Preserving the striped hyena in Tajikistan

In the heart of Central Asia, the striped hyena is one of the most unknown and endangered mammals in Tajikistan. Once present in a large part of the territory, it has now become extremely rare. The lack of recent data makes it difficult to accurately estimate its population and underscores the importance of research and monitoring programs.

It is in this context that NABU, a German nature protection association, in collaboration with the Tajikistan Nature Foundation, is developing a conservation program dedicated to the striped hyena:

• Monitoring of the population through camera traps and field surveys;
• The study of the species’ distribution, habitat, diet and ecology;
• Identification and monitoring of the main threats to the population;
• The participation of local populations in the monitoring and protection of wildlife, in order to reduce conflicts with human activities;
• Raising awareness among communities living near the habitats of the striped hyena.

In Tajikistan, the striped hyena faces many threats that weaken its survival:

• Direct persecution and poaching;
• Poisoning;
• Capture of young;
• The decrease in available food resources;
• Conflicts with local people and negative beliefs associated with the species.

We are pleased to support this program since 2025 and thus contribute to improving knowledge about this little-known population. This research is an essential step in putting in place appropriate protection measures and ensuring the sustainable conservation of the striped hyena in Tajikistan.

In 2026, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also strengthened international protection of the striped hyena by supporting its listing in Appendices I and II of the Convention on Migratory Species. This is an important step forward in fostering cooperation and coordinating conservation efforts across Central Asia.

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