Conservation
A Case Study in Snow Leopard Conservation
Snow Leopard Conservation
This project gives central Sacred Species a clear voice to guide us back into right relationship with all of life.
Results.
When this project first began in Kyrgyzstan, there were no recorded Snow Leopards remaining in the region. One decade later, scientists have now tracked 23 Snow Leopards (a viable population is 14).
Background.
The majority of Western scientists now agree that the loss of keystone species will dramatically increase global extinction rates; we are in a time of mass extinctions.
Certain life forms, often a keystone species are sacred to indigenous peoples. These Central Sacred Species present a body of knowledge and ways leading to balanced relationship with life. Conventional Conservation regards these apex beings and the cascade of relationships that flow from their existence as essential to healthy ecosystems.
Methods.
Conservationists and Indigenous Cultural Practitioners have been partnering in Kyrgyzstan for more than a decade, working to find ways to bridge Western and Indigenous Science through networking, scientific and spiritual gatherings, and through funding initiatives in partnership with conservation organizations, and local partners. Bridging the Western scientific community and local Indigenous communities has helped bring new methods of conservation to the area, resulting in increased and viable Snow Leopard populations.
