- Fresh snow leopard tracks detected in Syunik’s Zangezur Biosphere Complex during monitoring by the Environment Ministry.
- Observations are conducted in collaboration with WWF-Armenia to study biodiversity and support conservation.
- Adverse weather conditions did not prevent documentation on the first day, indicating the species’ presence in the region.
- The finding underscores conservation importance for Armenia’s unique fauna.
In the Zangezur Biosphere Complex, which falls under the oversight of Armenia’s Ministry of Environment, ongoing monitoring activities have yielded fresh tracks attributed to the snow leopard. The discovery was announced by the ministry as part of a broader program to observe wildlife and biodiversity within the protected area.
The fieldwork is being conducted in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Armenia), reflecting a shared commitment to biodiversity research and nature conservation. The partnership underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard Armenia’s unique ecosystems and the animal species that inhabit them.
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, the monitoring team documented the fresh tracks on the first day of observation, signaling that this rare species may still be present in the region. Officials emphasized that early findings like these are significant for understanding habitat use and distribution within the Biosphere Complex and for guiding future conservation actions.
The ministry noted that the find highlights the continued ecological value of the Zangezur complex and reinforces the need for robust conservation measures to protect snow leopard habitat and the broader biodiversity of the area. Researchers said the work forms part of an ongoing effort to document biodiversity and inform management decisions within the biosphere complex, with data to be used to support long-term conservation planning.
Officials also indicated that monitoring and biodiversity studies will continue, with the involvement of international partners such as WWF-Armenia aimed at strengthening Armenia’s capacity to protect its wildlife. The program seeks to expand knowledge about species distribution, habitat requirements, and the overall health of ecosystems in this strategically important region.
The fresh tracks offer a cautious but important sign that the snow leopard persists in Syunik, and they highlight the value of sustained monitoring and international partnership to safeguard Armenia’s biodiversity for future generations.