Endangered Persian Leopards Show Resilient Growth in Turkmenistan Following Comprehensive Camera Trap Survey

Good news for wildlife! Persian leopard numbers are rising in Turkmenistan, with 60–80 individuals spotted in new camera trap surveys. Learn about this 2026 recovery.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 8:08 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from the Good News Network

Encouraging Results from the Field

In a significant win for Central Asian biodiversity, the endangered Persian leopard (also known as the Caucasian or Anatolian leopard) is mounting a steady comeback in Turkmenistan. A broad camera trap network expanded last year by Conservation X Labs—a Washington, D.C.-based conservation financier—has provided fresh data on this elusive subspecies. The survey estimates that between 60 and 80 leopards now roam the country’s nature reserves, a notable increase from previous counts. This growth suggests that despite the 21st-century challenges of habitat fragmentation, these big cats are finding ways to thrive in the region's reclusive landscapes.

Strategic Recolonization Zones

The survey highlighted two primary strongholds for the leopards within Turkmenistan:

The Kopetdag Mountains: Stretching along the rugged border with Iran.

The Garabogazgol Region: Situated along the Caspian Sea near the border with Kazakhstan.