Researchers at the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve have conducted the annual spring count of Siberian ibex in the coastal area between the Kara-Kem River and the ranger station of the village of Shugur.

The experts said the number of the animals had substantially increased compared to the previous years. “This is mostly likely due to less snow in winter, which makes it easier for the animals to get food and survive,” the scientists said.

In all, the experts counted 83 groups of ibex totalling 608 animals (65 males, 306 females, 173 young born this year and 64 born over a year ago).

The spring visual count of Siberian ibex is the first part of analysing the population of these hoofed mammals, to be followed by a survey on open mountain slopes and in the river valley, monitoring of the animals through the summer and a concluding autumn count from the water area. The data will allow the scientists to do an in-depth assessment of the ibex population in the nature reserve.

Siberian ibex, the main food of the snow leopards, are crucial for the survival of snow leopards living in the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve.