To effectively conserve Uzbekistan’s biodiversity, it is necessary to change attitudes toward nature, recognise its value, and implement strategies that enable humans and wildlife to coexist harmoniously.
Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, is home to numerous unique species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the region. Despite its rich natural landscapes – from high mountains to sandy deserts and river valleys – the country’s biodiversity is threatened.
In a CABAR.asia interview, zoologist Timur Abduraupov, a researcher at the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, explains why animal populations are declining and what can be done to change the situation.
Human activity inevitably reduces wildlife habitats. Population growth and the pursuit of a better quality of life mean that even environmentally friendly technologies can negatively impact nature.
Abduraupov emphasises that every species plays an important role in the ecosystem. For example, the decline in the populations of snakes and lizards, which regulate rodent populations, can lead to an increase in the latter, potentially causing disease outbreaks and harming agriculture. The elimination of predators, such as wolves, disrupts balance and contributes to the spread of diseases among ungulate animals.
Why is it important to preserve biodiversity and various species populations?
Historical experience shows how critical preserving biodiversity is. In Europe, for example, many species were completely exterminated before it became clear that life without nature and its resources is impossible. They had to restore what was lost. Unfortunately, we are making the same mistakes. Before the situation becomes critical, it is important to learn from others’ mistakes.
We, humans, are part of the animal world. Plants provide us with oxygen, and animals also play significant roles in our lives. For example, the venom of snakes, scorpions, and bees is widely used in medicine. Many people are unaware that animal-derived components are present in pharmaceutical products.
If ecosystems are destroyed, the consequences can be catastrophic. The extinction of one species disrupts the entire chain. For example, the decline in the populations of reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, leads to an increase in rodent populations. Reptiles are natural regulators of mice and rat numbers. Removing them from the ecosystem creates conditions for outbreaks of the diseases spread by rodents.
Another example is wolves. If the wolf population significantly declines, the number of ungulate animals or hares increases. This overpopulation leads to outbreaks of infections that could have been prevented by natural predators. Nature is balanced, and human interference often results in undesirable consequences.
We may find ourselves alone in a ‘concrete jungle’, without animals and birds. Losing species deprives us not only of nature’s beauty but also of scientific opportunities. For example, scientists make new discoveries annually, such as cells in an octopus that may fight cancer. However, if a species disappears, we will never know what we have lost.
How much has biodiversity declined in Uzbekistan?
Exact data for Uzbekistan is unavailable, but globally, biodiversity has declined by 74% over recent decades. This trend continues in our region, with human activity as the main cause. Population growth and anthropogenic pressure lead to the extinction of many species and the degradation of ecosystems.
In Uzbekistan, populations of certain animals, such as snakes and monitor lizards, have significantly decreased due to their use in the leather industry and for venom extraction. Many bird species have also been excessively hunted, resulting in population declines.
Is population decline inevitable, even with conservation efforts?
Yes, animal populations will decline. Humankind, through its existence and activities, regardless of its wishes, reduces habitats for other living beings. Human population growth and the pursuit of better living conditions inevitably interfere with nature. We build wind farms, install solar panels, and construct hydropower plants, all of which, despite good intentions, affect the environment.
However, models of coexistence between humans and nature exist. They are based on preserving areas where human activity is minimal or absent. The key problem is our attitude toward nature. Despite the creation of protected natural areas, attitudes toward animals and plants remain exploitative in general. For many, they are nothing. People often do not realise that they use the benefits provided by nature.
For example, trees in cities are cut down, and then, we suffer from polluted air, dust, and heat. We wonder why it is so dusty and hot, but the reason is simple – the disappearance of green spaces. Tashkent was always a green city. Comparing old photographs with current ones reveals the obvious difference. Trees used to trap dust and filter the air before. Everyone understands: more trees meant fewer problems.
Today, there are far more cars on the roads. People advocate for switching to electric vehicles and trains, but only a few consider how electricity is generated. Power plants still operate on coal and gas, emitting tonnes of smoke into the atmosphere. Recently, returning from Ferghana, I saw how the Angren and Akhangaran thermal power plants had filled the sky with black smoke. The question arose: which causes more harm – internal combustion engine vehicles or these power plants?
