Kazakhstan's next steps in implementing its obligations under the Bonn Convention

In 2005, Kazakhstan acceded to the international Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS, or Bonn Convention), under which it has obligations to conserve populations of migratory species as well as to provide pathways for unimpeded transboundary migration of wildlife.

Areas adjacent to Kazakhstan's state border with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are known to be home to rare animal species, including gazelles, urials, kulans and leopards. Border wire fences (BWFs) are a serious obstacle to migrating ungulates, causing injury and death to these rare animals.

In 2021, with the support of the ASBK, a rapid assessment of the impact of BWFs on ungulate migration was conducted, and recommendations were developed for the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Border Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan on the construction of passages in BWFs in ungulate migration areas.

In 2023, as part of the project on the study and protection of the Persian leopard in Kazakhstan, an agreement was reached with the management of the Border Guard Service on the creation of the first model passes in the BWF, installed from the side of Kazakhstan on the sections of the state border with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan within the Mangistau and Kyzylorda regions of Kazakhstan. Photographs obtained with the help of camera traps installed at such passages confirmed the effectiveness of such a measure, animals actively use such passages.

Kulan near the passage to the BWF from the Uzbekistan side. © BRCC/ACBK/CXL

The project team continues to work on increasing the number of passes in the BWFs, actively cooperating with the Border Guard Service of Kazakhstan, as well as preparing documentation for the creation of a southern cluster in the Ustyurt Reserve, the territory of which is key for the conservation of kulan and other ungulates in the territory of Mangistau region.

Read more about the project's achievements and plans at the link.