Poaching Archives - The Altai Project

Steppe eagles

August 26th, 2022

Long-term study sheds light on Steppe eagle migration It’s a rough, but mostly routine, journey for Steppe eagles (Aquila nipalensis) migrating to their winter abodes, according to results of a four-year study. In May 2022 Russia-based ornithologists announced the results of a conservation project launched in 2018 that centered on the Steppe eagle and focused…

Conservation of the sacred Ukok Plateau

December 4th, 2020

Multiple glacier tongues leading up to craggy mountain peaks. A small brilliant turquoise lake is visible.

Ukok is unlike any other place in the world…pristine, magical, and spectacular.

Altaigate. The Final Chapter. (Novaya Gazeta article)

February 20th, 2017

Altai argali sheep skulls (photo by J. Gibbs)

NovayaGazeta.ru: Altaigate. The Final Chapter By Elena Racheva 16 Feb 2017 A helicopter carrying Anatoly Bannykh, well-known organizer of hunting trips for wealthy government officials, has crashed into Lake Teletskoye. This is his second catastrophe. The first cost Bannykh the vice-premier’s seat. Today’s crash, it seems, will have cost much more. The Ministry of Emergency Affairs…

2015 Helicopter crash – poaching again in Kosh-Agach District?

January 28th, 2015

6 years after the 2009 argali poaching scandal, another helicopter of hunters crashes in Kosh-Agach District, accompanied by a Sailyugem National Park ranger. Article examines the background and evidence to date.

Former Poacher Receives 2015 Disney Conservation Hero Award

January 27th, 2015

The Altai Project is thrilled to announce that Altai’s newest snow leopard protector, Mergen Markov, a former poacher, has been honored with a Disney Conservation Hero Award from Disney Conservation Fund!

2015 Field report and photos

January 14th, 2015

Sergei Spitsyn and his team returned from a field expedition with new snow leopard evidence, incredible photos, and the successful removal of poachers’ snares.