The First Dendrochronological Dating of Timber from Tajikistan – Potential for Developing a Millennial Tree-Ring Record

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The First Dendrochronological Dating of Timber from Tajikistan – Potential for Developing a Millennial Tree-Ring Record TREE-RING RESEARCH, Vol. 74(1), 2018, pp. 50–62 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3959/1536-1098-74.1.50 THE FIRST DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL DATING OF TIMBER FROM TAJIKISTAN – POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPING A MILLENNIAL TREE-RING RECORD MAGDALENA OPAŁA-OWCZAREK1*, PIOTR OWCZAREK2, OIMAHMAD RAHMONOV3, and TADEUSZ NIEDZWIED´ Z´ 1 1Department of Climatology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bedzi˛ nska´ 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland 2Department of Physical Geography, Institute of Geography and Regional Development, University of Wroclaw, Uniwersytecki Sq.1, 50–137 Wrocław, Poland 3Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bedzi˛ nska´ 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland ABSTRACT We are reporting the first dendrochronological dating of timber from Tajikistan. Thirty samples were collected from two old buildings from a village located in the western Pamir-Alay; eight cores were taken from temple. Most of the construction wood was juniper species. The object chronologies cross- dated well with the previously published chronology based on living juniper trees from western Pamir- Alay. The results of dating revealed that investigated structures are composed of wood coming from sev- eral periods. The oldest pieces of wood dated back to the 11th and 12th Centuries. Most timber samples come from the turn of the 17th and 18th Centuries, which were probably the period of intense devel- opment of the Artuch village. Besides dating of the wood samples from these historic structures, our investigation provides the opportunity to extend the currently existing regional tree-ring chronology for future climate reconstruction of the Pamir-Alay and High Asia. Dated sequences were assembled into a 1012-year chronology spanning the period 945–2014 C.E. and strengthened the replication of its earliest part (with critical 0.85 EPS value since the beginning of the 13th Century). Keywords: Central Asia, Pamir-Alay Mountains, Tajikistan, historical buildings, dendroarchaeol- ogy, tree-ring dating, timber, Juniperus. INTRODUCTION of material culture is related to the location of the region, which was crucial for the functioning of the The Pamir-Alay mountain region played an “Silk Route” along which merchandise and ideas essential role in the development of ancient civi- flowed between China, India, Iran and Europe. The lizations in Central Asia. This former territory of Pamir-Alay Mountains are surrounded and crossed Sogdiana, the ancient Indo-European civilization by main branches of this ancient network of trade of Iranian people, was under the influence of dif- routes. Many settlements were established along ferent cultures during last 3000 years, including the this route or their importance increased, especially Achaemenid Empire of Persia, Hellenistic Greco- during the Han (207 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) and Tang dy- Bactrian Kingdom, Imperial China, Arab Muslim, nasty (618–907 C.E.) when the trade of Chinese silk Mongol Empire (Hormatta et al. 1994; Litvinsky et was the most lucrative (Hulsewé et al. 1979; Hor- al. 1996; Ghafurov 2011). This region, currently lo- matta et al. 1994; Litvinsky et al. 1996). The great cated within the political boundaries of Uzbekistan Sogdian cities, such as Samarkand (Maracanda), and Tajikistan, is rich in archaeological sites and Panjikent (Panchekanth) and Bukhara, were devel- settlement remains of different age. This diversity oped during these times in large agricultural oases located west of the Pamir-Alay Mountains in the *Corresponding author: [email protected] Zarafshan River valley (Schafer 1963; Belenitskiy Copyright C 2018 by The Tree-Ring Society 50 Historical Wood and Chronologies from Tajikistan 51 et al. 1973; Dumper and Stanley 2006; Ghafurov courtyard and richly decorated wooden entrance 2011; Owczarek et al. 2017b). The branch of the gates, were built already in the 5th Century (Mar- Silk Route, which ran along this valley, merged the shak 2003). This architectural continuity is very im- western Pamir-Alay region with the oases of Tarim portant in terms of analyzing the socio-economic, Basin. historical and political processes taking place in this The development of trade affected the ex- area. Nowadays, some of the buildings are rebuilt pansion of settlements in narrow mountain val- or simply destroyed, and a new style of construc- leys in the middle and upper parts of the Zaraf- tion is introduced. Dendrochronological analyses shan River basin. The archives discovered at the are therefore an opportunity to preserve informa- castle on Mount Mug (Mog)¯ in the upper course tion about the origin and the history of unknown of Zarafshan River provided detailed information rural buildings in northwestern Tajikistan, the num- about first millennium history of the Common Era ber of which is constantly decreasing. of this part of Sogdiana territory (Freiman et al. The potential of dendrochronological anal- 1962–1963; Bogolyubov and Smirnova 1963). ysis of wooden structures from Zarafshan Val- The Arab conquest in the 8th Century and ley remained unexplored for a long time. Re- invasion of Central Asia by hordes of Chengez cent advances in the development of long tree- Khan in the second decade of the 13th Century ring chronologies for this region (covering the time devastated the region (Ghafurov 2011). Legal doc- span 1005–2014 C.E.) allow for dating the histor- uments and letters concerning rural settlements, ical structures (Opała et al. 2017). This regional people and socio-economic relations of the Pamir- chronology was constructed from junipers (Junipe- Alay Mountains are rare and require additional re- rus semiglobosa and Juniperus seravschanica)grow- search methods. One of these is dendrochronology. ing in the high-elevation sites in the western Pamir- Tree-ring analysis has proven to be a powerful dat- Alay. The aim of this study was to perform den- ing method since the early works of A. E. Dou- drochronological dating, report on the history of glass, who dated ancient pueblos in southwestern the two buildings and a temple complex (sacred US (Douglass 1921). In subsequent decades there groves and temple) located in Pamir-Alay, north- have been many successful attempts of tree-ring re- western Tajikistan and to extend the previously search in dating of wooden construction elements published regional tree-ring chronology for this of archaeological and historical monuments (Cu- region. far 2007). Dendrochronological research in Central Asia primarily concerned monasteries, temples and tombs. The number of dendroarchaeological stud- MATERIALS AND METHODS ies carried out in High Asia is still rather scarce (e.g. Study Area Zamotorin 1963; Marsadolov 1994; Schmidt et al. 1999; Vasiliev et al. 2001; Panyushkina et al. 2007, The study area includes the Artuch village 2010; Baatarbileg et al. 2008; Bräuning et al. 2013; locatedinnarrowUrechRivervalleyintheup- Scharf et al. 2013; Wang and Zhao 2013). per part of the Zarafshan River basin (Sughd The Pamir-Alay region located on the bor- province, northwestern Tajikistan; Figure 1A, 1B). der of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is The Artuch village, elevation ca. 2000 m a.s.l., is rich with archaeological sites and cultural remains. surrounded by the high mountain massifs of the However, because of scarcity of written documents, Zarafshan Range (Chimtarga Peak, 5489 m a.s.l.) the history of the mountain settlements is not well that belongs to extensive Pamir-Alay mountain sys- known. Rural buildings in this part of Central Asia tem. The study area has typical high-mountain are characterized by a typical construction style relief characterized by steep slopes with numer- that has not been changed for hundreds of years. ous traces of mass movement processes partly This is confirmed by archaeological excavations in connected with seismic activity (Owczarek et al. ancient Panjikant, in northwestern Tajikistan (Be- 2017a). The barren surface, which lacks continuous lenitskiy et al. 1981). Typical for mountain vil- vegetation cover, dominates the landscape (Rah- lages, one- or two-storey houses, often with an inner monov et al. 2016; Figure 2A). The open woodland 52 OPAŁA-OWCZAREK, OWCZAREK, RAHMONOV, and NIEDZWIED´ Z´ Figure 1. (A) Location of the study area on the background of the major geographical regions of the Central Asia. (B) Detailed location of the investigated Artuch village. (C) Sampled sites. composed of juniper trees survives only in the high sampled within cottage #2. In addition, we investi- elevation (ca. 2800–3000 m) (Sadikov 2012). This gated the remains of the temple located at a high- part of the Pamir-Alay, surrounded by the Kyzyl- elevation site (3000 m a.s.l.) at a distance of 2.5 km Kum desert plains, has a typical arid continen- from the village (Figure 1C). Eight samples were tal climate. The mean annual total precipitation is taken from the posts and roof construction of the 271 mm with mean annual air temperature 6.6◦C temple. (Iskanderkul Meteorological Station). The Artuch We also performed tree-ring analysis of the sa- village was established on the alluvial fan formed cred groves located in the vicinity of the village. by right tributary of the Urech River (Figures 1C, These individual, very impressive sacred specimen 2A). The fan is inclined towards the west. The main trees, as well as their clusters, used to be an object square with mosque is located in its central part. of worship and protection. Sacred natural sites have The village has traditional low buildings built of been defined as areas with special significance to bricks, clay and wood (Figure 2B–D). people and communities, and thus these sites have been managed as protected areas, which can be one of the oldest conservation systems. Such sacred sites Samples Processing and Dendrochronological serve for managing natural resources and conserv- Dating of Timber ing ecosystems through religious rules (Oviedo and The historical tree-ring samples came from five Jeanrenaud 2007; Dudley et al. 2009). Therefore locations in the Zarafshan Range, western Pamir- their age may provide additional information about Alay (Figure 1C).
