Researchers at the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve have conducted an autumn visual count of Siberian ibex. The count was the final stage of research to determine the ibex population within the protected area. Siberian ibex living on mountain slopes are the main source of food for the snow leopard, a rare and endangered predator that inhabits this area. 

“In the course of the autumn count, we spotted more than 500 ibex. Their groups are dispersed over the slopes from ridges to the water reservoir. Large ibex groups can be found both at the top and bottom of the mountains. The reason for this is the absence of snow and the rather warm and humid autumn. The amount of precipitation is enough to slake thirst, so the animals do not come down to the reservoir too often,” explained Roman Afanasyev, a senior research fellow at the reserve.

Hoofed animals’ survival rate depends on the snow thickness. While there is no snow in the reserve, ibex can easily forage. Next year’s spring count will show how the population survived the winter.