23 April 2010 (back to press release archive )
Biosphere Expeditions, was recognized by National Geographic Traveler in their May 2010 “Tours of a Lifetime” issue. The award winning, non-profit organization, which last year celebrated its tenth anniversary, has seen its conservation work with the snow leopards of the Altai Republic in Central Asia singled out for this special recognition. The project, in a very remote part of the world, surveys snow leopards and their prey species to try and help resolve human/predator conflict.
Snow leopard
(c) Biosphere Expeditions
High resolution version of this image available on request from [email protected].
“We liked the combination of hands-on service and remote wildness that participants could experience on this particular trip,” said Norie Quintos, National Geographic Traveler’s senior editor. “The selection process was competitive and our editorial team worked long and hard to find 2010’s most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best guided and most sustainable tours.”
Commenting on the achievement, Biosphere Expeditions’ Founder & Executive Director Dr. Matthias Hammer said, “To be one of the best in the world is a great endorsement for everyone involved in Biosphere Expeditions and the conservation and scientific studies we carry out."
“The work undertaken by scientists and volunteers in the Altai Republic is providing important data to help protect the snow leopard - a very beautiful, but endangered, species. This recognition by National Geographic Traveler will inspire us all to keep up our vital work, not only in the Altai, but with all the other projects we are involved with across the globe.”
Tours of a Lifetime; May 2010
50 of the World's Best Guided ExpeditionsText
Text by Margaret Loftus
Russia: Quest for the Snow Leopard
Adapted to live in the frigid climes of the Central Asian mountain ranges, snow leopards have long, thick fur prized by poachers. As a result, their numbers have dwindled to some 6,000. Track the elusive species and its prey: the argali (a mountain sheep) and the Altai ibex. The data collected will help the conservation of the endangered cat. Base camp is at 7,500 feet amid the steep, snowy peaks of Central Asia’s Altai Mountains. Biosphere Expeditions: “Mountain Ghosts,” 13 days, $2,690.
For more information, please visit www.biosphere-expeditions.org or email [email protected]
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