Red-nosed Diving Duck. A rather peculiar duck, biologically considered a transitional form between true, or river, ducks and diving ducks. Its flight is lighter than that of diving ducks; it flies more willingly and longer than they do, and during the mating season, it also flies as long and often as true ducks. It often comes to the shore to feed, moves on land significantly more freely than diving ducks, and when necessary, runs quite quickly. It swims well but dives less frequently and not
Peak of Military Topographers, Height 6873 meters above sea level. Located in the Central Tien Shan on the Muztag massif. The memory of the immense work of military specialists is immortalized in the name of one of the neighboring peaks, located to the east of Victory Peak at the junction of the Kokshaala-Tau and Meridional ridges. This peak, with a height of 6873 meters, is named the Peak of Military Topographers and is the third highest in the Tien Shan.
Bulbous and tuberous plants wintering in the ground. This group includes most of the beautiful flowering early spring and spring plants. They are mainly used for decorating flower beds, borders, lawns, alpine slides, and water bodies. They are good for forcing and cutting. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus^ L.). A perennial early spring bulbous plant. The eastern hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.) and its numerous varieties are widely cultivated.
Common Myna. Their body plumage is brown-chocolate in color, while the head, neck, wings, and tail are black. The tips of the wings, tail, and undertail coverts are white. There are bright yellow fleshy growths on the sides and behind the eyes, which are sometimes referred to as "ears," and because of these, the mynas are called ear-starlings. Originally widespread in South Asia, they are now also found in Central Asia. The fact that they often settle near human habitation helps them
Perennials This group includes plants (dahlias, gladioluses, cannas, montbretia, tuberose) that, due to their biological characteristics, cannot withstand even slight low temperatures. Therefore, their underground parts are dug up in the fall and transferred to special storage facilities, basements, or greenhouses, where optimal conditions for normal wintering are created. Dahlia variabilis, Dahlia (Dahlia Cav.). Native to Mexico and Guatemala. Due to its high decorative value and relatively
Peak Karakol (5281 m) Located in the Oguz Bashi massif on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul; Peak Karakol is the highest in this area, the highest point of the Terskey Alatau, over 5 thousand meters. There are many climbing routes established here. The ski base "Karakol" is located nearby.
Eurasian Coot About the size of a medium duck, it weighs between 600 and 1000 grams. The Eurasian coot is easily recognized by its uniform dark coloration and the white frontal shield, from which it gets its name. The coot is more closely associated with water than other species of our marsh birds, rarely coming ashore; when threatened, it dives into the water and hides in the reeds. The coot swims well but dives poorly. It takes off from the water with difficulty, always against the wind; it
The Attitude of the Kyrgyz People Towards Their Land An important renewable natural resource since ancient times has been the mountainous and rugged areas with vast pastures, diverse wildlife, and birds that are objects of hunting. The use of the natural wealth of the habitat was regulated by customary legal norms based on centuries of agricultural experience and empirical knowledge. People tried to adhere to the limits of acceptable exploitation of the developed territories. The nature of
People's Experience in Using Natural Resources. The republic has reserves of fossil fuels, including coal, combustible shales, peat, gas, and oil. The large coal reserves have led to Kyrgyzstan being referred to as the "stoker" of Central Asia. Based on coal and oil deposits, worker settlements such as Kyzyl-Kiya, Suluktu, Kek-Jangak, Tash-Kemur, Kochkor-Ata, Min-Kush, Jergalan, and Kazhi-Sai emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are huge reserves of lignite
