News & Events
Stay up to date on what’s happening in Altai and at The Altai Project.
Traditional Wisdom for Future Generations
Blending nature and conservation with traditional knowledge is the goal of the AruSvaty Educational Center for Traditional Altaian Wisdom.
Lake Kindyktykul
Lake Kindyktykul (“Kin-dik-tik-kool”) borders Chikhachev Ridge in southeastern Altai and is home to over 20 species of endangered birds.
January 2015 Heli Crash – Poaching Again in Kosh-Agach District?
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 Disney Conservation Hero Award
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!
The Story of Aduchi – A Snow Leopard Encounter
Aduchi lives with his family in the small but tidy indigenous Altaian village of Inegen on the shores of the tumultuous Argut River.
On Our Mind
Plans for 2015 – Pipelines, mining, raptor and snow leopard conservation, and much more!
Sergei’s report and photos from the field
Sergei Spitsyn and his team returned from a field expedition with new snow leopard evidence, incredible photos, and the successful removal of poachers’ snares.
On Our Mind
We at The Altai Project remain deeply concerned about potentially irreversible damage to sacred lands and complex ecosystems.
A visit with an Altaian artisan
35+ artisans have come together in the village of Kupchegen to form a cooperative venture
Highlights from Jennifer’s Trip to Altai
Each time I travel to Altai, the trips combine field work and office meetings, and I try to meet as many people as possible to gain new perspectives. This year was no exception.
A Conversation with Danil Mamyev
This year The Altai Project has had the pleasure to spend time more time than usual with our partner, Danil Mamyev. He kindly agreed to answer a few questions about his work.
Why Keep Altai in the Spotlight?
Altai is a biological and ecological gold mine but also has deep cultural roots that sets it apart from other parts of the world. One way to think about why Altai is important is that its landscape is ecologically on par with the Amazonian rainforest, Antarctica, and other large unique ecosystems.
Community-Led Big Cat Protection – Thank You, Disney!
Thanks to Senior Researcher at Altaisky State Nature Reserve Sergei Spitsyn’s efforts to stop poaching and assess the population, we estimate the population has grown to 5-8 cats – a tremendous improvement!
A Note from Jennifer Castner
Many of you are aware of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia’s role in that conflict, and Russia’s complicated image on the global commons. You may also know that President Putin and his government are continuing to actively limit freedom of the media, freedom of association, free speech, civil rights, and undermine previously effective environmental and […]
A Conversation with Don Weeden, Executive Director of the Weeden Foundation
How did you first learn about The Altai Project? I inherited The Altai Project when I came on as Executive Director of the Weeden Foundation 12 years ago. I knew virtually nothing about Altai at that time. Upon educating myself, I was impressed with the potential for landscape-scale conservation in Altai and the availability of […]
UPDATE: Balancing Conservation and Hunting in Altai
Russian Ministry of Natural Resources considers allowing trophy-hunting for Altai argali. In response, Altai Republic considers a ban on all sport-hunting in Altai for 2-3 years.
Russian Ministry of Natural Resources Wants to Delist Argali Sheep and Allow Trophy-hunting
Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources will consider a highly controversial proposal to delist the Altai argali mountain sheep from Red Book protection and specifically permit trophy-hunting.
From Poacher to Protector
In 2010, Sergei Spitsyn, director of Arkhar NGO and a senior scientist at Altaisky State Nature Reserve, pinpointed the locations of two snow leopards in the Argut River basin via sign survey and camera-trapping. In 2013, with Sergei’s leadership and expertise, The Altai Project began a radical initiative to identify and engage poachers in snow […]
Bryn Mawr Alumnae Bulletin features Jennifer Castner
Read the article featuring our work at the link below.
Not Just Any Kittens!
Did somebody say kittens? Snow leopard kittens? Incredible new photos!
Sponsor a Snow Leopard
Learn more about the launch of our new Sponsor a Snow Leopard program!
Wild Altai Expedition 2013
A sampling of images taken during our 2013 Wild Altai Expedition
First photograph of a rare snow leopard in Altai Republic, Russia
Learn about a live snow leopard sighting during the 2013 Wild Altai Expedition.
Ukok Pipeline Update: One step forward for Ukok, one step back for sacred sites
In May 2013, Gazprom tabled plans to build the Altai gas pipeline through 2015. At the same time, Altai Republic overturned an earlier decree protecting sacred sites.
Update on Mongol the snow leopard
Last heard about on this website in March 2011, Mongol is in the news once again. He was captured in March 2013 in Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve to receive a new satellite-tracking collar and to undergo a veterinary exam and have samples collected.
First video footage of Altai snow leopards
Our partner and snow leopard expert Sergei Spitsyn recently provided us with the first ever video footage of a snow leopard on Chikhachev Ridge in southeastern Altai Republic. Video footage of snow leopards is important not only to provide clear evidence of which snow leopards are visiting and how they behave, but it also allows […]
Prevent Poaching Today – Donate!
Make a tax-deductible gift to keep poachers out of snow leopard habitat. We urgently need your support for patrols this winter.
New Ak-Cholushpa Nature Park gets a quick start
Newly-formed Ak-Cholushpa Nature Park on the southern shores of Lake Teletskoye has received a start-up grant from the UNDP’s Altai Sayan climate change program.
Visiting Altai: Land of the Snow Leopard
“Land of the Snow Leopard” describes a tourist travel route with waypoints in the Argut River valley and along the Sailyugem Ridge in Altai Republic, Mongun-Taiga Mountain and Tsagan-Shibetu Ridge in Tyva Republic, and snow leopard and argali habitat in Mongolian Altai. There are opportunities for wildlife viewing, diverse recreation, car camping, and cultural activities […]
Altai Republic officials approve pipeline construction despite legal questions
Altai Republic takes several steps to push the Altai pipeline project ahead despite the absence of a signed agreement between Russia and China and many questions concerning the legality of these moves. Click to read more of this update.
Help support Altai’s nature and people.
Donate Generously
Help grassroots conservation efforts in Altai, Altaian indigenous peoples, public education and outreach in Altai and abroad, and efforts to protect sacred sites and cultural monuments.
Volunteer With Us
Contact us to learn more. We are often able to develop rewarding internships and volunteer projects for enthusiastic and independent-minded volunteers.