Official Statement
2025-07-31 15:00:00 / News
The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan clarifies that in 2024, hunting activities in the Surkhandarya region were carried out in full compliance with national legislation, based on an official permit and upon payment of the required fee.
According to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Hunting and Hunting Economy", the population of wild animals listed in the Red Book is regularly monitored by specialists from the Academy of Sciences. Based on their expert conclusions, permits may be issued for the hunting of a limited number of animals in a manner that does not harm the overall population. This is done under a regulated and paid system.
Specifically, in 2024, a permit for hunting markhor was issued in accordance with the established procedure, and a fee of USD 100,000 was collected. These funds are directed toward nature conservation efforts, including effective anti-poaching measures.
It is important to note that annual quotas for the hunting of wild animals are set in accordance with the law. Permits are issued strictly for the harvesting of the oldest male animals that are past their reproductive age. The entire process is carried out under strict supervision.
For reference: Similar practices are in place in several other countries. For example, licensed hunting in Namibia generates more than USD 3 million in annual revenue. According to open data, Tajikistan issues permits annually for the hunting of 10–16 markhors and 100–115 Kyzylkum Argali, while in Mongolia, permits are granted for the hunting of 90–100 argali and up to 50–60 Bukhara red deer each year.