Annuals and Biennials for Flower Beds in Kyrgyzstan Annuals, or as they are commonly called in floriculture, summer flowers, are flowering plants whose entire life cycle occurs during the growing season. This group also includes perennial plants of tropical origin (snapdragon, petunia, verbena) that are grown in our conditions as annuals. In terms of decorative properties, annuals are very diverse. Some bloom for a long time and abundantly, while others have bright or variegated leaves. They
The Mute Swan is the largest representative of the order Weight is 7-13 kg, with park birds reaching up to 15 kg. The length, including the neck, can reach 160 cm, and the wingspan can be up to 240 cm. The plumage is white, with an often developed ochreous coating on the head and neck, which arises from the deposition of oxides dissolved in water. The main characteristic is that adult birds have a red bill, with a black bump on the forehead and a black base, a bridle, a velvety bump above the
The plant and animal world in the territory of the republic is characterized by great diversity. The distribution of vegetation depends on the complexity of the terrain and is determined by the location of ridges, high zonality, and the exposure of slopes. While thermophilic, drought-resistant plants grow on southern slopes, moisture-loving, frost-resistant plants are found on northern slopes. In the foothills, semi-deserts dominated by wormwood and a mixture of sod grasses are developed. In
The Climate of Mountainous Kyrgyzstan The climatic conditions of the country are determined by the peculiarities of its geographical location and relief. In the Kyrgyz Tian Shan, as a high mountain system, almost all types of climate marked on the globe are found, except for tropical and equatorial. Located in the subtropical latitude zone within a vast continent, the territory of the republic is far from the paths of moist air masses. The local climatic conditions of the country are greatly
Partridge (gray, bearded) — widely distributed species. Description of the bearded partridge: Very similar to the gray partridge, but differs at close range by having a black, rather than brown, abdominal spot, and a light reddish color on the chest alongside gray. Additionally, there is a black stripe under the eye across the cheek. In autumn and winter, both males and females have elongated feathers on the sides of the throat — a "beard." Seasonal changes in coloration are minor;
Floral and Decorative Design People have been fascinated by flowers since ancient times. It is now hard to imagine large and small cities, worker settlements, and collective farm estates without green embellishments. Flowers accompany humans throughout their lives, bringing joy during holidays and everyday life, providing true aesthetic pleasure, softening life's failures, and uplifting spirits. Recently, the passion for floriculture has become a widespread phenomenon.
Kurgannik Mohnonogiy - a rare Central Asian mountain-steppe species. It is found in mountains and plains, in dry steppe areas. It is a sedentary or partially migratory species. A predatory bird of the hawk family, measuring from 57 to 67 cm in length, with a wingspan of 143 to 161 cm. Males are one-fifth smaller than females. It closely resembles a buzzard. There are light and dark morphs, differing in the amount of reddish-brown feathers. The legs are partially covered with feathers and fine
Cuckoo - a bird of the cuckoo family. Externally resembles a small hawk. The total length reaches 32-34 cm, wingspan 55-65 cm, weight up to 80-190 g. An adult male has the entire upper side of its body, including the head, colored dark gray. The throat and crop are also gray, but of a lighter ash shade. The belly is white, with dark transverse stripes. The tail feathers have white tips and spots along the shafts. It lives in light forests and gardens. It is beneficial, feeding on insects and
MEDICINAL PLANTS Medicinal substances of plant origin play a significant role in the creation of effective medicinal preparations. Currently, more than 50% of medicinal products are made from plants. Over 1500 species of medicinal plants grow in the territory of the Soviet Union. However, only 200-300 species are used for the production of various medicinal preparations. Every year, about 30,000 tons of medicinal raw materials are harvested in our country.
