INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2169
CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMAL SPECIES LISTED IN THE "RED BOOK" AND
DISTRIBUTED IN SURKHANDARYA REGION
Jamolova Dildora Javlon qizi
Termez State Pedagogical Institute
Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences
Student of the Biology Department
Abstract:
This article examines the rare and endangered animal species found in the
Surkhandarya region and listed in the "Red Book" of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The paper
provides detailed information on the biodiversity, distribution range, ecological significance,
and conservation measures related to these species. Based on regional monitoring data, the
current status of the species has been analyzed, and practical scientific recommendations for
their protection are proposed. The article is of particular interest to biologists, ecologists, and
professionals involved in wildlife conservation.
Keywords:
Red Book, Surkhandarya region, rare animals, biodiversity, conservation, ecological
monitoring, distribution range.
The territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan is rich in biodiversity and is home to many
rare and endangered animal species. Currently, global climate change, intensified human
activity, urbanization, and the shrinking of natural habitats are contributing to the decline—and
in some cases, the extinction—of numerous animal species. For this reason, the government of
Uzbekistan has taken significant steps to preserve rare and endangered flora and fauna,
including the regular updating of the "Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan."
Surkhandarya region, located in the southern part of Uzbekistan, stands out for its
unique ecosystems comprising mountains, deserts, and river systems. A number of endemic
Central Asian animal species are found in this area. In particular, the Hissar mountain ranges,
Boysun Mountains, the Surkhan River basin, and the Dashtijum Nature Reserve serve as natural
habitats for many rare species.
This article scientifically analyzes the current status, biological and ecological characteristics,
distribution areas, and conservation conditions of animal species listed in the Red Book and
distributed across the Surkhandarya region.
The purpose of this article is to classify the animal species listed in the Red Book and
found in the Surkhandarya region, to study their current distribution, to identify threat factors,
and to develop scientifically grounded recommendations for their conservation.
A comprehensive ecological and zoological analysis was carried out in the research. The
study was conducted based on the following methods:
1.
Literature Review:
Key documents were examined, including the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(2021 edition), national environmental legislation, previous scientific studies, and
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2170
available biological monitoring data specific to the Surkhandarya region. Special
attention was given to comparative analysis of species records in the Dashtijum, Boysun,
and Surkhan nature reserves.
2.
Field Observation and Monitoring:
During 2024–2025, expedition-based fieldwork was conducted in important natural
areas of Surkhandarya, including the Boysun mountain range, Dashtijum reserve, and
Sherobod valley. Species were recorded through direct observation and tracking signs in
their natural habitats. Some large mammals, such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
and striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), were monitored using camera traps.
3.
Taxonomic and Statistical Analysis:
Recorded animal species were classified systematically by families, orders, and species.
Their distribution areas were mapped using GIS technologies. Each species was
assessed for its threat level, population status, and ecological importance.
4.
Expert Interviews:
Consultations were held with specialists from the Surkhandarya Regional Department of
Ecology, the Forestry Service, and staff of the Dashtijum Nature Reserve. Practical
insights provided by these experts helped refine and verify the research findings.
Throughout the study, only scientifically validated and evidence-based data were used. The
results presented in this article provide a valuable foundation for future biodiversity monitoring
efforts and the development of conservation strategies.
During the study, a total of
34 animal species
listed in the Red Book of the Republic of
Uzbekistan were recorded in the Surkhandarya region. These include mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians, and fish. It was found that the distribution, population size, and conservation status
of these species vary significantly.
1.
Mammals (Mammalia)
Among the 11 mammal species listed in the Red Book and recorded in the
Surkhandarya region, one of the most notable is the
snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
,
which occurs in small populations in the Boysun and Hissar mountain ranges. The
presence of the snow leopard has been confirmed exclusively through camera trap
footage. In addition, species such as the
striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
,
grey wolf
(Canis lupus)
, and
Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
were observed. Their population
numbers are unstable, and their habitats are shrinking due to increasing anthropogenic
pressure.
2.
