Biological Diversity of

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 , 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 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 , altitudinal and eco- sorum), are formed after cuttings in the forest logical vicariants that considerably enriched the ecosystem zone. Imperata cylindrica is usually flora specific composition as compared to other formed in the deserted fallow lands of the light countries, the areas of which are many times forest zone. bigger than that of Tajikistan (table 1.5). In the sites of long-term pasturing in the sub-alpine zone, Rumex Paulsenianus and Poly- Table 1.5. Comparative characteristics gonum coriarum are formed. of vascular plants in Central Asian countries* Number In the alpine zone, ecosystems are repre- 2

sented by wormwood species, combined with meadow-steppe vegetation. Country

The ruderal type is characterized by a dis- Area km / thous. Endemics Species Families placement of typical zonal ecosystems to inter- Genera zonal, in most cases from the lower belts. The Tajikistan 143.1 4511 996 123 882 flora of the ruderal ecosystems consists of 690 2715 4750 1022 126 550 species and 30 communities. The weed-ruderal species and communi- 450 3663 880 140 366 ties are very dangerous for the forest communi- 198 3276 831 113 321 ties, preventing the restoration of wood varieties. 488 2200 683 133 325 The low-mountain areas are characterized by *Flora of Tajik SSR (v. Kh. - L.: Nauka, 1991 - 624 p), Cherepanov monodominant communities of dwarf and S.К. (Vascular plants of USSR L.: Nauka, 1981, - 510 p.) - 4511 rude grass, which hamper the development of species, according to М.I.Ismailov (Identification of vascular plants of Tajikistan // Dep. in SPI center, edition 2, №44(1186), D.: 1999.) - leguminous crops and valuable forb grass. 4095 species.

41 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

In addition to the specific and genera di- versity, the flora of Tajikistan is marked by rich systematic units of the highest rank – genera, families, and types (table 1.6). Algae (Algae) 2145 species of algae have been registered in Tajikistan. Most of them are assigned to diatomaceous (Baccil- lariophyta) – 650 species, blue-green (Cyanophyta) – 580, and green algae. (Chlorophyta) – 570. Being an integral part of natural ecosystems, algae are indicators of their state. Bryophyta, Fungi and Lichenes community Fungi (Fungi). Fungi flora includes lower micromycetes – 91,5% and macromycetes. Ac- Bryophytes (Bryophyta) in Tajikistan cording to the current scientific data, nature of include 358 species, belonging to 144 genera Tajikistan is rich with as many as 2233 specific and 52 families; 51 species are endemic, 1 is a and intraspecific taxa of micro- and macroscopic relict (Mielichhoteria himalayana) was formed as fungi, belonging to 6 classes, 284 genera and early as Paleogene. Moss is common all over subgenera, 78 families, 26 new species are dis- the republic from valleys and foothills to high covered. There are 7 species of poisonous fungi; mountains, from desert to cryophyte meadows 4 species of fungi are rare and listed in Red Data and swamps of the alpine belt. Book. Filices (Pteridophyta) are represented in Lichens (Lichenes) in Tajikistan are rep- the republic by 22 species belonging to 5 fami- resented by 524 species, 11 of these are en- lies and 14 genera. There are 14 species of demic. Some lichens (Evernia prumastri, Pseu- ferns (Polipodiaceae), 1 species of Salvinia, 1 dovarnia furfuraceae, Loboria pulmonaria, and species of Marsinia; 1 species – waterwort Ramalina) contain aromatic stuff and essential (Asplenium pseudofontanum) – is considered oils, which are widely used as raw material in extinct, 3 species – Steller’s fern (Cryptogramma producing wool and silk dyers for traditional Stelleri), Komarov’s buckler fern (Dryopteris Ko- trades. marovii), and marsh fern (Dryopteris thelyp-

Тable 1.6. Flora of Tajikistan Total Introducent Wild relatives

№ Type, class

family species family species species family genus genus 1. Algae 2145 500 100 – – – 2145 500 100 2. Fungi 2233 284 78 – – – 2233 284 78 3. Lichenes 524 85 27 – – – 524 85 27 4. Bryophyta 358 144 52 – – – 358 144 52 Total: 5260 1013 257 – – – 5260 1013 257 5. Pteridophyta 22 14 5 – – – 22 14 5 6. Gymnospermae 35 9 5 9 6 3 26 3 2 7. Angiospermae, including: 4454 973 113 312 106 4 4142 867 109 • Monocotyledonae 752 161 18 22 6 – 730 155 18 • Dicotyledonae 3702 812 95 290 100 4 3412 712 91 Total : 4511 996 123 321 112 7 4190 884 116 Grand total: 9771 2009 380 321 112 7 9450 1897 373

42 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan teris) – are endangered; and 2 species – Buk- hara adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum bucharicum) and Fedchenko’s Gymnocarpium Fedtschenkoa- num – are rare. Eguisetophyta (Eguisetophyta) – are represented by two species (Egusetum ramosis- sium, E.arvense). They are common on damp soils along river banks, within valley and foothill zones. They are used in traditional medicine. Gymnospermae (Gymnospermae) – are represented by 35 species. Pinophyta Sub-alpine meadows (Pinophyta) – by 16 species of cypress family and genera, 3 species of which: Junipe- The families of the class are cereals rus turkestanica, J. zeravshanica, J. semiglo- (Poaceae), consisting of 325 species and 90 bosa are the endemics of Western Tien-Shan genera. The richest genera are: spear grass and Pamiro-Alai. They form forests at 1200-3200 (Poa) – 36, feather-grass (Stipa) – 30, couch- masl with area over 1/3 of total forested area. grass (Elitrigia) – 24, Pipltatherum – 19, fescue (Ephedra) are represented by 19 spe- grass (Festuca) – 16, Puccinelia, brome cies. The natural resource of these shrubs has (Bromus), and barley (Hordeum) – 11 each. Ce- considerably reduced due to uncontrollable cut- reals are widespread over all vegetation zones ting. and ecosystems. Angiospermae are characterized by the Cyperaceae Family (sedges) consists of largest variety of the country flora. They include 15 genera with 86 species of herbaceous, mainly 4454 species belonging to 973 genera and 113 perennial mesohygrophytes. Most of the species families. They comprise monocotyledonous and are plants from wet, swamped areas, weeds of dicotyledonous plants. rice fields, and components of alpine meadows Monocotyledonae are represented by and waste grounds. Found at 300 to 3800(4600) 752 species belonging to 161 genera and 18 masl (some sedges and all Cobresia). The major families. These are mainly perennial and annual genera are: sedges (Carex) – 40 species, cane herbs, with long and short vegetation period. (Erianthus) – 12, cyperus (Cyperus) – 7, spike They include species inhabiting reservoirs, rush (Heleocharis) – 6. They are used as food swamps, and wetlands – mace reeds and forage. (Typhaceae), Sparganiaceae, pondweeds The following families: Eriocaulaceae, (Potamogenaceae), naias (Najdaceae), rush rushes (Juncacea), Araceae, duckweeds (Juncaceae), water plantain Alismataceae, (Lemnaceae) are not numerous; they are repre- sedges (Cyperaceae), Hydrocharitaceae, duck- sented by water and swamp plants, which do not weeds (Lemnaceae), Eriocaulaceae, orchids require special protection. (Orhidaceae Eriocaulaecea). They also include Iridaceae Family (irises) is grouped in 7 other families, e.g. cereals (Gramineae) – toetoe genera and 27 species. They include: fine- (Arundo), reed (Phragmites), Eriathus, etc. flowerig – saffron (Crocus korolkovii), iris species (Iris sp.div.) – 9, and Junona sp. div. – 15. Family has 7 species related to four genera, the most valuable food, decorative, and medicine species are those of Allium genus (onion) – 84, and Ungernia genus – 3 species. The natural resources of many onion species, particularly Allium stipitatum, A.Rosen- bachianum, A.oschcninii, A.cepa, A.giganteum, etc. are being exhausted due to an active gather- ing for sale and preservation. Among onions, there are many endemic species – Mogoltau o. Ephedra (A.mogoltavicum), Darvaz o. (A.darwasicum), 43 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

