Fauna of the Chui Valley
The fauna of the Chui Valley is part of the Western Tienir-Tous zoogeographic region. According to specialists, more than 300 species of vertebrates inhabit this area, including over 15 species of fish, about 280 species of birds, and 50 species of mammals. The densely populated plains of the Chui Valley are mostly developed, and the natural landscape has been significantly altered, leading to a decrease in animal populations each year. In the late 19th century, tigers, wild boars, and others could be found among the reeds in the Chui Valley. Species such as the bustard, black grouse, and crane, which inhabited the area 40-45 years ago, are now absent. Previously, ducks, geese, terns, gulls, diving ducks, storks, and lapwings were found in the reed beds along the shores of water bodies and in marshy areas. The muskrat, hunted for its valuable fur, has been exterminated and is on the brink of extinction. Most of the plain has been plowed and developed, causing many birds to lose their habitats and migrate to other areas. In the steppe zone, reptiles such as lizards, snakes, vipers, and colubrids can be found. Many species of birds inhabit the river valleys: skylarks, white-browed and long-tailed pheasants, reed warblers, great tits, minstrels, nightingales, thrushes, pigeons, Indian starlings, bats, hoopoes, sandgrouse, partridges, golden eagles, and bearded vultures, among others.
In the Chui Valley, mammals include voles, jerboas, shrews, wolves, foxes, badgers, marmots, squirrels, roe deer, bears, mountain rams, argalis, and snow leopards. Further development and irrigation of lands, along with poaching, negatively impact animal populations. For example, the populations of the great and small jerboas, as well as steppe and forest mice, are on the brink of extinction, while the expansion of agricultural crops has led to a sharp increase in the numbers of some species (house mice, gray hamsters, etc.) due to abundant food sources. The habitats of animals in the developed foothill areas are shrinking, and some species are being exterminated. The snow leopard, Turkestan lynx, mountain goat, argali, and others are on the verge of complete extinction.
Among all these animals, there are many rare and valuable species that need protection. This includes large and valuable animals such as argalis, mountain goats, bears, and snow leopards. The argali is a very large animal (weighing up to 160-180 kg) and is a magnificent creature. The male has beautiful horns that spiral into a huge coil, which are highly valued in the global market. The snow leopard can reach a length of about three meters. It silently stalks its prey from the rocks and, with a powerful leap and strike, brings down the animal, while its terrible fangs tear the throat of the victim.
Forests and individual patches of woody and shrubby vegetation represent habitats for valuable game animals. They are associated with the habitats of roe deer, wild boars, pheasants, and other animals, while steep rocky slopes and scree are home to mountain goats.
In rivers and water bodies, about 15 species of fish can be found (carp, common carp, catfish, pike, etc.). In special water bodies, carp, white amur, and silver carp are bred.
Human economic activity often leads to the impoverishment of the animal world. Plant overgrowth, where animals and birds found food and shelter and raised their young, is disappearing; the living conditions for game in forests, wetlands, and other types of habitats are deteriorating.
The animal world is a crucial component of the natural wealth of the Chui Basin. It serves as a source for industrial and medicinal raw materials, food products, and other material values necessary to meet the needs of the population and the national economy.