Birds (Aves)
A total of 13 rare bird species were recorded in the region. Among them, the
saker
falcon (Falco cherrug)
,
mute swan (Cygnus olor)
, certain species of larks, and the
golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
are of particular ecological importance. Most bird
species are found in the Surkhan River basin and foothill areas. Some species enter the
region briefly during spring and autumn migration periods.
3.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles listed in the Red Book, such as the
Hissar tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
and
the
Iranian racerunner (Eremias strauchi)
, inhabit desert and mountain foothill areas.
Although their numbers are low, they are consistently observed in certain local habitats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2171
4.
Fish and Aquatic Species
Certain fish species found in the Surkhan River and its tributaries—such as the
Amu
Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus hermanni)
and the
Amu Darya
sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni)
—are on the brink of extinction. Their
populations are critically low and are observed only in controlled water flows under
limited conditions.
The results of the study once again confirm that the Surkhandarya region possesses a unique
biodiversity. In particular, the presence of rare and endangered species listed in the Red Book,
along with the scientific assessment of their ecological status and distribution, is considered one
of the most urgent tasks in contemporary wildlife conservation.
The unique geography of the Surkhandarya region—featuring a combination of
mountainous, desert, and river ecosystems—provides favorable habitats for numerous rare
animal species. However, the existence of these species remains under constant threat. The fact
that large mammals such as the
snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
,
striped hyena (Hyaena
hyaena)
, and
Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
are only observed in limited areas indicates a
significant decline in their populations. This situation is linked both to the reduction of natural
habitats and the increasing intensity of human activities.
Birds are also of special ecological importance as bioindicators. Some large birds of
prey, such as the
golden eagle
and
saker falcon
, are found exclusively in high-altitude areas.
Observations show that their range has been shrinking in recent years. Meanwhile, fish and
aquatic species face serious threats due to water pollution, decreasing water levels, and
unregulated management of river flow systems.
Research findings also reveal that only a portion of the region’s protected areas and
national parks provide adequate safety for endangered species. While
Dashtijum
and
Boysun
reserves offer relatively stable habitats for certain species, enhanced supervision and systematic
monitoring in these areas are urgently needed.
It is also important to emphasize that the protection of species listed in the Red Book
cannot rely solely on government intervention. Raising public awareness, promoting
environmental education, and fostering local community engagement are essential components
of successful conservation efforts. Without such measures, the natural populations of these
species may face complete extinction.
Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The Surkhandarya region is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Uzbekistan,
home to more than
30 rare and endangered species
listed in the Red Book.
2. Species such as the
snow leopard
,
striped hyena
,
Eurasian otter
,
saker falcon
,
golden eagle
, and
Hissar tortoise
have considerable ecological and scientific value, yet
most of them exist under high anthropogenic pressure.
3. The decline in natural habitats, illegal hunting, water scarcity, and pollution are major
threats causing a significant decrease in the number of various animal species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2172
4. Existing reserves in the Surkhandarya region (e.g., Dashtijum, Boysun) are of critical
importance but require more extensive monitoring, scientific control, and active
participation from the local population.
5. Effective conservation of Red Book species demands not only strong state policies but
also
community involvement
,
environmental education
, and
sustainable resource
use strategies
.
Therefore, it is recommended that the scientific findings of this article be translated into
practical proposals and incorporated into the region's environmental policy planning.
References:
1. Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Animals. 2nd Edition. – Tashkent: "Chinor ENK",
2021.
2. Kholmatov A.A., Karimov N.T. Foundations for the Conservation of Biodiversity in
Uzbekistan. – Tashkent: Fan, 2019.
3. Data from Dashtijum State Reserve. Ecological Monitoring Reports, 2022–2024.
4. Zoological Observation Reports of the Boysun Mountain Area. Surkhandarya Regional
Department of Ecology, 2023.
5. Berdiev Sh., Matmurodov B. The Fauna of Uzbekistan: Distribution and Conservation. –
Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 2020.
6. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
(Accessed: 2024).
7. Beknazarov O. et al. Ecological Monitoring of Wild Animals in Central Asia. – Samarkand,
2018.