We can strive for environmentally friendly technologies, but as long as energy sources remain ‘unfriendly’, global problems will remain unresolved. The solution lies in a comprehensive approach: changing our attitude toward nature, preserving green areas, and developing renewable energy sources without harming ecosystems.
What threatens biodiversity in Uzbekistan today?
Uzbekistan has several unique areas with endemic biodiversity. One such area is the Ferghana Valley, a centre of endemic plant and animal species.
The valley is home to more than 45 species of endemic plants found only in this region. It also hosts seven endemic species of reptiles, two of which were discovered in 2023. Some of these species inhabit tiny areas of land, literally spanning just a few hectares. Destroying even a small area like that can be critical for these species. They can become extinct if the land is simply ploughed.
All efforts must focus on conserving such areas. The Ferghana Valley also hosts many insect species. Recently, we found a population of Severtsov argali, an endemic mountain sheep in Central Asia. Destroying even a small part of their habitat could lead to the extinction of entire species.
For example, the expansion of mines and cement plants [poses a particular threat]. This is especially dangerous for a recently discovered species – the Ferghana Gecko (Alsophylax loricatus), found in 2022. It inhabits just a few hectares. Currently, there are plans to build a cement plant in this area. Of the 13 plants in the region, one is already located within the habitat of this species.
Excavation or industrial activities in such areas could completely wipe out unique flora and fauna species.
What can be done to preserve biodiversity?
Create protected natural areas as soon as possible. We have already outlined a cluster of protected natural areas, but so far, it remains on paper.
Establishing protected natural areas is an important step in conserving rare species. A project for creating a cluster of protected natural areas in the Ferghana Valley has already been developed. However, the process has stopped due to funding issues.
The Ministry of Ecology supports the initiative, but approval from the Ministry of Finance is required to allocate funds and create staff positions.
The establishment of a protected natural area involves hiring 15 to 20 employees to manage and secure the area. This will provide new jobs for the local population.
Organised security of the area will help preserve biodiversity and prevent the destruction of unique ecosystems.
In the southern Surxondaryo region, there are also areas with endemic biodiversity, where rare plants, reptiles, and insects can be found.
For a long time, there were no protected natural areas in the Ferghana Valley. Previously, there were only natural monuments that lacked effective security and staff. A justification for creating a national park of a cluster type in the Ferghana Valley was submitted to the Ministry of Ecology. It is planned to include several biotopes in the protected natural area to cover a significant part of the valley, with an area of about 100,000 hectares.
The creation of such areas will help conserve unique species and ensure ecological balance in the region.
Compared to other countries, how fast is biodiversity declining in Uzbekistan?
It is difficult to say. Compared to tropical countries, biodiversity loss here is less severe because those regions have much greater biodiversity. Our country has a temperate climate. In tropical areas, endemic species can inhabit every tree. Most of all, biodiversity is lost when forests are destroyed.
Our biodiversity is declining relatively slowly. There were peak periods when biodiversity declined sharply. This primarily occurred during the Soviet times, when certain biological resources were exploited excessively. At that time, the decline was colossal. Now, we may face another wave of this if we do not act in time, as the current attitude toward biodiversity remains purely exploitative.
What reflects this exploitative attitude?
The Ministry of Ecology regulates the protection of wild animals by setting quotas for hunting and trapping. However, priority is often given to commercially valuable species.
The thing is that each animal has a monetary value under the law. The Law “On Hunting and Hunting Economy” specifies the cost of acquiring animals or applying for a license to hunt or trap animals. We have a Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 290 that outlines penalties for damage to wildlife. Each species is included there, and each species is assigned a price.
The Ministry of Ecology operates on a sales-based principle. That is, they primarily consider what can be sold, for how much, and so on. However, the focus should be on conservation, so that there is still something to sell in the future. Without investing anything, one can only take up to a certain point, after which there will be nothing left to take.
For example, during the Soviet times, there were saiga antelopes. At that time, no one considered whether hunting them for meat and horns would affect their ability to survive in the region. As a result, the saiga population was wiped out. In Uzbekistan, we have still not been able to restore it.
