The Altai Mountains, located at the crossroads of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China, form one of the most rugged and biologically diverse regions in Central Asia. Known for their breathtaking landscapes — from snow-capped peaks to rolling steppes and deep forests — the Altai is also home to a rich variety of wildlife. These mountains, often described as the “wild heart of Siberia,” offer a unique glimpse into the natural world, where animals thrive in some of the most remote and untouched habitats on Earth.

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is one of the most powerful and iconic animals of the Altai Mountains. These massive creatures roam the dense forests and alpine meadows, where they forage for berries, roots, fish, and small mammals. Brown bears are solitary animals, though they often cross paths with other bears during the late summer and fall when food is abundant, and they are preparing for hibernation.

In Altai culture, the brown bear is a symbol of strength, courage, and endurance. However, human-bear encounters have become more frequent due to habitat loss and the expansion of human settlements. Despite this, brown bears are an integral part of the Altai ecosystem, helping to control prey populations and disperse seeds through their wide-ranging movements.

The Altai Mountains are home to one of the most impressive raptors in the world: the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). With wingspans that can reach up to seven feet, these birds of prey are expert hunters, capable of swooping down from great heights to capture their quarry with pinpoint accuracy. In the Altai, golden eagles primarily hunt small to medium-sized mammals, including marmots, foxes, and hares. They are also known to cooperate with humans in traditional falconry, a practice that has been a part of Altai culture for centuries.

Golden eagles are revered in Altai traditions, often seen as symbols of power and strength. They are a keystone species in the region’s ecosystem, controlling populations of small mammals and other prey species.

The Altai argali (Ovis ammon) is a wild sheep species found in the high-altitude regions of the Altai Mountains. These impressive animals have large, spiraling horns and are known for their ability to navigate the steep, rocky cliffs of the region with grace and agility. The Altai argali is an essential part of the mountain ecosystem, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and other plants. Despite their size and strength, these sheep are threatened by poaching, as their meat and horns are highly valued.

Conservation efforts in the region are helping to protect these incredible animals, ensuring that they can continue to roam the highlands for generations to come.

The Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) is another impressive member of the Altai fauna, particularly noted for its remarkable climbing abilities. With their long, backward-curving horns and sturdy hooves, ibexes can scale even the most precipitous cliffs of the Altai Mountains, where few predators dare to follow. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and alpine vegetation.

The population of Siberian ibex in the Altai has been recovering thanks to conservation programs and hunting restrictions, but they still face threats from illegal hunting and habitat destruction.

Wolves (Canis lupus) are a crucial part of the Altai ecosystem, where they are at the top of the food chain. The Altai wolf is known for its ability to adapt to the harsh conditions of the region, from deep winters to hot, dry summers. These wolves typically hunt in packs, taking down large prey such as roe deer, wild boar, and even mountain goats.

Although wolves are essential for regulating populations of herbivores, they are often misunderstood and feared by local communities. However, wolves play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, ensuring that prey species do not overgraze the land.

Among the more approachable animals in the Altai are the marmots. These large, burrowing rodents are common in the mountain meadows and rocky outcrops of the region, often seen sitting on their hind legs, scanning the skies for predators. Marmots are social creatures, living in family groups, and they communicate with each other through a series of sharp whistles. In the warmer months, they graze on grasses and herbs, and in the winter, they hibernate deep in their burrows to survive the harsh cold.

While marmots are generally playful and curious, they are also an important part of the ecosystem, serving as prey for larger predators and contributing to soil aeration with their extensive burrow systems.

Arguably one of the most iconic creatures of the Altai Mountains, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a rare and mysterious big cat that roams the high-altitude regions of the range. These solitary, nocturnal predators are known for their thick, smoky-gray coats and long, bushy tails that help them balance while navigating the rugged terrain. Snow leopards are incredibly elusive, often leaving little trace of their presence, which makes spotting one a rare and magical event.

Due to habitat loss, poaching, and decreasing prey populations, snow leopards are considered endangered, but conservation efforts in the Altai region, such as those by the Altai Snow Leopard Project, are helping to protect these magnificent animals.