The number of Persian leopards in Turkmenistan is estimated at 60–80 individuals

Persian leopard in Turkmenistan (Photo: Report on the Assessment of the State of Wildlife and Specially Protected Natural Areas of Turkmenistan for 2025)

According to the results of 2025, Turkmenistan recorded significant progress in the field of wildlife conservation. The minimum estimated population of the Persian leopard, a key indicator of the condition of mountain ecosystems, reached 60–80 individuals. This is stated in the Report on the Assessment of the State of Wildlife and Specially Protected Natural Areas of Turkmenistan for 2025. The report was prepared with the participation of international and local experts, as well as specialists from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

In Turkmenistan, the Persian leopard mainly inhabits mountainous and foothill regions. Its range includes the Kopetdag Mountains along the border with Iran, the Greater Balkhan Mountains, the southern coast of the Garabogaz Gulf, the Badkhyz and Syunt-Hasardag State Nature Reserves, as well as certain parts of the Balkhan Range and the Kopetdag. These areas maintain suitable habitats and sufficient food resources for the species.

In 2025, law enforcement measures were strengthened in specially protected natural areas, the use of camera traps was expanded, and the SMART monitoring system was introduced, significantly increasing the effectiveness of monitoring activities.

At the international level, Turkmenistan has further strengthened the fulfilment of its conservation commitments by participating in the CITES Convention, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and the implementation of the updated CAMI Programme of Work for 2026–2032.

The report emphasizes that the increase in the number of large predators directly depends on the status of ungulate populations such as the goitered gazelle and the mountain goat. Ungulates continue to face pressure from poaching and habitat degradation. Limited food availability constrains the growth of leopard and other predator populations.

In addition to the Persian leopard, populations of caracal, Pallas’s cat, gazelle, mountain goat, rodents, badgers, and rare bird species are preserved within Turkmenistan’s specially protected natural areas.

Photos: “Team Bars Turkmenistan”, Tatyana Rozen, Atamurad Veyisov