Recommended publications
  • BISHKEK to TBILISI (42 Days) Kyrgyzstan to Caucasus
    BISHKEK to TBILISI (42 days) Kyrgyzstan to Caucasus COUNTRIES VISITED: ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, KYRGYZSTAN, TAJIKISTAN, TURKMENISTAN, UZBEKISTAN INCLUDES • Accommodation - approx. 45% camping & 55% simple hostels/hotels • Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation support and fees • Darvaza Gas Crater • Ashgabat city tour • 4X4 Desert Safari in Turkmenistan • Caspian Ferry • Meals - approx. 50% • All Transport on Oasis Expedition Truck • Camping and Cooking equipment • Services of Oasis Crew EXCLUDES • Visas • Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information www.oasisoverland.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)203 725 8924 • Flights • Airport Taxes & Transfers • Travel Insurance • Meals - approx. 50% • Drinks • Tips TRIP ITINERARY DAYS 1 - 5 BISHKEK TO FANN MOUNTAINS We leave Bishkek and drive through stunning mountain views and past the turquoise waters of Toktogul Reservoir, before arriving in Osh. Osh, the second biggest and the country’s oldest, city. Make sure you visit the bazaar, which has occupied the same spot for over 2000 years and used to be a major stop along the ancient Silk Road. We enter Uzbekistan and arrive in the Fergana Valley, known for its silk production and the area that gave the name to one of the greatest routes in history. Continuing west we arrive in to Khujand – although today the city is not one of the most picturesque, it has had an important role in the history of the Silk Road and was one of the furthest points reached by Alexander the Great. It is said in this area that he wept, saying he had no further territory to conquer. We have time to visit the Fortress and Panjshanbe Market (one of the largest covered markets in Central Asia).
    [Show full text]
  • CBD Strategy and Action Plan
    Biological Diversity of Tajikistan 1.2.2. Specific diversity For thousands of years, people of Tajiki- stan lived in harmony with the natural diversity of flora and fauna. In the process of historical de- velopment, they created many new forms of food, medicine, and forage crops, and domestic animals, promoted their conservation, thus en- riching the natural biodiversity. The recent cen- tury was marked by an increased human nega- tive impact on biodiversity, due to the population Ruderal-degraded ecosystems growth and active land mastering. The conservation of vegetation biodiver- Ruderal ecosystems of the foothills are sity in the mountains prevents the fertile soil generally represented by one species open plant layer from erosion and destruction by mudflows, communities: caper (Capparis spinosa), frag- and regulates groundwater formation. ments of wall barley (Hordeum leporinum), an- nual saltworts (Salsola pestifera, S.turkestanica, A. Vegetation world S.forcipitata), and camel’s thorn (Alhagi kirghi- The vegetation world is represented by a sorum). great genetic and environmental diversity, and a Ruderal communities of the low-mountain unique specific diversity; it includes 9771 species zone are represented by Cynodon dactilon, Pro- and 20 formations. sopis farcta, cousinia (Cousinia Olgae, The processes of xerophytization, C.polycephala, C.ambigens, C.dichromata, ephemerization, mesophyllization, cryophytiza- C.microcarpa, C.radians, C.pseudoarctium, etc.), tion, and migration processes in Tajikistan and forbs. caused an extensive formation of flora species Licorice, together with reed (Saccharum and forms. This resulted in the appearance of spontaneum) and camel’s thorn (Alhagi kirghi- numerous vicarious plants, altitudinal and eco- sorum), are formed after cuttings in the forest logical vicariants that considerably enriched the ecosystem zone.
