Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers is submitting for public discussion a draft law “On recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic.”
The snow leopard is a rare and vulnerable species that inhabits the high mountain areas of the country, in the Issyk-Kul and Naryn regions, and among other peaks in the Ala-Too mountain range. It is already an important symbol of Kyrgyz national identity, widely represented in culture and folklore.
Lawmakers propose to use the snow leopard in cultural diplomacy, and to promote Kyrgyzstan on the international stage.
Elena Bosler-Guseva, the Bishkek-based author of the children’s book In the Footsteps of the Little Snow Leopard Brothers, told The Times of Central Asia: “The snow leopard has always been a sacred animal for Kyrgyz. The Kyrgyz people’s nomadic culture is characterized by its special relationship with the natural world, and it has long been believed that they watch over our warriors to protect them. They represent beauty, strength and freedom in our legends and fairy-tales.”
For the reclusive cat to be officially adopted as a national symbol, coordinated action is needed between government agencies, scientific and educational institutions, public and international organizations. A key aim of the draft law is to further protect the species, as well as maintain its sustainable coexistence with humans.
It is hoped that the snow leopard’s new status will make it easier to increase the snow leopard population, allow more protected areas to be created, and generate more resources for Kyrgyzstan’s authorities to monitor their habitats and combat poaching.
Bosler-Guseva expanded on how the government’s proposed law will help snow leopards themselves, adding: “Sadyr Japarov’s order to recognise them as Kyrgyzstan’s national symbol will strengthen the government’s support for initiatives to protect the snow leopard and its habitat”.