Transformations of the herpetofauna of South-Western Kyzylkum (Uzbekistan) under the influence of technogenesis

Institute of Zoology, Academy of Science of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

^* Corresponding author: fazliddin_jumayev90@mail.ru

Abstract

The diversity of herpetofauna in the natural ecosystem of the southwestern part of Kyzylkum has been studied quite deeply. In recent decades, vast desert areas have been developed for agricultural crops, and a network of irrigation facilities has been set up for watering and water supply development of new lands and socio-cultural objects. However, the study of the animal world, including the complex of amphibians and reptiles under the influence of anthropogenic factors, has been overlooked in the transformed areas. In this paper, we present the impact and consequences of man-made factors on herpetofauna of the developed areas of the Bukhara region, using the example of hydraulic structures – collectors. The studies were carried out along the Northern collector at the Ramitan and Shafirkan stationary points. Seasonal field works were carried out from March to May and in September 2018, in October-November 2019, and June-August 2020. The population density of the species was determined based on permanent and selective routes. In total, about 80 day-time and nighttime observations were carried out, with a length of more than 130 km. The fauna of the studied area is represented by two species of amphibians and 17 species of reptiles, including three species which are listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan and Annex I and II of CITES of which one is the IUCN Red List. According to the seasons of the year, the current state of the species population, their habitats, the dynamics of population, and the ratio of adults to young individuals are described. The expansion of the territorial space of two species of amphibians and two species of reptiles in connection with the construction of the collector-drainage network system was established. Detailed data on the negative impact of irrigation agriculture on desert species that are on the verge of complete extinction in the developed areas are provided. It is advisable to conduct conservation activities on critically endangered species regularly.