Shugnan o. (A.schugnanicum), crown-bearing o. (A.stephonophorum), etc., 14 in all. Victor’s ungernia (Ungernia Victoris) is an endangered species, listed in the Red Data Book of Tajiki- stan. Liliaceae Family (lilies) is mostly rich in specific diversity (118 species), the major spe- cies are: Gagea genus (goose’s onion) with 34 species, Eremurus (desert-candle) – 29, Tulipa (tulip) – 24, and Asparagus (asparagus) – 8. Dicotyledonae are represented by a Tulipa praestans great number of living forms. Many species are dominants and subdominants of the republic Ulmaceae Family (elms) consists of 3 vegetation. wild species, belonging to 2 genera (Ulmus, Dicotyledons are the base of the floristic Celtis), Caucasus false elm (Celtis caucasica) is composition of all types of vegetation; they in- of a special interest. clude pistachio and xerophillous light forest, tu- Моrасеае Family (mulberries). Of great gai (riparian woodland), mesophyllous broad- interest is a fig (Ficus carica) as a valuable fruit- forest, etc. and a component of xerophytic light forests. In Tajikistan, there are 3702 dicotyledo- Occurs in fragments as small thickets near set- nous species, which belong to 812 genera and tlements in the mountainous valleys of Central 95 families. and Southern Tajikistan. Juglandaceae Family (walnuts) in Taji- The major dicotyledon families, which are kistan are represented by 1 species – English important in forming many vegetation com- walnut (Juglans regia), which is a dominant of plexes, are: buckweats (Polygonaceae), Roman broad-leaf forests and can be easily reproduced plants (Chenopodiaceae), pinks (Caryophyl- either by seedage or vegetation. laceae), ranunculaceae (Ranunculaceae), cruci- Salicaceae Family (willows) is repre- fers (Cruciferae), rosaceous (Rosaceae), legumi- sented by 14 species of willow and 5 species of nous (Leguminosae), elaeagnus (Elaeagaceae), poplar that grow in tugai and mountain river val- umbelliferous (Umbelliferae), labiatiflorous leys and often form independent thick brush- (Labiatae), compositae (Compositae). woods. Polygonaceae Family (buckweats) in Betulaceae Family (birches) is repre- the republic is represented by 98 species, be- sented by 1 genus, Tien Shan birch (Вetula tian- longing to 7 genera. The major genus is Poly- schanica), which is a polymorphic species. It gonum (pepper plant), which contains 46 species forms independent groves on river sides at 1200- of annual and perennial grass, shrubs, and sub- 3600 masl. Easily reproduced by shoots and shrubs. These are common everywhere at 300 . to 4700 masl and are components of various for- mations and florocoenotypes. Many species are forage, medicinal, tanniferous, food, and decora- tive. The following species need protection: Bal- juan pepper plant (Polygonum baldshuanicum), Hissar pepper plant (P.hissaricum), hydropepper plant (P.hydro-piper), tanniferous pepper plant (P.coriarium), rhubarb (Rheum Maximoviczii) due to the unrestrained gathering are damaged, and species of the genus Calligonum mainly growing in consolidated and blown sands at 400-800 masl. Chenopodiaceae Family (Roman Tugai plants) are represented by 150 species, belong- ing to 40 genera. Most species are herbaceous 44 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan plants; woody plants are rare. Almost all species are xerophytes and halophytes growing on val- leys and foothills. The exceptions are: Cera- toides ewersmanriana, C.ceratoides, Salsola Richteri, S.Paletzkiana, S.dendroides, Sym- pegma Regelii, Hammada vakhanica, found in the Pamirs 3600-4000 masl. They are used as forage and fuel. Their natural resources have greatly reduced. Roman plants are good forage plants of winter pastures; they are the source of valuable alkaloids, dye-stuffs, soda, etc. There are many vegetables among them. Saxaul Rhodiola pamiroalaica (Haloxylon aphyllum, H.persicum) and Salsola richteri, S.paletzkiana, S.dendroides can be used as sand-binding and forage plants of winter pas- Crucifers are common over the entire area tures. of the country in all types of vegetation, including Caryophyllaceae Family (pinks) – 153 juniper and broad-leaf forests, in xerophyllic light species, 25 genera; except for 7 species of dwarf forests and semi-savannas. Most genera are subshrubs of Acanthophyllum, all species are represented by 1 to 3 species. The major genera annual and perennial grass. The natural re- are: whitlow grass (Draba) – 25 species, strigo- source of 3 species of Allochrusa paniculata, A. sella (Strigosella) – 15, parrya (Parrya) – 13, gypsophiloides and A.tadshikistanica is rapidly Erysimum – 11, and Lepidium – 10. More than disappearing due to an uncontrolled storing of its half of all genera (43 of 83) are represented by 1 roots. species each. Ranunculaceae Family (ranuncu- Crassulaceae Family (crassulaceous) laceae). There are 112 species belonging to 22 are represented by 7 genera and 29 species. Of genera. The major genera are: buttercups – 36 special attention are 5 species of Rhodiola ge- species, Delphinium – 16, and anemones nus, which occur at 2100-4800 masl on rubble (Anemone) - 9). The majority of these are annual slopes and in rock fissures, and are medicinal and perennial herbs. The clematis genus con- plants. tains 3 species of climbing shrubs (Clematis ori- Rosaceae Family (rosaceae) are repre- entalis, C.asplenifolia, C.hilariae) and one shrub sented by 131 species belonging to 27 genera. liana - Atragene sibirica. The latter is very rare in The family is rich in woody and brush forms, in- Tajikistan and needs protection. cluding many fruit- and berries: pear Brassicaceae, Cruciferae Family (Pyrus) – 4 species, apple (Malus) – 1, hawthorn (crucifers) includes 252 species of 86 genera. (Crataegus) – 9, almond (Amygdalus) – 3, plum This is one of the largest dicotyledon families. (Prunus) – 2, cherry (Cerasus) – 2, blackberry There are many vegetable, field, forage, oil, and (Rubus) – 1, strawberry (Fragaria) – 1. This dye plants, alkaloid-bearing and melliferous group also includes: cotoneaster (Cotoneaster) – grass, etc. 15, ash-tree (Sorbus) – 3, dog-rose (Rosa) – 17, aflatunia (Aflatunia) – 1. Fabaceae Family (leguminous) in the republic is represented by 520 species belonging to 40 genera. These are annual and perennial herbs, trees, shrubs, subshrubs, and dwarf sub- shrubs. Among them, there are many valuable, forage, and medicinal plants, which enrich soil with nitrogen-bearing compounds. 314 species belong to 2 genera: Astragalus (275) and Oxytro- pis (66). 19 genera have 1 species each: Lag- onychium farctum, Cerсis griffithii, Keyserlingia Astragalus eximius mollis, Halimodendron halodendron, etc. 45 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