    [Show full text]
  • An Excursion-Historical Tour Passes Along the Territory of Two Modern Countries: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It Repeats the Part
    An excursion-historical tour passes along the territory of two modern countries: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It repeats the part of the way of Alexander’s Asian campaign. Using bulls’ skins, Alexander’s army had crossed Amudarya river and invaded the territory of Sogdiana (an interfluve of Amudarya and Sirdarya). It took three years for the forces of Alexander to conquest this region and suppress the often aroused rebellions. Here he had married a beautiful woman Roxana (the daughter of a local lord). Here, in mountain regions, for siege of the fortresses Alexander (first time in the world) had successfully practiced mountainous special troops. During his campaign he founded many settlements, including big towns. One of them is Alexandria Eshata (Distant) – a modern Khodjent. The tour is assigned for those who love history, ethnography and oriental exotic. The itinerary: Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Shakhrisabz – Termez – Baysun – Dushanbe – Margib – Iskanderkul lake – Istravshan – Khujand – Tashkent Duration: 15 days Number of tourists in the group: min. – 1 pax, max. – 16 pax Language: English PROGRAM OF THE TOUR Day 1 Arrival to Tashkent. Transfer to hotel. Rest. Day 2 After breakfast drive to Samarkand (300 km, 5 hrs). On arrival check in hotel & short rest. Afternoon sightseeing: Registan Square - the "heart" of Samarkand - ensemble of 3 majestic medreses (XIV-XVI c.c.) – Sherdor, Ulugbek and Tillya Qory, the grandiose cathedral Bibi-Khanum Mosque (XV c.), Gur-Emir Mausoleum (XV c.). Day 3 After breakfast continue of sightseeing in Samarkand: Tamerlan’s grandson Ulugbek’s the well-known ruler and astronomer-scientist observatory (1420) - the ruins of an immense (30 m) astrolabe for observing stars position, Shakhi- Zinda Necropolis (XI-XVIII cc), exotic Siab bazaar.
    [Show full text]
  • CBD Strategy and Action Plan
    Biological Diversity of Tajikistan Republic of Tajikistan The Legend: 1 - Acipenser nudiventris Lovet 2 - Salmo trutta morfa fario Linne ya 3 - A.a.a. (Linne) ar rd Sy 4 - Ctenopharyngodon idella Kayrakkum reservoir 5 - Hypophthalmichtus molitrix (Valenea) Khujand 6 - Silurus glanis Linne 7 - Cyprinus carpio Linne a r a 8 - Lucioperca lucioperea Linne f s Dagano-Say I 9 - Abramis brama (Linne) reservoir UZBEKISTAN 10 -Carassus auratus gibilio Katasay reservoir economical pond distribution location KYRGYZSTAN cities Zeravshan lakes and water reservoirs Yagnob rivers Muksu ob Iskanderkul Lake Surkh o CHINA b r Karakul Lake o S b gou o in h l z ik r b e a O b V y u k Dushanbe o ir K Rangul Lake o rv Shorkul Lake e P ch z a n e n a r j V ek em Nur gul Murg u az ab s Y h k a Y u ng Sarez Lake s l ta i r a u iz s B ir K Kulyab o T Kurgan-Tube n a g i n r Gunt i Yashilkul Lake f h a s K h Khorog k a Zorkul Lake V Turumtaikul Lake ra P a an d j kh Sha A AFGHANISTAN m u da rya nj a P Fig. 1.16. 0 50 100 150 Km Table 1.12. Game fish distribution Water sources Species Rivers Lakes Reservoirs Springs Ponds Dushanbe loach (Nemachilus pardalis) + Amudarya loach (Nemachilus oxianus) + Gray loach (Nemachilus dorsalis) + Aral spined loach (Cobitis aurata aralensis) + + + Sheatfish (Sclurus glanis) + + + Bullhead (Ictalurus punctata) А + + Turkestan bullhead (Glyptosternum reticulatum) + Pike (Esox lucius) + + + + Turkestan bullhead (Cottus spinolosus) + + + Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) А + + + + + Zander (Lucioperca lucioperea) А + + + Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon della) А + + + + + Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) А + Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthus molitrix) А + + + + Motley carp (Aristichthus nobilis) А + + + + Big-mouthed buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) А + Small-mouthed buffalo (I.bufalus) А + Black buffalo (I.niger) А + Mirror carp (Cyprinus sp.) А + + Scaly carp (Cyprinus sp.) А + + Pseudorasbora parva А + + + Amur goby (Neogobius amurensis sp.) А + + + Snakehead (Ophiocephalus argus warpachowski) А + + + Hemiculter sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogenetic Analyses of Juniperus Species in Turkey and Their Relations with Other Juniperus Based on Cpdna Supervisor: Prof
    MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF JUNIPERUS L. SPECIES IN TURKEY AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH OTHER JUNIPERS BASED ON cpDNA A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES OF MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY BY AYSUN DEMET GÜVENDİREN IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY APRIL 2015 Approval of the thesis MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF JUNIPERUS L. SPECIES IN TURKEY AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH OTHER JUNIPERS BASED ON cpDNA submitted by AYSUN DEMET GÜVENDİREN in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University by, Prof. Dr. Gülbin Dural Ünver Dean, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences Prof. Dr. Orhan Adalı Head of the Department, Biological Sciences Prof. Dr. Zeki Kaya Supervisor, Dept. of Biological Sciences METU Examining Committee Members Prof. Dr. Musa Doğan Dept. Biological Sciences, METU Prof. Dr. Zeki Kaya Dept. Biological Sciences, METU Prof.Dr. Hayri Duman Biology Dept., Gazi University Prof. Dr. İrfan Kandemir Biology Dept., Ankara University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sertaç Önde Dept. Biological Sciences, METU Date: iii I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and presented in accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that, as required by these rules and conduct, I have fully cited and referenced all material and results that are not original to this work. Name, Last name : Aysun Demet GÜVENDİREN Signature : iv ABSTRACT MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF JUNIPERUS L. SPECIES IN TURKEY AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH OTHER JUNIPERS BASED ON cpDNA Güvendiren, Aysun Demet Ph.D., Department of Biological Sciences Supervisor: Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great and Discover the Fabled Silk Road Oasis Towns of with Another Traveller of the Same Gender and Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
    in the footsteps of Central Asia Central alexander the great trip highligh ts Discover the desert city of Bukhara Take in the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand Hike around the picturesque lake of the Fann mountains, Lake Iskander‑Kul Marvel at splendid markets, minarets and medressa Experience the historic centre of Shakhrisabz Journey to the ancient city of Khujand Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: IFA Grade Introductory Activities Adventure Touring Summary 15 day trip, 12 nights hotel, 2 nights homestay welcome to why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be World Expeditions considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the Thank you for your interest in our In the Footsteps of Alexander the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience. Every trip is Great trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff that beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you. We take of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. In most cases, all internal regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that transport, entrance fees, national park fees and transfers are included our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored in the cost of your trip. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we holidays.
    [Show full text]
  • Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan
    Tel : +47 22413030 | Epost :[email protected]| Web :www.reisebazaar.no Karl Johans gt. 23, 0159 Oslo, Norway Best of Tajikistan & Uzbekistan - AWTU Turkode Destinasjoner Turen starter 23603 Usbekistan 6185572https://rest.gadventures.com/places/6 Turen destinasjon Reisen er levert av 0 dager 8553328https://rest.gadventures.com/places/8553328Tashkent Fra : NOK 21 126 Oversikt Get yourself to two incredible (and often overlooked) destinations: Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This 15-day combo trip brings together the best highlights of these two cultures for first- time visitors. Stay at unique Tajik homestays and roam the stunning countryside before heading to the cultural centre of Samarkand. Spend a night in a traditional desert yurt and discover a part of the world few others get to see. This is a tour for all kinds of adventurers. Reiserute Dushanbe Arrive at any time. Welcome to the capital of Tajikistan on the Varzob River with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore. Dushanbe/Kuli Iskandarkul Enjoy a morning tour of Dushanbe, visiting the main monuments, museum, and mosque. After lunch, drive through the valleys and mountains to Iskandar-Kuli for a short hike to Iskander Darya waterfall. Afterward, continue the drive—passing Alexander the Great's lake—to your overnight stay at a local home in the stunning mountain valley. Meet the local people and explore the gorgeous landscape of the Fann Mountains. Kuli Iskandarkul After breakfast, embark on a trek alongside Sarytag and the Karakul River. Return to the homestay for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure.
