Biological diversity of the theriofauna of the Kyrgyz-Ata State Nature Park and optimization of ways of their protection as the basis for sustainable development

¹ Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyzstan
² Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
³ Kyrgyz-Uzbek International University named after Batyraly Sydykov, Osh, Kyrgyzstan

^* Corresponding author: abdimannap@rambler.ru

Abstract

This article presents the results of a theriological study of the Kyrgyz-Ata State Nature Park for 2020-2022, where 31 species of mammals were identified: 3 species of Insectivora, 4 species of Chiroptera, 9 species of Carnivora, 2 species of Artiodactyla, 11 species of Rodentia and 2 species of Lagomarpha. Of the 10 species of the Rodentia order, the abundance of 8 species of rodents was determined using the “trap-day” method, where two species dominate, i.e. of the total number of animals, Microtus juldaschi accounted for 28.8±3.22 and Apodemus sylvaticus -27.8±3.18. The landscape distribution of mouse-like rodents has been studied, with the highest abundance of mouse-like rodents observed in juniper forests, accounting for 36.36±3.41% of all 6 biotopes. Of the total 31 species of mammals in this park, only 4 species (Martes foina, Lynx lynx, Uncia uncia and Hystrix indica) are listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan. Also, in recent years there has been a reduction in the number of Capra sibirica and Sus scrofa throughout the Turkestan-Alay Range, although the park's report indicates that their numbers are increasing. The reasons for the reduction in the species composition and population of mammals, especially representatives of the two orders (Carnivora and Artiodactyla), are: excessive grazing, intensive logging in the past, illegal hunting, expansion of arable land in buffer zones, increasing numbers of tourists, and others. To optimize the protection of biodiversity, we consider it important to expand the park's territories, especially the reserve zone, and implement a special reserve regime to preserve the diversity of mammals; to activate the scientific and nature conservation activities of the park.