Kazakhstan Argali Sheep Conservation Initiative
As a part of SCI Foundation’s International Conservation Strategy for Wild Sheep and Goats, this new agreement with Kazakhstan is just the first of what we hope will be many international agreements. SCIF and Wild Sheep Foundation have ongoing conservation efforts in North America, Europe, and Asia. This long-term approach to wild sheep and goat conservation provides a model for future cooperative agreements. Engaging relevant government agency representatives and local stakeholders along with hunters will ensure that a science-based approach to wildlife management can be followed rather than an emotion or politically-based approach. As Wild Sheep Foundation President & CEO Gray N. Thornton once stated, “We are proud to work hand-in-hand with SCIF as conservation partners and teammates to conserve these iconic species not only in North America but around the globe.”
Species involved: Tian Shen Argali
Main project partner: Republic of Kazakhstan, Wild Sheep Foundation
Total SCIF Investment: $5,000 plus over $300,000 has been contributed towards conservation through the sale of hunting permits
Year SCIF began involvement: 2017 (Project timeline: 2017-2018)
Project Objectives
- Build Kazakhstan ownership and political will of stakeholders (citizens, local communities, private landholders, and Kazakhstan government agencies) in the a program for community-based conservation of argali sheep.
- Determine wild sheep seasonal habitat use and population movement patterns.
Anticipated Outcomes
This project seeks to promote long-term conservation of Tien Shen argali through the formation of community-based sustainable use concessions funded by the Kazakhstan Conservation Management Fee (KCMF). The project will establish wild sheep conservation management strategies based on scientific knowledge from Kazakhstan and other comparable jurisdictions.
Since 2000, SCI Foundation has provided more than $80 million to promote science-based conservation through wildlife research, capacity building in governments, youth and teacher education, and humanitarian programs that show the importance of the hunting community in society around the world. Growth of SCI Foundation has continued to gain momentum through charitable donations from SCIF and SCI members. Throughout the world, SCI’s approximately 50,000 members and 190 chapters contribute time, talent, and financial support to local, national, and international projects.