Latest news with #TimesofCentralAsia
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after rare species makes an unbelievable comeback: 'Rebounded to near-historic levels'
Kazakhstan's snow leopard population is on the rise. According to the Times of Central Asia, over 150 snow leopards were living in Kazakhstan as of February 2025. That number might seem small, but it is actually a huge deal. Snow leopards haven't hit those numbers since the 1980s. As the Times puts it, the leopards have "rebounded to near-historic levels." Plus, two cubs were spotted recently, indicating a growing population. This is thanks to Kazakh laws. The Central Asian country, with help from the United Nations and in collaboration with neighboring Kyrgyzstan, launched a snow leopard conservation project back in 2018. The results were groundbreaking. Since 2019, the snow leopard population has increased by 26%, with the implementation of protected areas a key strategy in the conservation efforts. To keep that positive population trend going, Kazakh officials are pushing for expanded protected areas. The country will also offer compensation to farmers whose livestock is killed by snow leopards in order to discourage retaliatory attacks on the predators. Dubbed the "ghosts of the mountains," humans were (and are) the top threat to these big cats. Their population has dwindled worldwide. According to Eurasian Wildlife and Peoples, there are fewer than 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild. Since they're top predators, conserving them is crucial to maintaining healthy ecosystems. The Yale School of the Environment states that predators help keep populations in check. Without them, their prey multiplies rapidly, leading to biodiversity loss on a massive scale. The snow leopard's return spells great news for biodiversity — and humans. Humans rely on biodiversity for natural resources like lumber, medicine, and food. According to the U.S. National Park Service, it "may help regulate disease, and is necessary for physical, mental, and spiritual health and social well-being." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Researchers around the globe have made tech advancements to revive endangered populations, with camera traps, drones and thermal imaging used in the efforts to protect the snow leopards. Protected conservation areas have proved effective elsewhere too. In Zambia, for example, the leopard population in Kafue National Park nearly tripled. The progress in Kazakhstan shows just how much can happen when people collaborate to keep endangered species alive. Here's to upping those numbers. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
South China Morning Post
05-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Belt and robot: Chinese start-up to open first robotics facility in Central Asia
China's fast-growing humanoid robotics industry is set to establish its first foothold in Central Asia, after a Shanghai-based start-up agreed a deal with Kazakhstan to partner on a series of ventures in the country. Advertisement The deal will see the Chinese company, AgiBot, establish a joint venture in Kazakhstan to build robotics manufacturing facilities, a 'data factory' for training robotic systems and a research and development centre, among other projects. The agreement between AgiBot and Kazakhstan's Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry will mark the first time a Chinese robotics company has localised production in a Central Asian country. For Kazakhstan, the move aligns with its recent push to attract foreign investment as it seeks to diversify its economy beyond natural resources, with a focus on artificial intelligence, manufacturing, green energy and other emerging industries. 'Partnership with an advanced company like AgiBot is an important milestone in the history of Kazakhstan's robotics industry,' said Zhaslan Madiyev, the country's minister of digital, innovations and aerospace. Advertisement 'This will not only help launch a facility in one of the most promising branches of mechanical engineering, but also strengthen local expertise and create a domestic centre of competence in robotics,' he added, according to the Times of Central Asia. Kazakhstan, which is China's northwestern neighbour, is also reportedly expanding its IT sector by building a global network of tech hubs, with new offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