Mallard - a large duck. Males weigh 1.0-1.3 kg in spring, up to 1.7 kg in autumn. The male has a black head with a greenish sheen, a chestnut-colored breast, and a black tail. Distinctive features include a yellow or yellow-green bill, orange legs, often brownish-orange, and a blue speculum; the female has a pinkish bill with a dark center. The male in summer plumage resembles the female, but has a yellow-green bill. In a flying bird, white stripes on the wings are clearly visible. Takeoff and
Kok-Moynok - a beautiful stepped waterfall Chui Region. Located 75 km from Bishkek. Coordinates: lat=42.568841 lon=74.983203 The height of the waterfall is 10-15 meters. Elevation above sea level is 2160 m. The waterfall is located on the Eki-Tyushtyuk stream, a tributary of the Kök-Moynok River, which flows into the Tuyuk River in the Issyk-Ata region. This beautiful stepped waterfall is situated in a picturesque forested gorge 3 km above the forestry checkpoint. There are also three
Black Kite A medium-sized bird of prey, about 1.5 times larger than a crow, widely distributed. The kite that inhabits our region is called black, but in reality, its plumage is dark brown, with a lighter underside featuring reddish tones. It has a noticeable "notch" on its tail. The overall length is 50–60 cm, weight is 800–1100 g, wing length is 41–51 cm, and wingspan is 140–155 cm. Females are slightly larger than males. The coloration of adult birds (two years and older) on the
FORAGE PLANTS Forage plants constitute the most numerous and important group of useful plants in Kyrgyzstan, as the main sector of the republic's economy—animal husbandry—primarily relies on natural forage lands, where forage plants are concentrated. More than 630 species of forage plants grow in Kyrgyzstan, accounting for one-fifth of all forage plants in the country. However, not all of them have been accounted for and studied. With a deeper and more thorough study of the flora of
Corncrake - Crex crex A small bird measuring 22-25 cm in length and weighing about 150 g. It resembles a rail in size and body shape. The plumage on the upper part of the body is light reddish, with dark mottling. The top of the head, primary flight feathers of the wings, and tail feathers are chestnut with dark centers and gray tips. The sides are reddish-ochre with white transverse stripes. The chin and the front of the neck are light gray. The beak is short, strong, and reddish-brown in
FIBROUS PLANTS The most valuable fibrous plants in Kyrgyzstan are cultivated species — cotton, flax, kenaf, hemp, and others. As for wild fibrous plants, they are extremely rare in nature and produce fibers of rather low quality. The fibers of wild species are mainly used for weaving baskets, bags, ropes, twine, and burlap. Sometimes they are woven into mats (berdanas), hats, and other household items. Weaving is primarily done by private entrepreneurs. For weaving, reeds, bulrush, and other
DECORATIVE PLANTS The role of decorative plants in nature and human life is well-known. They beautify our squares, gardens, parks, streets, and homes, evoking positive emotions. Decorative plants are widely used for various celebrations. Many of them (fir, pine, juniper, walnut, bird cherry) release phytoncides and help purify the atmosphere of pathogenic bacteria. Plants such as false acacia (Robinia), gleditsia, linden, and others are also excellent honey plants. Decorative trees and shrubs
Field Grasshopper. Slightly smaller than a sparrow, approximately the size of a forest grasshopper, with a longer beak, somewhat more slender body, and longer legs. Body length is 16–19 cm, wingspan is 26–30 cm, and weight is 18–27 g. It is distinguished from other grasshoppers by its light, uniform coloration and almost complete absence of spots. It moves on the ground by walking or running, sometimes slightly bobbing its tail up and down. A characteristic behavior when inspecting its
Waterfall in Kashka-Suu on the Ak-Suu River. It is located in the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan, in the Kashka-Suu gorge, not far from a glacial lake of the same name. The waterfall is on the Ak-Suu River - the upper tributary of Arashan, 35 km from Bishkek. The height of the waterfall is approximately 15 meters, and it is situated at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The waterfall in Kashka-Suu is a very picturesque place. Just below it, in the valley, there is a spruce forest and
Common Nightjar - a nocturnal bird. Its back is brownish-gray, with darker mottling and blackish longitudinal stripes, and a rusty hue. The belly is ochre-brown, with blackish-brown transverse thin stripes. There are two white spots on the throat. On the inner web of the first three primary flight feathers, there is a large white spot, and white tips are also present on the two outer pairs of tail feathers. The common nightjar is a migratory bird. It inhabits the edges of forests, steppes, and
DYEING PLANTS Many plants in Kyrgyzstan contain dyeing substances. There are more than 80 species of such plants. However, dyeing plants have practically lost their significance today. Synthetic dyes are now used more widely. Only for the production of lipsticks and in confectionery factories are plant-based dyes used. Nevertheless, many residents of Kyrgyzstan still deal with plant-based dyes. Therefore, we will briefly characterize some dyeing plants of the republic below. Common Thistle. An
RESINOUS PLANTS One of the interesting and little-studied groups of useful plants in Kyrgyzstan is the group of resinous plants. “Resinous plants are those plants that are characterized by the presence of resins or balsams in them.” The term “resin” refers to various substances: turpentine (gum resins), rosin, Canadian balsam, amber, sandarac, damar, copal, akaroid, styrax, incense, mastic, gum gut, lactucarium, and others.