tains many endemic species. There are 18 gen- era with 1 and 4 species, and 3 genera with over 20 (up to 33) species in the family. There are no endangered species among them. Compositae Family (compositae). This is the major family of higher flowering plants. In Tajikistan, there are 655 wild species and 118 genera. The absolute majority of genera have one (53) or two (24) species. The major genera are: cousinia (Cousinia) – 111 species, worm- wood (Artemisia) – 47, Echinops – 29, jurinea (Jurinea) – 26, erigeron (Erigeron) – 24, Saus- Prunus surea and dandelion (Taraxacum) – 15 species The following families: sumacs, elaeag- each. nuses, pomegranates, pincushion shrubs, ma- Some compositae are important for land- ples, buckthorns, grapes are represented by a scapes. They are common in all vegetation small number of woody and shrub species: pista- zones up to 5000 masl. These are species of chio (Pistacia vera), sumac (Rhus coriaria), pin- wormwood (Artemisia sp.div.), Cousinia pan- cushion shrub (Euonymus Semenovi), maple nosa, C.Franchetii, C.macilenta, C.splendida, (Acer Semenovii), Christ’s-thorn (Paliurus spina- Centaurea squarrosa, inula (Inula macrophylla, I. christi), common jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), grapes grandis), Ligularia Thomsonii, L.macrophylla. (Vitis vinifera), Tamarix sp.div, elaeagnus They contain many food (Taraxacum, Cicorium (Elaeagnus angustifolia), sea buckthorn Cirsium), forage (Tragapogon, Artemisia, (Hippophae rhamnoides), pomegranate (Punica Carduus, Taraxacun, Saussurea, etc.), oil granatum), etc. (Carthamus tinctorius, Onopordium acanthium), Umbelliperae Family (umbelliferous) is essential oil (Lachno-phyllum gossipum, Puli- represented by 172 species and 66 genera. The caria salvifolia, Achillea Wilhelmsii, Tanacetum absolute majority of the species are concen- santhoanum), melliferous, medicinal (Achillea trated in mid-high mountains. They are typical millefolium, Artemisia cina, Calendula officinalii, both of xerophyllic light forests and juniper for- Taraxacum species) plants; they also include ill ests. There are many valuable food (ferule spe- weeds and noxious plants.. cies), forage, spice-aromatic, essential oil plants: Of other small families, the following coriander (Coriandrum), caraway (Carum carvi), plants require protection: date-plum (Diospyros Galagana, Antriscus, Scaligeria, Bunium persi- lotus) belonging to the Ebeneous family cum, celery (Apium graveolens); medicinal (Ebenaceae), Vitex agnuscastus of the Verbena plants (Ammi majus, Angelica ternata, Carum family (Verbenaceae), and of the Limoniaceae – carvi, Daucus carota, etc.). The major genera acantholimon (Acantholimon diapensioides), A. are: ferule – 39 species. The rest 58 genera hedinii, A.tianschanicum, A.velutinum, A. have 2 species each, only 5 of them are poly- pamiricum, A.varivtzevae) etc. morphic. The following species need urgent pro- tection: Bunium persicum, Galagаnia fragrantis- sima, caraway (Carum carvi), celery (Apium graveolens), fennel (Foeniciolum vulgare), angel- ica (Angelica ternata), ferule (Ferula sp. div .). Labiatae Family (labiatiflorous). There are 38 genera and 196 species in the republic. Some species are found from valleys to high mountains (Perovskia scrophulariifolia, Thymus seravschanicus, Ziziphora pamiroalaica, Nepeta pamirensis, N.kokanica, Salvia sclarea, Ori- ganum tittanthum) which often form independent Ferula fedtschenkoana types of vegetation – thymes. The family con- 46 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan

Spore-bearing vegetation is very rich. It is very important for maintaining the ecological bal- ance of forest, meadow, water, steppe, and semi-desert ecosystems and the formation of the fertile soil layer. Many species of spore-bearing plants need protection due to their restricted range. The specific features of flora distribution correspond to particular types of zones, into which the botanic-geographical areas of Tajiki- stan are subdivided. Pistacia verae Each botanico-geographical area is char- acterized by particular vegetation, which differs Many species and their communities exist in the origin and ecological features and is as- under extreme conditions and restricted environ- signed to particular altitude belts. mental ranges in various mountainous ecosys- tems. B. Valuable communities The main types of vegetation are: The natural vegetation of Tajikistan an- • broad-leaf forest (Acer turkestanicum, Jug- nually produces over 80 million tonnes of land lans regia), (31 mln.) and underground (48 mln.) phytomass • tugai forest (Populus pruinosa, Elaeagnus (table 1.7), a considerable part of which forms angustifolia), valuable communities. • small-leaf forest (Betula tianschanica), The valuable communities of Tajikistan • juniper forest (Juniperus turkestanica, are forest, meadow, steppe, tugai, semidesert to • J.seravschanica, J.semiglobosa, desert, and semisavanna vegetation (fig. 1.13), a • xerophyllous light forest (Pistacia vera, considerable part of which are relic, endemic, Amygdalus bucharica), and endangered species. All these species are • brushwood (Rosa kokanica, R.divina, Aflatu- of a genetic, ecological, economical, food, and nia ulmifolia, Exchorda Albertii, Ephedra forage significance. equisitina), Table 1.7. The land phytomass of major plant communities (air-dry weight) Area, Phytomass Name of plant community thou. hectares thou. hectares thou. tons в % Juniper forests 400 28.0 11200 36.1 Shiblyak 650 9.3 6030 20.0 Deciduous forest 140 30.3 4200 13.0 Tugai with savannoide 70 42.5 2975 9.6 Semisavanna: • High grass 600 4.5 2700 9.0 • High cereal 300 3.1 900 3.0 • Low grass 500 0.6 300 1.0 Desert 700 1.2 840 2.6 Tragacants 400 1.5 600 2.0 Meadow, wetlands 170 2.5 425 1.3 Steppe 420 1.0 420 1.3 Jangal 70 2.0 140 0.4 Cryophyton 100 2.4 120 0.4 Halophyton 80 1.2 96 0.3

47 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

• semiwoody-semibrush vegetation (Haloxylon persicum, Salsola richterii, Calligonum caput medusae, C.griseum, C.arborescens, C.calcareum, Hammada leptocloda, Artemisia kochiiformis, Ceratoides papposa), • Cousinia pannosa, C.stephanophora, • steppe (Festuca alaica, F.subcata, F.pamirica, Artemisia dracunculus), • semisavanna (Prangos pabularia, Inula gran- dis, Ferula kuhistanica), • meadow (Polygomum coriarum, Ligularia thomsonii), • Acantholimon tatarica, Onobrychis echidna. Juniperus More than 70 species of valuable commu- nities form independent flora formations. Among All these formations are preserved as them the most valuable are: nuts (Juglans regia), small communities, including numerous relic and apples (Malus Sieversii), maples (Acer turkestani- endemic species and genera (Ostrovskia, cum), (Juniperus seravschaniсa, J. Cephalopodum, Spyrostegia, Kuhitangia, Kor- semiglobosa, J.turkestanica, J.sibirica), birches shinskya, Paulia, Thlaspidium, Chaetolimon). In (Betula tianschanica), sea buckthorns (Hippophae Tajikistan, there are many plants valuable for the rhamnoides), populus (Populus pruinosa), whole Mediterranean area that have a common elaeganus (Elaeagnus angustifolia), pistachios origin, such as trees, shrubs, and herbaceous (Pistacia vera), common jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), plants (Rhus coriaria, Juglans regia, Punica figs (Ficus carica), hawthorns (Crataegus pon- granatum, Ficus carica, Vitex agnus-castus, Pali- tica), saxaul (Haloxylon persicum). urus spina Christi, Prunus divaricata, Elytrigia The woody and shrub plants of Tajikistan trichophora, Hordeum spontaneum, H. make over 60% of valuable juniper, 50% of pista- bulbosum). chios, 95% of tugai, 65% of mesophyllic, 20% of Of ancient Mediterranean flora ele- small-leaf and mesophyllic-shrub communities of ments, communities of broad-leaf forests or xe- Central . 90% of large inhabit for- rophytic light forests (Juglans regia, Acer turke- ests formed by these communities. stanicum, Exochorda Alberti, Aflatunia ulmifolia), Representatives of valuable communities xerophitic light forests (Celtis caucasica, Acer occur almost on the whole territory of Tajikistan regeli, Crataegus pontica, Fraxinus raibocarpa, (fig. 1.14). A considerable part of them are high- Calophaca grandiflora, Pistacia vera, Keyserlin- productive pastures, hayfields, and food, medici- gia mollis), numerous relic shrubs (Ribes, Lo- nal, and technical resources. nicara, Cotoneaster, Fraxinus), and herbaceous Grass communities are most diverse in plants (Buchingera, Ostrovskia, Petilium, Imper- composition and structure. They include 10 of 20 ata) still exist in Tajikistan (fig. 1.15). types of vegetation, 4 of them belong to sub- One can still find well-preserved motley shrubs and 6 – to woody-shrubs. grass steppes, semisavannas and cryophyte Grass and subshrub communities make meadows widely used as natural pastures. Valu- over 70% of arable lands (3.5 million hectares of able wild fruits and genetic resources of fruit, pastures) and 90% of natural medicinal re- food, medicinal, decorative, and forage plants sources of vegetation origin. which are typical for valuable communities. The most valuable communities of medici- nal plants are the following formations: licorice The most valuable representative commu- (Glycyrrhyza glabra), origanum (Origanum tyt- nities of biodiversity which need protection are tanthum), Lagochilus seravschanicus, Bunium as follows: juniper, birch, and walnut forests, ash persicum, rhubarb (Rheum maximoviczii), inula trees, aflatunia, and pagoda tree brushwoods, (Inula grandis), Ungernia tadshicorum, allseed mountainous steppes, meadows, tugai, saxaul, (Rhodiola heterodonta), ferule (Ferula foetidis- and pistachios. They are threatened not only by sima, F.kuhistanica), onion species (Allium stipi- a reduction of their areas, but also by a destruc- tatum, A.seravschanicum, F.suvorovii). tion of their community structures and a loss of valuable plant and species. 48 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan

Republic of Tajikistan The Legend:

Map-Scheme of vegetation cities a ry lakes and water da yr S reservoirs rivers Vegetation Kayrakkum reservoir 1-9 tree-shrubs communities 10-14 dwarf semishrub communities UZBEKISTAN 15-24 Herbaceous communities

KYRGYZSTAN

Zeravshan

ob Surkh

Karakul Lake gou hin bik O

ir Dushanbe o rv e ch z an re P V k a lem re nj zgu Nu Ya

u s Murg h ab k g a an Y rt Sarez Lake

u a s B l i iz K Kulyab Kurgan-Tube n a g i Gunt n Yashilkul Lake h ir f s a h k K a V Khorog Zorkul Lake

ra a d h P k a Sha nj

A m u da rya nj a P Fig. 1.13. 0 50 100 150 Km

Fig. 1.13. Legend to Map-scheme of vegetation Woods and shrubs fig. 1.13. South Tajikistan-like deserts with domination of Deciduous maple-shrub-walnut forests 13 ephemeroid-sagebrush-hamada communities Small-leaf meadow-sea buckthorn-birch for-

ests Juniper forests in combination with shrubs, Traganthoides with domination of thorn pulvi- 14 meadows and steppes nate-prickly herb-cousinia communities Open juniper forests in combination with tall-

herbs, xerophytes and shrubs Herbaceous vegetation Xerophytic open ephemeroid-maple-pistachio

woodlands 15 Semi-savannas with domination of low herbs Xerophytic open ephemerid-sagebrush-

zygophyllaceous-almond woodlands 16 Semi-savannas with domination of tall grasses Tugai with domination of meadow-marsh-

oleaster-poplar communities 17 Semi-savannas with domination of tall herbs Psammophytic vegetation ephemeroid-

halophytic-perennial saltwort-saxaul 18 Steppe with domination of forb-tussock-grasses Halophytic saltwort-ephemeroid vegetation

Dwarf semishrub communities 19 Sub alpine tall herb meadows Fergana-like deserts with domination of salt- 10 Cryophytic meadows dominated with sedge wort-ephemeroid-sagebrush communities 20 and cobresia 21 Cryophytic-petrophytic vegetation 11 West Pamir-like deserts with domination of

acantholimon-sagebrush communities 22 Irrigated lands

High mountain East Pamir-like deserts with 23 Rain feed lands 12 domination of aiania-ceratoides-sagebrush 24 Glaciers communities 49 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

Republic of Tajikistan 27 The Legend: 39 33 5 Map-Scheme of main 10 3940 28 7 32 2 23 ya phytocenoses of tree and 6 34 35 ar 16 8 3 rd bush phytocenoses 39 36 40 39 Sy bush vegetation 27 16 10 38 8 5 Khujand 28 tree phytocenoses 3 23 40 6 3 Kayrakkum reservoir cities 39 38 35 39 33 31 23 32 32 28 lakes and water 5 10 reservoirs 33 UZBEKISTAN 23 rivers 3 23 8 27 28 7 30 27 5 KYRGYZSTAN 31 9 11 23 10 28 5 23 28 32 37 32 33 5 33 5 16 1323 Zeravsh 5 22 38 10 an 7 8 7 30 23 16 6 9 10 17 32 9 28 1 31 7 27 9 41 1 6 32 30 32 37 27 30 27 27 8 16 32 28 9 7 28 39 17 23 33 17 22 28 23 32 21 11 37 27 6 26 41 33 30 ob 27 33 2 Surkh 33 28 17 9 13 7 29 37 17 6 17 7 23 CHINA 28 10 3 23 29 7 37 Karakul Lake 26 7 1 25 5 40 3 23 9 28 11 41 27 33 2 13 1 41 5 27 25 gou 27 29 18 33 hin 40 11 6 2 12 10 6 bik 5 22 26 O 29 25 33 11 23 28 22 32 23 26 31 7 21 25 31 24 17 10 23 7 33 28 Dushanbe 29 13 21 13 27 21 ir 19 3 11 29 o 1 6 1 17 37 26 37 v 9 14 r 11 32 41 28 22 29 e 2 19 4 P 33 ch 26 38 z a an 31 9 re 35 nj V 32 11 9 k 4 25 39 7 21 33 20 re 5 33 lem 22 13 Nu 33 27 zgu Murga 17 6 u 40 Ya b 11 s 37 37 33 30 27 h 26 27 10 8 13 23 k 37 a 22 1818 37 29 23 7 1 Y 30 27 26 u 41 26 ng Sarez Lake 6 s 5 l ta 3 i r 9 a 28 iz 39 3 3 10 B 32 K Kulyab10 29 23 3 20 31 1 4 n Kurgan-Tube 31 13 a 7 32 28 g 3 6 7 40 17 i 3 40 n 38 r 1 26 23 Gunt i Yashilkul Lake f 15 h 10 9 37 a 19 35 32 10 s 6 32 217 K h 37 Khorog k 23 20 23 6 28 3 a 29 5 Zorkul Lake V 8 23 3 34 38 11 38 7 32 26 8 35 38 37 40 39 9 8 35 36 33 a 36 32 37 r 37 P 30 a 28 39 an d 36 j kh 34 35 Sha 39 A AFGHANISTAN 23 m 38 u da 3 rya nj a P Fig. 1.14. 0 50 100 150 Km

Fig. 1.14. Legend to Map-scheme of main valuable formations of wood and shrub vegetation

No. Latin Names fig. 1.14. 1 2 1 2 1 Zizyphus jujuba 22 Betula tianschanica 2 Cercis griffithii 23 Juniperus seravschanica 3 Cerasus verrucosa, C.erythrocarpa 24 Biota orientalis 4 Punica granatum 25 Exochorda alberti 5 Celtis caucasica 26 Juglans regia 6 Pistacia vera 27 Juniperus turkestanika, J.sibirica, J.semiglobosa 7 Amygdalus bucharica 28 Populus bachofenii, P.tadshikistanica 8 Amygdalus spinosissima 29 Platanus orientalis 9 Acer regelii, A.pubescens 30 Acer turkestanicum 10 Ephedra equisetina, E.intermdia 31 Fraxinus sogdiana 11 Fraxinus raibocarpa 32 Cotoneaster hissaricus, C.nummularius 12 Calophaca grandiflora 33 Rosa divina, R.ecae, R.ovczinnikovii 13 Rhus coriaria 34 Haloxylon persicum 14 Palinrus spina-christi 35 Salsola paletzkiana, S.richteri 15 Ficus carica 36 16 Pyrus regelii Calligonum microcarpum, C.litvinovii 17 Pyrus bucharica 37 Hippophae rhamnoides 18 Diosphyros lotus 38 Tamarix arceuthoides, T.ramosissima 19 Zigophillum gontscharovii 39 Elaeagnus angustifolia 20 Vitex agnus-castus 40 Populus pruinosa 21 Malus sieversii 41 Restella alberti 50 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan

Republic of Tajikistan The Legend: 9 37 Map-Scheme of distribution 8 6 травянистые растения 37 22 a of relicts of pre-neogenic 11 2 ry 7 12 a 38 36 rd 13 31 Sy 6 16 деревья floras 41 36 37 38 Khujand 26 кустарники 7 22 41 11 6 27 27 Kayrakkum reservoir cities 2 27 26 21 22 lakes and water 7 36 27 16 reservoirs UZBEKISTAN 3 rivers 9 46 28 24 4 29 43 10 37 46 6 28 KYRGYZSTAN 10 19 7 24 2 22 15 9 13 35 9 47 20 Zeravsh 10 7 4 46 21 2 35 17 27 an 2 13 38 47 17 22 35 26 36 43 9 28 26 27 9 16 46 37 16 43 46 6 11 27 38 33 47 37 46 46 6 24 4 19 47 27 34 16 37 13 10 6 6 19 35 15 23 33 hob 36 32 8 6 24 13 21 Surk 47 9 10 18 4 43 33 7 37 34 43 33 10 CHINA 1910 37 16 41 Karakul Lake 6 28 11 38 13 6 6 21 41 21 6 38 33 7 u 20 36 37 32 13 18 3 5 ngo 34 32 16 32 43 10 hi 35 44 24 18 37 11 bik 38 15 7 O 37 8 41 32 42 8 13 19 46 8 35 45 36 37 47 43 16 33 Dushanbe 42 8 15 38 35 32 4 ir 25 6 16 8 8 o 18 8 46 32 45 32 5 v 20 8 5 r 8 38 h 19 e P 33 c 23 42 z 8 13 a an 4 32 re 14 6 14 nj V 21 20 32 k 43 10 22 8 19 re lem 6 Nu 34 zgu 31 Murga 36 8 u 7 a b 13 32 s Y 9 26 5 41 19 36 h 10 38 k 16 2 44 41 20 2 32 a 39 14 11 Y 33 7 31 12 10 22 u 6 37 ng Sarez Lake 2 13 s l ta 8 6 21 i r a 33 1 38 iz 10 6 2 B 33 44 K Kulyab 6 41 23 43 1 12 2 1 18 4 32 26 20 2 15 7 n 34 Kurgan-Tube 36 a 34 11 g 34 i 38 8 39 16 n 2 46 15 r 2 Gunt Yashilkul Lake 33 i 13 9 f 26 40 33 h 25 a 13 32 44 s 36 10 K h 32 32 19 KhorogХорог 33 11 k 38 a 6 Zorkul Lake V 1 11 1 8 15 2 44 45 15 26 41 41 37 15 6 15 ra 27 22 P 10 2 a an d j kh 41 Sha 9 A AFGHANISTAN 4 m 2 u 37 da 2 16 4 rya nj 22 a 10 P Fig. 1.15. 6 0 50 100 150 Km

Fig. 1.15. Legend to Map-scheme of distribution of relicts of pre-neogenic floras No. Latin Names fig. 1.15. 1 2 1 2 1 Arundo donax L. 22 Halimodendron halodendron Pall. Voss. 2 Aeluropus litoralis Parl. 23 Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv. 3 Arthraxon langsdorfii Trin. Hochst. 24 Iskandera hissarica N. Busch 4 Achantherum splendens Nevski. 25 Keyserlingia mollis Royle Boiss. 5 Botriochloa caucasica Trin. Henr. 26 Lycium ruthenicum Murr. 6 Botriochloa ischaemum L. Henr. 27 Lycium dasystemum Pojark. 7 Celtis caukasica Willd. 28 Lonicera paradoxa Pojark. 8 Cercis griffithii Boiss. 29 Malacocarpus crithmifolius C.A. Mey 9 Calamagrostis macrolepis Litv. 30 Myrtama elegans Royle Ovcz. et Kinz. 10 Calamagrostis pseudophragmites Hall. Koeler. 31 Nitraria schoberi L. 11 Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. 32 Ostrowskia magnifica Rgl. 12 Crypsis schoenoides L. Lam. 33 Platanus orientalis L. 13 Datisca cannabina L. 34 Populus pruinosa Shrenk 14 Diospyros lotus L. 35 Populus talassica Kom. 15 Erianthus ravennae L. Beauv. 36 Populus tadshikistanica Kom. 16 Elaeagnus orientalis L. 17 Elaeagnus songarica Bernh. ex Schlecht. 37 Phragmites communis Trin. 18 Exochorda alberti Rgl. 38 Pistacia vera L. 19 Ficus carica L. 39 Punica granatum L. 20 Fraxinus raibocarpa Rgl. 40 Ranunculus chodzhamastonicus Ovcz. et Junus. 21 Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge 41 Saccharum spontaneum L. 51 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

fig. 1.15. fig. 1.15. 1 2 1 2 42 Biota orientalis (L.) Endl. 45 Zeuxine strateumatica (L.) Schlechter 43 Vitis hissarica Vass. 46 Juniperus seravschanica Kom. 44 Vitex agnus-castus L. 47 Juniperus sibirica Burgsd.

Relic species forming valuable communities No. Latin Names 1 2 1 2 Cotoneaster nummularioides, C.nummularius, 1. Arundo donax 33. C.hissaricus 2. Aflatunia ulmifolia 34. Clematis orientalis 3. Juniperus semiglobosa, J.seravschanica, *J.sibirica, J.turkestanica 35. Elaeagnus angustifolia 4. *Acantholimon komarovii, *A.Varivtzevae, 36. Amygdalus bucharica *A.Zaprjagaevii 37. Padellus mahaleb 5. Betula tianschanica 38. Ostrowskia magnifica 6. Cercis Griffithii 39. Juglans regia 7. *Crataegus darvasica, *C.pamiroalaica, 40. Hippophae rhamnoides C.turkestanica, C.pontica 41. Zygophyllum Gontscharovii 8. Ampelopsis vitifolia 42. Prangos pabularia 9. Cerasus verrucosa Artemisia persica, A.baldshuanica, A.tenuisecta, 43. 10. Vitis vinifera A.turanica, A.vachanica 11. Peganum harmala 44. Perovskia scrofularifolia 12. Punica granatum 45. Platanus orientalis 13. Pyrus cajon 46. Rheum Maximoviczii 14. Paliurus spina Christi 47. Rosa Ovczinnikovii 15. Calligonum griseum, C.Prszevalskii, C.microcarpum 48. Glycyrrhiza glabra 16. Origanum tyttanthum 49. Rhus coriaria 17. Dionysia involucrata 50. Thelycrania darvasica 18. Rubus caesius, R.turkestanicus 51. Scorzonera acanthoclada 19. Lonicera Korolkovii 52. Prunus sogdiana 20. Hypericum perforatum, H.scabrum 53. Ribes Meyeri 21. Ziziphora pamiroalaica 54. Saсcharum spontaneum 22. Salix albu, S.babilonica, S.excelsa, S.pamirica, 55. Populus alba S.picnostachya, S.schugnanica, S.turanica, 56. Zizyphus jujuba S.Wilhelmsiana 57. Pictacia vera 23. Imperata cylindrica 58. Ferula kokanica 24. Incarvillea Olgae 59. Diospyros lotus 25. Celtis caucasica 26. Acer turkestanicum 60. Ephedra intermedia, E.ciliata, E.equisetina 27. Acer pubescens 61. Erianthus Ravennae 28. Festuca sulcata 62. Onobrychis echidna 29. Calophaca grandiflora 63. Exochorda Albertii Eremurus Aitchinsonii, E.candidus, E.Olgae, 30. Cousinia Fedtschenkoana, C.Franchetii, 64. C.pannosa, C.stephanophora E.robustus, E.stenophyllus 31. Caragana turkestanica 65. Malus Sieversii 32. Atraphaxis pyrifolia *Rare species 52 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan

C. Animal World

A considerable diversity of environmental conditions, ecosystem variations and plant com- munities rich in composition and structure, as well as ancient many-pole faunogeneses promoted the conservation and development of over 12 thousand species of invertebrates and 531 spe- cies of vertebrate animals on the territory of Taji- kistan (table 1.8).

