Ilbirs Foundation
A Kyrgyz foundation that studies snow leopards and marmots in the mountains and how climate change affects them.
What it is
Ilbirs is a Kyrgyz conservation foundation registered in 2016. The name means "snow leopard" in Kyrgyz, and the big cat is at the centre of its work. The foundation does field research on snow leopards, their prey species and marmots, studies how climate change affects the mountains and the people who live there, supports protected areas and runs environmental education.
Why we picked it
The news feed reads like an expedition diary. In summer 2026, with support from Germany's NABU, the team introduced the SMART monitoring system at Saimaluu-Tash Nature Park and trained park staff. A research group travelled through Chatkal, Aksy, Batken, Alay and other districts, meeting residents of eight villages to learn how a changing climate affects herding families.
It isn't only science. For anyone who wants to see Kyrgyzstan's wildlife first-hand, Ilbirs offers ecotours to the Shumkar-Tor viewing platform in Chon-Kemin, which the foundation describes as the first project of its kind in the country. A section on local conservation groups helps you see who else is working to protect the mountains.
Where to start
- Open News for reports on field trips, trainings and conferences, in Russian and Kyrgyz.
- Read About Us for the foundation's goals, from snow leopard conservation to work with local communities.
- Check Ecotours if you'd like a nature trip to Chon-Kemin.
- Browse the list of local conservation organisations.
Who it's for
Anyone fascinated by snow leopards and Tian Shan wildlife, ecology students and researchers, journalists covering the environment in Central Asia, and travellers who prefer quiet ecotourism to busy group tours.
Quick answers
Is the site in English? There is an English version, but most news is in Russian, with some posts in Kyrgyz.
Can I visit the mountains with Ilbirs? Yes, the foundation runs trips to the Shumkar-Tor viewpoint in Chon-Kemin; contact details are on the Ecotours page.
Does Ilbirs work only on snow leopards? No. It also studies marmots and climate change and helps protected areas with wildlife monitoring.