Nansen Peak - one of the most outstanding summits located in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The height of the peak is 5697 meters above sea level. The mountain is situated in the Central Tien Shan, south of the Enelchek Valley. As early as 1902, the German geographer Godfried Merzbacher called this peak the most prominent of the entire mountain range opposite the Tuyuk-Ashu Pass. The scientist noted that the mountain deserved a name befitting its magnificent appearance. A worthy peak was given a
Kobchik – a small-sized falcon It resembles a kestrel in its proportions and lifestyle but differs from it with its narrow wings. The body length of the bird ranges from 28 to 33 cm, wing length is 23-35 cm, wingspan is from 65 to 77 cm, and weight is between 130 to 197 g. The beak is short and weak. The male is dark bluish (almost black) with a brick-red underside of the belly, undertail, and "trousers." The female is ochre with a gray back featuring a transverse stripe, wings, and
INSECTICIDAL AND RODENTICIDAL PLANTS “This group includes plants that produce toxins for combating insects and other pests of agricultural crops, parasites of animals and humans, and finally, rodents” (Shalit M. S.). In the flora of Kyrgyzstan, there are many insecticidal and rodenticidal plants. However, they are rarely used for combating insect pests, animal parasites, and rodents, with few exceptions.
Keklik (Rock Partridge) Family Phasianidae. In external appearance and body structure, the keklik closely resembles the common gray partridge but is significantly larger. Its plumage is more vibrant. The overall tone is smoky gray with a bluish-pink hue. A black stripe runs from the forehead through the eyes and around the front of the neck. The beak, the eye-ring, and the legs are bright red. They are characterized by a compact body, short neck, large head with a short curved beak,
Juu-Kuchak (2220 m). Issyk-Kul Region, Juu-Kuchak Gorge. Located 3 km from the hot spring. The southern shore of Issyk-Kul remains an unexplored mystery of nature for travelers and tourists. No matter which gorges and canyons you visit, you will be enveloped by the feeling of pristine nature in these lands. One of these untouched places is the Juu-Kuchak gorge, located south of the village of Saruu.
TANNING PLANTS Despite the current rapid development of chemistry and the creation of many synthetic substances that replace plant-derived materials, the tanning substances of plants still hold immense significance. This is true not only in the tanning-extractive industry but also in medicine and veterinary science. The demand for tannins in the USSR is high. With more detailed studies of tanning plants, their role does not diminish; on the contrary, it increases.
Peak Manas - is the highest point of the Talas Ala-Too (4482 m). This bare peak in the western part of the Talas Ala-Too ridge has very steep slopes where snow and ice do not accumulate. The Talas Ala-Too has a narrow rocky shore and its peaks rise above the 4000-meter mark. In the pre-crested zone, there are significant glaciers, and the slopes are heavily intersected by gorges, with powerful ridges branching off from the southern slope — Chatkal, Chandalash, and Pskem. Due to the steep
Kwakva Resembles a bittern, length up to 60 cm. It has a shorter neck compared to other herons and a short but strong and powerful beak. Its legs are also shorter than those of other herons. The male in breeding plumage has a black cap with a greenish sheen and a back of the same color. The wings are gray. The wing length is 26-30 cm. The belly and sides are white. In spring, 2-4 long narrow white feathers grow on the back of the head. The beak is black, and the legs, with long toes, are
SAPONIN-CONTAINING PLANTS Among the many useful plants of Kyrgyzstan, there are those that contain saponins. Currently, saponins are widely used in various industries, medicine, and veterinary medicine. The demand for saponins in the USSR is increasing year by year — they are necessary for both domestic needs and foreign trade. Therefore, the identification and study of saponin-containing plants is becoming particularly important at this time.
