important in assessing the impacts of climate change on mountain environments.
- The well-being of snow leopards is intricately linked to that of many other species and the planet's vast freshwater reserves.