Vertebrates Cervus elaphus Mammals (Mammalia) of Tajikistan in- clude 84 species, grouped in 47 genera, 22 fami- Cheiroptera Order (Chiroptera) of Tajiki- lies, and 6 orders: insectivorous, cheiroptera, stan includes 19 species of , belonging to 3 hares, rodents, carnivorous, and ungulates. families and 9 genera. Out of three species of Insectivorous Order (Insectivora) – the horseshoe bats (Rhinolopidae Family), lesser oldest branch of mammals in Tajikistan - is repre- (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Bukhara horse- sented by only 6 species, belonging to 4 genera shoe (R.bucharicus) are rare. The family of and 2 families. Widespread and numerous repre- bats () includes 15 species. Com- sentative of this group is Сrocidura suaveolens, mon representative of the family is dwarf noctule which occurs both in natural and cultivated land- (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), which occurs every- scapes, from tugai to highlands. Long-spined where in various natural and man-made shelters, hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) occurs in and buildings, in the mountains – up to 2000 foothill zone and adjacent valleys (350-1200 masl. Mostly rare and not numerous are: Bar- masl). Negative impact on the long-spined hedge- bastella leucomelas, noctule (Pipistrellus savii), hog habitats and numbers was produced by wide-eared free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis), and ploughing of virgin lands and uncontrolled cattle Otonycteris hemprichi. The typical man-made grazing. Sorex buchariensis, the endemic of Taji- shelters, used by bats for concentration and win- kistan, has restricted habitats in local areas of the tering, are abandoned mines. 14 species of bats Hissar Range and the Peter the Great Range. are listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Сrocidura pergrisea, a specialized mountainous Order Rodentia (rodents) is the most nu- species, belongs to rare species; it occurs on the merous orders of mammals in Tajikistan, repre- slopes of the Hissar, Shugnan, and Ishkashim sented by 29 species, belonging to 7 families and ranges, at 2500-3600 masl. 17 genera. The family of hamsters (Сricetidae)

Table 1.8. Specific diversity of animals includes 14 species and makes almost 50% of all rodent species of Tajikistan. Background repre- Number sentative of the family within the desert complex Taxa Listed in the Red Total Endemic Data Book is Мeriones erythrourus, inhabiting valleys and foothills of northern and southwestern Tajikistan. Invertebrates 12619 799 58 Rhombomys opimus, Meriones tamariscinus and Protozoa 300 – – M. meridianus are narrow-area species of sandy 1400 – – Vermes lands of northern and southwestern Tajikistan. Arachnida 715 – – The genus of gray field mice (Microtus) is Insecta 10 000 796 50 represented by 6 species of field mice: Pamirian Mollusca 204 3 8 (Microtus juldachi), juniper (M.carruthersi), M. Vertebrates 531 1 104 socialus, Afghan (M.afghanus), common (M. ar- Amphibia 2 – – valius), and Kyrgyz (M.kirgizorium). All these spe- Reptilia 47 - 21 cies, except for Afghan field mouse, occur in Pisces 52 - 4 mountainous landscapes. Aves 346 - 37 Only one species of the genus Ellobius Mammalia 84 1 42 occurs in Tajikistan - Ellobius tancrei; it is com- Total: 13150 800 162 mon everywhere, except for the Pamirs. 53 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

the beginning of the 1950s and occupied the en- tire irrigation system of the , the Farkhad and Kairakkum reservoirs. Porcupine (Hystrix indica) – the only representative of the family of porcupines (Hystrisidae) in Tajikistan – is common everywhere, except for Badakhshan and the Pamirs. The rare representatives of the rodents order include small five-toed jerboa (Allactaga elater) and Severtzov’s jerboa (A.severtzovi), which are narrow-area species within Tajikistan Lepus tolai territory; their sparse settlements are preserved in Second to hamsters (in specific biodiver- clay, rubble, and saline areas of deserts in north- sity) are mice (Muridae). This family of Tajikistan ern and southeastern Tajikistan. includes 5 species. Common representatives of Order Lagomorpha (hares). This order the family are: house mouse (Мus musculus), includes only 3 species, belonging to 2 families: common field mouse (Apodemys sylvaticus), hares (Leporidae) – 1 species, piping hares Turkestan and Norway rat (Rattus turkestanicus (Lagomyidae)– 2 species. The Tolai hare (Lepus and R.norvegicus). tolai) has a wide geographic and vertical range The family of squirrels (Sciuridae) of Tajiki- (300-5100 masl), occurs from the river valleys stan includes 5 species: Spermophilopsis lepto- and deserts to the mountainous forests and high- dactulus, relic (Citellus relictus), and yellow squir- lands. The mountainous representative of hares – rels C.fulvus, red marmot (Marmota caudata), and large-eared piping hare (Ochotona roylei) – is Menzbier’s marmot (M.Menzbieri). Due to plough- common in Badakhshan and the Pamirs (2200- ing steppe and sand areas, the populations of 4800 masl), while red piping hare (Ochotona Spermophilopsis leptodactulus and yellow squir- rutila) occurs only in the Pamirs. rels are on the verge of vanishing. Order Artiodactyla (cloven-ungulate). Red marmot (Marmota caudata) is a typi- There are 7 species of cloven-hoofed animals in cal mountainous species. It occurs in all moun- Tajikistan, belonging to 3 families and 4 genera. tainous ranges of Tajikistan, except for the Kura- A widespread representative of this order is wild min Range. Red marmot is a very important spe- boar (Sus scrofa). Bukhara Red deer (Cervus cies among game fur-bearing mammals of Tajiki- elaphus bactrianus), the largest representative of stan. The density of the animal population in the cloven-ungulate mammals of Tajikistan (the Pamirs and Badakhshan remains rather high. greatest weight of males is 250 kg), is listed in Endemic of Western Tien Shan – the Red Data Book of the IUCN. The native habi- Menzbier’s marmot (Marmota menzbieri) – was tats of the Bukhara Red deer – tugai –due to ag- first found in Tajikistan in summer, 1960, in the ricultural development, are almost entirely trans- eastern part of the Kuramin Range, at the Aktash mine. Due to the industrial development of the Aktash upper reaches and the adjacent parts of the Kuramin Range, the isolated population of the marmot completely disappeared in the early 1980s of 20 century. Very important game species are muskrats and nutrias. Nutrias (Myocastor coypus) were first brought into Tajikistan in 1949 and placed into reservoirs of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Re- serve. Due to the successful acclimatization, it formed wild population inhabiting all watercourses and wetlands in the lower reaches of the Kafirnigan, Vakhsh, Pyanj, Kyzylsu, and Yakhsu rivers. Muskrats (Ondatra zibethica) entered the territory of northern Tajikistan from Uzbekistan at Gazella subgutturosa 54 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan formed. Nowadays Bukhara Red Deer is really Urial (Ovis vignei bochariensis) was a very threatened species. Its in-situ dwelling is in Ti- common species in the past. In the early 1950s, grovaya Balka reserve and in tugai of right side the total population of the urial in Tajikiistan was of Pyanj river till Afghanistan border. Introducent estimated at 5 thousands. Only 400-500 individu- populations of Bukhara Red Deer are preserved als are preserved at the present time. in Zeravshan zakaznik, Sarikhosor and in Shak- Argali or wild ram (Ovis ammon polii) – the hrinau nursery. largest representative of wild rams of Central Persian gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) Asia. It occurs in the Pamirs. The vertical range of inhabits semi-desert hard-soiled areas, flat foot- the argali is 3600-5300 masl, its main habitats hill plains, and lowlands (400-1800 masl). The being at 4100-4300 masl. The uncontrolled inter- Persian gazelle became very rare, listed in the national hunting and poaching considerably re- Red Data Books of IUCN and Tajikistan. By the duced its resources in recent 10-15 years. The early 1990s, its population in Tajikistan was esti- argali population in the present territory of the Pa- mated at 100-150. The Persian gazelle is an en- mirs does not exceed about 3.5-4 thousand indi- dangered species, due to poaching and habitats viduals. degradation, its population in the country not ex- Order Carnivora (carnivorous) of Tajiki- ceeding 80. stan is represented by 20 species, belonging to 5 Siberian mountain goat (Capra sibirica) is families and 10 genera. The family of martens a common representative of cloven-ungulate ani- (Mustelidae) is marked by the greatest specific mals in Tajikistan, occurring at 1600-5000 masl. diversity. It includes 8 species, i.e. 40% of the The total number of the Siberian mountain goat carnivorous mammals of Tajikistan. The most over the total area of Tajikistan in the first half of common representative of the family is stone the 1980s was estimated at 41 thousand. In re- marten (Martes foina), inhabitant of broad-leaf cent 10-15 years its population is threatened by and juniper forests. poaching. Badger (Мeles meles) – one of the largest Markhur (Capra falconeri) is an endan- representatives of the family of martens – com- gered species listed in the Red Data Book of the pletely disappeared from the valley zone, due the IUCN. Its main population is preserved at the bor- anthropogenic landscape transformation; only a der with Afghanistan on the southwestern ridges small number of the animals are preserved in the of the Darvaz Range and southern ridges of the woody and shrub zone. Khazratishokh Range. The present area of the Least weasel (Mustela nivalis) – the finest markhur is preserved as a narrow band, up to 80 representative of carnivorous mammals – occurs km long and 5-25 km wide. In the early 1980s, the in southwestern, Central Tajikistan, and Gorno- animal population disappeared from the Sarsayak Badakhshan, the Pamirs from 400 to 4000 masl Range, where its area was 30 thousand hectares, and its population is not numerous. It is listed in because of the poaching. At present the mark- the Red Data Book of Tajikistan and needs pro- hur’s population of the Dashti-Jum zapovednik tection. counts 120-130 individuals. Alpine weasel (Мustela altaica) occurs only in Badakhshan and the Pamirs at 2700-3700 masl. It settles in stone debris near mouse colo- nies. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Tajiki- stan. Vormela peregusna, was widely spread in the lowlands of southeastern, Central, and north- ern Tajikistan, and assigned to rare or endan- gered species. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Central Asian otter (Lutra lutra) is common in all river valleys of Tajikistan with the exception of the Western Pamirs. It is not numerous and Ovis ammon needs protection.