Karavaika - a bird from the ibis family. It measures 48-66 cm in length, weighs 500-580 g, and has a wingspan of 80-95 cm. Adult birds are dark brown with a bronze and green metallic sheen. The bare part of the head is small, dark in color, and bordered by narrow white stripes. The beak, legs, and iris are dark. In autumn and winter, the plumage is duller, with white speckles appearing on the neck, head, and chest. Young birds are brown without sheen, with white streaking on the head and neck
Kara-Archa Waterfall - left tributary of Kegety (Chui region) Coordinates: 42.504977, 75.069273 Height of the waterfall: a cascade of waterfalls, about 10-15m
Peak Komsomolets - 4170m above sea level Located on the mountain ridge that separates the Aala-Archa Gorge and the Baychekekey Gorge, approximately 7.5 km from the alpine camp. The snowy peak can be seen from some streets in the city of Bishkek. It is almost always covered with snow at any time of the year. This peak has a climbing difficulty category of 1A. Due to the fact that one of the routes to ascend this peak is simple and does not require the use of safety gear, it has become popular
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). A predatory bird the size of a buzzard. Body length is 51—57 cm, wingspan is 110—130 cm. Females are generally larger than males. The weight of males is about 600 g, females up to one kg. The wings are quite short. The tail is striped, short, and rounded. The coloration varies greatly, from pale to dark brown. The flight is relatively slow. It spots prey from the air, soaring for long periods, sometimes stopping and "shaking" its wings in place, similar
ESSENTIAL OIL PLANTS Despite the sharp increase in the production of synthetic fragrant substances widely used in various industries in recent years, natural essential oils have not lost their significance. They are still widely used in perfumery, medicine, food, and flavoring industries. A particularly large amount of natural essential oils is consumed in the production of toothpaste, tooth powder, powder, cologne, perfumes, and other similar products.
Eurasian Golden Oriole - Family Oriolidae Slightly larger than a starling (body length about 25 cm). The male is bright yellow, with black wings, tail, and a "bridle" — a stripe running from the base of the beak to the eye. There are yellow spots on the sides of the black tail, the beak is red, and the iris is carmine-red. The female and chicks have a yellowish-green upper body and a yellowish-white underside with brown longitudinal streaks. The voice is a beautiful flute-like
PHYTOCIDAL PLANTS Phytocidal plants are those that release special substances that are harmful to various bacteria, rust and mold fungi, and protozoa. Some phytocides can kill horseflies, flies, ticks, and other insects. A number of phytocides destroy the pathogens of dysentery, typhoid fever, paratyphoid, and others. As is known, the founder and creator of the doctrine of phytocides is the great Russian scientist, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Boris Petrovich Tokin. In his
The kingfisher is a small, beautiful bird, slightly smaller than a starling. Once you see it, you will never confuse it with any other bird. In Kyrgyzstan, kingfishers are especially common on the Sokuluk River at the point where it merges with the Ak-Suu River, downstream from the village of Belovodskoye. This small bird, with its bright, tropical plumage, immediately attracts attention. It looks like a precious gem. The upper side of its body is dark blue. There is an ochre stripe under the
Peak Djigit - height 5170 meters. It is located in the main watershed ridge of the Terskey Alatau to the east of the peaks Karakol, Slonenok, Festivalnaya, in the Oguz Bashi massif on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. At the confluence of the sources of Kultan, a magnificent panorama of the Terskey Alatau opens up.