    [Show full text]
  • CBD First National Report
    REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN FIRST NATIONAL REPORT ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION Dushanbe – 2003 1 REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN FIRST NATIONAL REPORT ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION Dushanbe – 2003 3 ББК 28+28.0+45.2+41.2+40.0 Н-35 УДК 502:338:502.171(575.3) NBBC GEF First National Report on Biodiversity Conservation was elaborated by National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center (NBBC) under the guidance of CBD National Focal Point Dr. N.Safarov within the project “Tajikistan Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan”, with financial support of Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Copyright 2003 All rights reserved 4 Author: Dr. Neimatullo Safarov, CBD National Focal Point, Head of National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center With participation of: Dr. of Agricultural Science, Scientific Productive Enterprise «Bogparvar» of Tajik Akhmedov T. Academy of Agricultural Science Ashurov A. Dr. of Biology, Institute of Botany Academy of Science Asrorov I. Dr. of Economy, professor, Institute of Economy Academy of Science Bardashev I. Dr. of Geology, Institute of Geology Academy of Science Boboradjabov B. Dr. of Biology, Tajik State Pedagogical University Dustov S. Dr. of Biology, State Ecological Inspectorate of the Ministry for Nature Protection Dr. of Biology, professor, Institute of Plants Physiology and Genetics Academy Ergashev А. of Science Dr. of Biology, corresponding member of Academy of Science, professor, Institute Gafurov A. of Zoology and Parasitology Academy of Science Gulmakhmadov D. State Land Use Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan Dr. of Biology, Tajik Research Institute of Cattle-Breeding of the Tajik Academy Irgashev T. of Agricultural Science Ismailov M. Dr. of Biology, corresponding member of Academy of Science, professor Khairullaev R.
    [Show full text]
  • Sgp National Strategy Global Environment Facility (Gef Sgp) in the Republic of Tajikistan (2015-2018)
    SGP NATIONAL STRATEGY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF SGP) IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN (2015-2018) SGP NATIONAL STRATEGY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF SGP) IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN (2015-2018) Country: Tajikistan Funds for the sixth Operational Phase ($) ??? USD a. Funds of the GEF Small Grants Programme ??? USD b. Residual balance (for the fivth Operational Phase): ??? USD c. STAR funds: ??? USD d. Other funds which should be involved: ??? USD (project co –financing ) This strategy serves as a fundamental document for the Small Grants Programme of the Global Environment Facility in Tajikistan (hereinafter - the GEF SGP), determining the thematic and geographical scope of work of the GEF SGP in the country, as well as governing the rules and procedures of programme work. The National Strategy has been developed in accordance with the guidelines and strategic priorities of the GEF on the GEF-VI operational period (2015-2018), as well as the strategic priorities for the environmental preservation in the Republic of Tajikistan and the guidance documents of the GEF SGP for all participating countries. The National Programme Strategy to be reviewed for the next GEF–VII operational period. Table of Contents Acronyms 6 1. General information on the GEF SGP results in the framework of OP5 7 1.1. Brief summary of the GEF SGP Strategy in Tajikistan 9 1.2. Base terms for the GEF SGP in Tajikistan 11 Socio-economic context 11 Geographical context 11 Biodiversity context 13 Protected areas 13 Existing legal terms 13 Institutional context 15 2. Programme niche of the GEF SGP Country Strategy 16 Setting priorities 18 POPs / chemicals 22 Environmental management and economic benefits 25 Geographical and thematic coverage 27 2.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Dendrochronological Potential of Ephedra Equisetina from Zaravshan Mountains Faculty of Earth Science, University of Silesia, Bedzinska Str