Currently, new protected natural areas are being established in Kyzylkum, Navoiy region, and Karakalpakstan: South Ustyurt National Park, the Saigachiy Reserve, and the Barsa-Kelmes Nature Reserve. All of these were created to conserve rare ungulates. These areas are already operational, with well-trained staff. They are actively protecting the species, and everything is going well.
However, it is also planned to set up wind farms in these areas, which will affect biodiversity. There is limited understanding here that it is necessary to preserve not just the territory but also the species. The thing is that birds and ungulates, which are migratory by nature, not only require specific territories but also need corridors and pathways. In the past, when saiga antelopes were abundant in Uzbekistan, they migrated from Kazakhstan to southern Uzbekistan, almost reaching Turkmenistan. This migration has now been disrupted. As a result, the saiga population has decreased significantly. Barriers have been constructed at state borders, and new linear infrastructure – highways and railways – have been built, making migration simply impossible.
Should areas without human presence become protected natural areas?
In Uzbekistan, there are very few places left where there is no human presence at all. Even in remote regions, human presence is felt in one form or another.
Such places are mostly found in isolated deserts: in the northern Kyzylkum and certain areas of Ustyurt. However, even there, human impact is noticeable. The oil and gas sector has already built roads, conducted drilling, and carried out explosive activities. While no one lives there permanently, industrial activity continues.
What does “a territory without humans” mean?
The goal of creating protected natural areas is not to exclude humans entirely but to limit their destructive activities. The problem is that humans leave an impact wherever they appear. This can include poaching, hunting animals, or killing them out of fear. Driven by instinct, people often kill living creatures. For example, many are quick to kill even a harmless spider simply because they fear it.
Does tourism affect biodiversity in nature reserves?
As a rule, tourism does not cause significant harm if tourists behave respectfully and do not harm animals. The issue is that the animals have a genetic fear of humans. This fear is instinctive. Humans are perceived as the primary predator and killer for most species. Even newborn animal cubs panic at the sight of a human. A small tiger cub or bear cub will feel fear and stress, even if the human poses no immediate threat. An adult bear is afraid of humans, even though it is physically stronger than any of us. Animals perceive humans as a threat, even when no danger is present at the moment. Once, we encountered a large bear just a few metres away. Instead of attacking, the bear got scared and ran away. If it had been another animal of similar size in our place, the bear might have attacked.
Which animal species are at risk of extinction in Uzbekistan?
In Uzbekistan, species at risk of extinction include the striped hyena, the Persian leopard, and the Ferghana gecko – one of the most vulnerable species, which could disappear in the near future. The great bustard and the turtle dove are also among the bird species whose populations are significantly declining.
How can rare species be preserved or their populations increased?
The main rule is to avoid interfering with nature. Animals can independently restore their populations if left undisturbed. It is necessary to leave the territories where they live undisturbed and restrict human activities in these areas.
Why is this difficult to do?
For example, the striped hyena and the Persian leopard inhabit the Babatag mountain range in the Surxondaryo region. This area is densely populated. The village residents have been engaged in livestock grazing for generations. As a result, people sometimes kill predators out of fear for their livestock. However, hyenas rarely attack domestic animals as they mainly feed on carrion.
There is an international practice. For example, in many countries, compensation systems exist for damages caused by wild animals. If a predator kills livestock, the owner can apply to the state for reimbursement. Animals are considered national treasures, and their protection is the responsibility of the state. People receive compensation and stop hunting animals, helping maintain the balance of ecosystems.
In Uzbekistan, such a system has not yet been implemented. If a wolf or hyena attacks livestock, owners believe the animal must be killed since no compensation from the state will follow. This contributes to the decline in populations of rare species.
What needs to be done to preserve natural diversity?
Biodiversity will unfortunately continue to decline as the human population grows.
Preserving nature is not just an option but a necessity for the survival of humankind.
It is necessary to introduce and implement a compensation system for damages caused by wild animals; to conduct informational campaigns to explain to people the importance of preserving rare species and their role in ecosystems; to create protected natural areas; and to reduce human activity in the habitats of rare animals. Only by taking these steps can biodiversity be preserved, ensuring the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.
The only solution is to actively preserve species, establish protected natural areas, and teach future generations to value and protect nature. We must do everything possible so that, a hundred years from now, our children do not look at photographs and ask, “What did a hedgehog or a turtle look like?”