55 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is common in the mountain ranges of Northern, Central Tajiki- stan, Badakhshan, and the Pamirs, at 1500-5000 masl. The resources of this animal in Tajikistan are 250-300 individuals. Poaching and mountain- ous forest mastering are factors promoting the decline of the brown bear’s population. Among mammals, the narrow-endemic species is: Menzbier’s marmot. 11 of 84 species are assigned to game species. Uncia uncia Aves (birds) is the most numerous (in Steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanni) is specific composition) class of vertebrates of Taji- not numerous; currently occurs in northern Tajiki- kistan. Ornithofauna includes 346 species of birds stan; listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. related to 16 orders (table 1.9). According to the Common weasel (Mustela erminea) occurs type of residence, birds are subdivided into resi- in Badakhshan and the Pamirs, in the vicinity of dent, migratory-nesters, birds of passage, and the Zorkul zapovednik at 4600 masl. wintering. Birds occur in all ecosystems, and There is only one species of the hyenas many of their representatives are background. family (Hyaenidae) in Tajikistan: striped hyena Nearly 10% (37 species) are assigned to rare or (Hyaena hyaena). This rare animal was earlier endangered. The most critical species are falcons common in tugai forests and foothill semi-deserts and bustards. There are cases of illegal fowling, of southwestern and northern Tajikistan at 300- aimed at selling falcons abroad. 1200 masl. Owing to actively developing the Resident birds include 82 species, nest- lands of its natural habitats and direct killing, the ers – 150, migratory – 108, wintering – 80, and population of the hyenas has been shrinking rap- birds of passage – 21. Among waterfowl and idly all over the republic. near-water birds, over 20 species of ducks and The cat family (Felidae) of Tajikistan is sandpipers, wintering at wetlands, lakes, reser- represented by 5 species: Turan tiger (Panthera voirs, man-made ponds, and rivers, are important tigris virgata), leopard (Pardus pardus), snow game species. The representatives of the order of leopard (Uncia uncia), Turkestan lynx (Felis lynx), gallinaceous (Galliformes) – partridge (Alectorius jungle cat (Felis chaus), and wild cat (Felis keklik), quail (Coturnix coturnix), Tibetan snow libyka). partridge (Tetraogallus tibetanus tibetanus), and pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) – are also as- Turan tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) has signed to game species. become extinct. In the late 1940s, the tugai for- ests of Tajikistan contained just 15-20 individuals. The tiger’s tracks were last seen in the Tigrovaya Balka Reserve, south of Khalkakul Lake, on the 8th of July, 1954. Earlier, the leopard (Pardus pardus) was common in the mountains of southwestern Tajiki- stan. In recent years, there have been no valid data on the presence of leopard in Tajikistan. The tracks of leopard were last seen in the Sarsaryak Range in 1967. Snow leopard or irbis (Uncia uncia) is quite common but it is not numerous. This species area covers the total mountainous zone of Tajikistan. The typical habitats are at 2500 to 5500 masl. The population of snow leopard in the early 1990s was estimated at approximately 160-200 individu- Phasianus colchinus als. 56 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan

Table 1.9. Systematic groups of birds Number of species

No. Order name

Total Listed in Red the Data Book

1. Dabchiks (Podicipediformes) 3 – Haliaeetus albicilla 2. Totimplates (Pelecaniformes) 4 – 3. Waders (Ciconiformes) 12 2 Order Podicipediformes (dabchiks) rep- 4. Lamellirostral (Anseriformes) 25 1 resented by 3 species. Podiceps cristatus is win- 5. Birds of prey (Falconiformes) 35 11 tering and nesting in reservoirs of south-western Tajikistan. Podiceps ruficollis is a settled bird 6. Gallinaceous (Galliformes) 7 4 spread in reservoirs of south-western and Central 7. Cranes (Gruiformes) 12 2 Tajikistan. Podiceps caspicus is a rare bird of 8. Plovers (Charadriformes) 51 5 passage, occur in reservoirs of the plain area of 9. Pigeons (Columbiformes) 12 4 Tajikistan. 10. Cuckoos (Cuculiformes) 2 – Order Totimplate (Pelecaniformis) in- 11. Owls (Strigiformes) 8 – cludes 4 species. Great cormorant (Phalacro- 12. Goatsuckers (Caprimulgiformes) 2 – corax carbo sinensis) is wintering and a bird of 13. Coraciiformes 5 – passage, and scarce individuals occur in summer. 14. Swifts (Apodiformes) 3 1 It is spread on the greatest part of Tajikistan area including high-mountain lakes of the Pamirs. 15. Woodpeckers (Piciformes) 2 – Pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pugmaeus) is 16. Passerines (Passeriformes) 163 7 the most common among wintering waterfowls of Total: 346 37 south Tajikistan. The main biotopes for wild birds nesting in Order Ciconiformes (waders) include 12 Tajikistan are: river valleys, flood-plain shrub and species. White and black storks (Ciconia ciconia grassy communities, mountain forests and lakes, asiatica, Ciconia nigra) are birds of passage and less often – meadows and steppes. nesters, listed in Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Considerable part of ornithofauna nests in Main reasons of the reduction of their population the upper reaches of the mountains in northern, is land mastering and trouble factor. White and Central Tajikistan, and Badakhshan. The ornitho- gray herons (Egretta alba alba, Ardea cinerea) fauna of the Eastern Pamirs is notable for its are birds of passage, wintering and also nesters. number and specific diversity. Small bittern (Ixobrychus minutus minutus) is

Table 1.10 Dynamics of numbers of some game birds (individuals)** Name 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Tibetian snow partridge 3220 3350 3250 3000 3050 3749 4239 3988 9533 2713 1232 (Tetraogallus tibetanus tibetanus) Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) 585 565 571 570 610 790 565 405 404 321 310 Bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) 740 730 680 660 640 630 704 783 805 652 652 *Partridge (Alectorius kakelik) 44.2 44.5 45.2 44.8 45.0 45.8 40.5 47.5 37.9 44.8 26.0 *Pigeon (Columba leuconota) 9.2 9.5 9.3 8.0 9.0 10.4 10.1 20.0 30.3 25.7 25.1 *Waterfowls 34 35 35 35 33 37 38 69 69 134 57 *Thousands ** Number is varied from 8-10% 57 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