    48 Contemporary Trends in Geoscience vol . 2 DOI: 10.2478/ctg-2014-0007 Magdalena Opała, Tadeusz Niedźwiedź, Oimahmad Rahmonov Dendrochronological potential of Ephedra equisetina from Zaravshan Mountains Faculty of Earth Science, University of Silesia, Bedzinska Str. 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec. E-mail: (Tajikistan) in climate change studies [email protected] Key words: Abstract. dendrochronology, climate Samples from Mongolian Ephedra (Ephedra change, shrubs, Ephedra, Zaravshan equisetina Bunge) was collected in the Mountains, Tajikistan. Zaravshan Mountains (the Fann Mountains), Tajikistan. The wood of Ephedra is ring-po- rous with well-defined growth rings. Annual ring widths were measured, individual se- ries were first cross-dated and then averaged as a standard chronology. Correlations were calculated between the standard ring-width chronology and monthly climate data re- corded in the weather station Iskanderkul. Dendroclimatological analysis showed that July temperature is the growth limiting fac- tor of this species. Our study has shown high dendrochronological potential of Ephedra. Contemporary trends in Geoscience vol . 2 49 Introduction Traditionally dendrochronological research are related to arctic or subarctic shrub spe- has been limited to the forests areas. In re- cies. Although Ephedra does produce growth cent years, interest has increased in dendro- rings, which in most cases are of roughly an- chronological studies of shrubs and dwarf nual frequency, the genus has never been used shrubs species. Despite some difficulties (e.g. for dendrochronological research (Earle 2013). sample preparation, cross-dating, limited The aims of this study are: (1) to investigate age) this method has successfully been ap- dendrochronological potential of Ephedra plied to shrubs in various parts of the world from the western Pamir-Alay and deter- (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Diversity of the Mountain Flora of Central Asia with Emphasis on Alkaloid-Producing Plants
    diversity Review Diversity of the Mountain Flora of Central Asia with Emphasis on Alkaloid-Producing Plants Karimjan Tayjanov 1, Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva 1,* and Michael Wink 2 1 Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences, Mirzo Ulugbek str. 77, 100170 Tashkent, Uzbekistan; [email protected] 2 Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +9-987-126-25913 Academic Editor: Ipek Kurtboke Received: 22 November 2016; Accepted: 13 February 2017; Published: 17 February 2017 Abstract: The mountains of Central Asia with 70 large and small mountain ranges represent species-rich plant biodiversity hotspots. Major mountains include Saur, Tarbagatai, Dzungarian Alatau, Tien Shan, Pamir-Alai and Kopet Dag. Because a range of altitudinal belts exists, the region is characterized by high biological diversity at ecosystem, species and population levels. In addition, the contact between Asian and Mediterranean flora in Central Asia has created unique plant communities. More than 8100 plant species have been recorded for the territory of Central Asia; about 5000–6000 of them grow in the mountains. The aim of this review is to summarize all the available data from 1930 to date on alkaloid-containing plants of the Central Asian mountains. In Saur 301 of a total of 661 species, in Tarbagatai 487 out of 1195, in Dzungarian Alatau 699 out of 1080, in Tien Shan 1177 out of 3251, in Pamir-Alai 1165 out of 3422 and in Kopet Dag 438 out of 1942 species produce alkaloids. The review also tabulates the individual alkaloids which were detected in the plants from the Central Asian mountains.
    [Show full text]
  • An Updated List of Species Used in Tree-Ring Research
    TREE-RING BULLETIN, Vol. 53, 1993 AN UPDATED LIST OF SPECIES USED IN TREE-RING RESEARCH HENRI D. GRISSINO-MAYER Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A. ABSTRACT During the past 100 years, researchers have investigated the potential of hundreds of tree and shrub species for use in applications of tree-ring research. Although several lists of species known to crossdate have been published, investigated species that do not crossdate are rarely included despite the usefulness of this infonnation for future research. This paper provides a list of the Latin and common names of 573 species that have been investigated in tree-ring research, infor­ mation on species known to crossdate, and information on species with measurement and/or chronology data in the International Tree-Ring Data Bank. In addition, a measure of the suitability of a species for future tree-ring applications, the Crossdating Index (CDI), is developed and pro­ posed for standard usage. 1n den letzten hundert J ahren haben Forscher das Potential von hunderten von Baum- und Buscharten fi.ir die Anwendung in der Jahresring-Forschung untersucht. Zahlreiche Listen mit Arten, von denen man wei~, da~ sie zeitlich korrespondieren, sind bereits veroffentlicht worden, dagegen sind untersuchte Arten, die nicht zeitlich korresponclieren, selten in Publikationen beriick­ sichtigt worden, obwohl diese Informationen fi.ir die kiinftige Forschung nutzvoll sein konnten. Dieser Artikel legt eine Liste der lateinischen und der gemeinen Narnen von 573 Arten vor, die im Rahmen der Jahresring-Forschung untersucht worden sind, Inforrnationen Uber Arten, die bekan­ nterweise zeitlich korrespondieren sowie Informationen iiber Arten mit Ma~- und/oder Chronologiedaten in der intemationalen Jahresring-Datenbank (International Tree-Ring Data Bank).
    [Show full text]