National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The event, organized by the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change together with the Republic of Tajikistan, focused on the urgent need for coordinated international measures to conserve the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).

For reference: the striped hyena is a key ecological “sanitarian,” playing an important role in preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining natural balance. Despite its ecological significance, the species remains underrepresented in global conservation agendas and faces growing threats across its range.

The session served as a platform for:
– presenting up-to-date data on the status of the species across its transboundary range;
– discussing the role of international legal mechanisms, including CITES and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), in strengthening protective measures;
– launching the process of reassessing the striped hyena’s status on the IUCN Red List, with the involvement of range countries, scientists, and specialized organizations.

Discussions emphasized that a shift in the global approach to the species is necessary not only to preserve biodiversity, but also to reduce the risks of zoonotic disease transmission. Participants also explored prospects for regional cooperation, potential funding sources, and ways to integrate striped hyena conservation into national biodiversity strategies.

The organizers highlighted that shaping a new narrative about the striped hyena — portraying it as a vital ecological ally rather than an “enigmatic” predator — is a crucial step toward strengthening conservation efforts.