the Red Data Book, – Tibetan snow partridge (Tetraogallus tibetanus), – is a typical high- mountainous bird, included in the group of endan- gered species. Pheasant (Phasianus calchicus) of Tajiki- stan forms 3 subspecies: black-golden or Tajik (Ph.c.bianchii), Zeravshan (Ph.c.zeravcshanicus tarn) and Syrdarya (Ph. c. turkestanicus forens) pheasants. All these species are listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Order Gruiformes (cranes) includes 13 species, 2 of the family of bustards (Otididae) be- ing listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Bus- Falco cherrug tard (Otis tarda) occurs in Tajikistan in winter. It is a rare threatened species. a bird of passage, nesting in lowlands of north Order Charadriiformes (plover) is repre- and south-western Tajikistan. sented by 51 species, 5 of which are listed in the Order Anseriformes (lamellirostral) is Red Data Book. Ibidorhyncha struthetrsi is a very represented by 25 species. Bar-headed goose rare, dropping in number, species. It is assigned (Anser indicus) is listed in the Red Data Book of to endangered species. There are some wintering Tajikistan. Because of poaching and nest destroy- and rare nesting populations. The total number of ing, the number of the bar-headed goose dropped Ibidorhyncha struthetrsi in Tajikistan does not ex- rapidly, their nests being preserved only on the ceed 30 pairs. It is assigned to settled species, islands and shores of the Eastern Pamirs lakes – with seasonal migration. The vertical range cov- Karakul, Rangkul, and Zorkul. Since the Zorkul ers the altitudes from 1600 to 3500 masl. It is zapovednik was established, the population of the listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. bar-headed goose in this territory has been under Order Columbiformes (pigeons) includes protection. 12 species. The representatives of the order are Order Falconiformes (birds of prey) in- common all over the territory of the Republic. cludes 35 species, 11 of which are listed in the Three species are listed in the Red Data Book of Red Data Book. Of the family of hawks Tajikistan: Columba leuconota is a rare, narrow- (Accipitridae), bearded vulture (Dypaetus barba- area species, occurs in the Pamirs; Pterocles ori- tus hemachalanus) nests in the mountain environ- entalis orenarius is a threatened, not numerous, ment, at 1400-1800 masl, with seasonal vertical species; (Syrrhaptes tibetana) is a threatened migration. Egyptian vulture (Neophron percenop- species; wood pigeon (Columba palumbus terus) is a rare, not numerous species, which in- casiotis) is listed in the Red Data Book, occurs in habits the foothills and the mid zone of moun- juniper and broad-leaf forests, at 1200-3000 masl, tains. It travels up the Pyanj River to Kalai- nesting in trees. Khumb, Rushan, and Khorog, nesting at 1800- 2000 masl. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Golden eagle (Aguila chrysaetus laphanea) is a settled bird, nesting in mountain- ous rocks, with seasonal vertical migration. Order Galliformes (gallinaceous) is rep- resented by 7 species, 4 of which are listed in the Red Data Book. The rarest valuable species is seesee partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis), common in the southwestern part of the republic. Beard partridge (Perdix daurica turcamona) is a settled species, common on the northern sides of the Turkestan Range. It nests at 1200-2200 masl. Another rare and not numerous species, listed in Otis tarda

58 Biological Diversity of Tajikistan

Order Passerioformes (passerines) contains 163 species, including 7 species, listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan: Carrulax lineatus, paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone para- disi), Muscicapa ruficauda, Microcichla scouleri, Chaimarrornis leucocephala, Myophonus caeruleus, Leptopoecile sophia. In autumn, more than 80 species of birds fly to Tajikistan from the northern latitudes and stay here until late spring, due to the favorable conditions. The most numerous group of winter- ing birds are waterfowl and wetland species. The rivers and lakes of Tajikistan attract large flocks of seagulls (Larus), Corvus, partridge-passerines (Caltris), cormorants (Phalac-rocorax). It should be noted that the territory of Tajikistan is consid- Bubo bubo ered one of the main passages of bird migration in the Asian continent. The migration routes of hundreds species of birds run through the moun- Order Cuculiformes (cuckoos) is repre- tainous systems of Tajikistan. sented by 2 species: Cuculus canorus and C. saturolas are birds of passage, rare in numbers. (Reptilia) of Tajikistan are very Order Strisiformes (owls) is represented diverse, being represented by 47 species (table by 8 species. The representatives of the order are 1.11), included in 2 orders, 13 families, and 23 quite common. They nest in the mountains and genera. plain areas; some of them are migratory. A typical representative is eagle-owl (Bubo bubo omissus). Table 1.11. Systematic structure Order Caprimulgiformes (goatsucker) is of specific diversity represented by 2 species: Caprimulgus eu- Number ropaeus sarudnyi and Caprimulgus aegyptius Name of spe- arenicolor sev. These species in Tajikistan are cies nesting birds and birds of passage. Order Testudines (Tortoise) 1 Hidden-neck turtle Suborder 1 Order Coraciiformes includes 5 species: (Cryptodira) kingfisher (Alcedo atthis atthis, Merops apiasterp Land tortoise Family (Testudinidae) 1 and Merops superciliosus persicus, Coracias gar- rulus semenowi), hoopoe (Upupa epops epops). Order (Scaly animals) 46 All of them are birds of passage and nesting in Suborder Sauria () 30 low and high mountains. Family () 5 Order Apodiformes (swifts) is repre- Agama Family (Agamidae) 9 sented by 3 species. Alpine swift (Apus melba Monitor Family (Varanidae) 1 tuneti) and black swift (A. apus pekinensis swin- Anguidae Family 1 hoe) are migratory, nesting in the low- Lizard Family (Lacertidae) 9 mountainous Pamiro-Alay. Little swift (A. affinis Family Skink (Scincidae) 5 Suborder Оphidia, seu Serpentes galibejensis) is listed in the Red Data Book of 16 Tajikistan. (Snakes) Blind-snake Family (Typhlopidae) 1 Order Piciformes (woodpeckers) in- Boa Family (Boidae) 1 cludes 2 species. White-winged woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucopterus) is rather widespread Grass-snake Family (Columbridae) 8 species, nesting within the Pamiro-Alay area, Asp Family (Elapidae) 1 Jynx torguilia occurs in Pamiro-Alay only as a Viper Family (Viperidae) 4 bird of passage. Crotalidae Family 1

59 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

The richest specific diversity is observed in lizards – 30 species. There are 16 species of snakes and 1 species of tortoise. The Red Data Book of Tajikistan comprises 21 species of rep- tiles. Numerous and common representative of reptiles is steppe tortoise (Testudo horsfieldi), which occurs in loess adyrs and foothill steppes. In recent years, poaching and illegal exporting has negative impact on the population of this species in the country. Lizards, inhabiting de- serts, semi-deserts, foothill steppes, and (to a lesser degree) mountains, are also common and numerous (30 species). Varanus griseus All species of geckoes: Crossobamon eversmanni, Teratoscincus scincus, Gymnodac- main reasons for the drop in numbers of the tylus caspius, Alsophylax loricatus, are consid- blind snake and oriental boa is the poaching, ered rare and endangered species. They occur aimed at their medicinal use. The typical habitats mainly in the lower reaches of the Pyanj and of most reptile species are in the areas of human Vakhsh rivers, in northern Tajikistan – in desert- activity, which causes negative impact on rep- tugai complexes at the Kairakkum Reservoir. tiles, mostly on the area and numbers of steppe The most critical species is a gray monitor tortoise. lizard (Varanus griseus) – the largest represen- tative of lizards, which is endangered due to the Amphibians (Amphibia) are represented strong transformation of their habitats. In recent by 2 species: – lake frog (Rana ridibunda) and decade, scarce individuals of the gray monitor green toad (Bufo viridis). The cultivation and wa- lizard have been observed only in sands near tering of desert and fallow lands caused the lake the Kairakkum Reservoir and in the low reaches frog area expansion. The green toad in Tajikistan of the Kafirnigan, Vakhsh, and Pyanj rivers. Over has vertical range spreading and occurs at 300- 14 lizard species are rare, listed in the Red Data 3800 masl. Book of Tajikistan. Of 16 snake species, the most critical Fish (Pisces). Numerous watercourses of ones are: sand snake (Echis carinata), blind Tajikistan are currently inhabited by 52 species snake (Typhlops vermicularis), Central Asian and forms of fish, belonging to 12 families. The cobra (Naja oxiana), the populations of which most diverse fish populations are those of rivers – are being less and less numerous, because of 52 species, ponds – 17, lakes – 20, springs – 10. illegal catching and keeping them in serpentaria, The whole diversity of fish has nearly 20 game aimed at receiving snake’s venom. One of the species (table 1.12, fig. 1.16), including Amu- darya trout (Salmo trutta morfa fario), pike (Esox lucius), redeye (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), Aral asp (Aspius aspius taeniatus), etc. The relic and endemic species contain 3 sturgeon species (genus of shovel-nosed pseudosturgeons): Amu- darya great – (Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufman- nii), Amudarya small (P.hermanii) and Syrdarya pseudosturgeon (P.fedtschenkoi). Some valuable game fish – pike-asp (Aspiolucius esocinus), Aral barbel (Barbus brachyceophalus) – are listed in the Red Data Book. In recent years, Aral asp (Aspius aspius taeniatus), Acipenser nudiventris have become less numerous, rare, and endan- Naja oxiana gered. 60