Eastern Sand Boa / Chygys Kumchul Muuntkuchu / Tatary Sand Boa
Eastern Sand Boa
Status: Near Threatened (NT). One of 10 species of the genus, which includes small representatives of the family, all species of which are included in CITES Appendix II [4 and others]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is a rare species, with its habitat decreasing; the species is listed in the Red Books of Turkmenistan, where it is local and rare [4] (category III), and Tajikistan (category 2) [13].
Distribution general and in the country. The species' range extends from Iran to Southern Mongolia, reaching the 49th parallel in the north [1, 4 and others]; in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, except for the basins of the Vakhsh, Panj, and Surkhandarya rivers, the nominative subspecies is found [1, 4], the most widely distributed of the six known. In Kyrgyzstan - the Chui Valley and the foothills of the Kyrgyz Range to the east up to the city of Tokmak, west of the Talas Valley, Ketmen-Tyube Hollow, and the northeastern part of the Batken region [6, 19, 20, 25].
Habitats. Clay and loess-covered steppes in semi-deserts on plains, slopes, and river valleys - in the foothills of the Kyrgyz and Talas ranges and in the valleys of the same name, clay and gravel deserts and semi-deserts - in the foothills of the Turkestan Range and Ketmen-Tyube Hollow [6, 25 and others]. It ascends to an altitude of 1500 m above sea level [19].
Population. In Kyrgyzstan, it is presumed to be low everywhere; specific data are lacking due to its secretive lifestyle; in the Chui Valley, up to 2 individuals were recorded on a transect 4 m wide and 10 km long [20]. In some places, for example, in the floodplain of the Ala-Archa River above the Baytik Valley, it has not been observed for the last 10-20 years [19, 20].
Life cycle. Active during twilight and at night, it uses various burrows and cavities under stones, cliffs, and roots of shrubs for shelter. Hibernation in the Chui and Talas valleys ends in April [20]. Mating occurs in April - May. It is an ovoviviparous species, with young numbering 6-34 [1, 15] appearing at different times depending on conditions, in Kyrgyzstan - from late July to September [20]. It goes into hibernation before the first frosts [1, 19], burrowing to a depth of 0.9-2.5 m depending on soil density. It feeds on small reptiles (skinks, lizards) and mammals, and occasionally on birds and insects [1, 20, 25]; it is undoubtedly a beneficial species, an active regulator of harmful rodent and locust populations. It constricts its prey by coiling its body around it.
Limiting factors. Reduction of suitable habitats due to anthropogenic changes (land cultivation, intensive livestock grazing), direct destruction by local populations, and possibly capture for commercial use [20].
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Like all species of the genus, it is a popular inhabitant of amateur terrariums and zoos [3, 15, 18]. It is easy to breed in captivity [15, 20], but breeding is not conducted in Kyrgyzstan.
Existing conservation measures. Currently, it is not protected in Kyrgyzstan. A small population may be located within the Tokmak Complex Reserve [20].
Recommended conservation measures. Promotion of species protection as a predator of field pests, educational work among the local population about the uselessness of using the species in traditional medicine, prohibition of commercial capture, and publication of informational materials for customs services.
Чыгыш кумчул муунткучу
Tatary Sand Boa
Eryx tataricus (Lichtenstein, 1823)
Status: Near Threatened (category NT), Turan-Central Asian representative of small boa genus, with a decreasing number in the country. In Kyrgyzstan, the nominative and most widespread subspecies occur in dry steppe plains and piedmont slopes in the Chui and Talas Valleys, clayey and metal semi-deserts in the Ketmen-Tyube Hollow and Fergana region. It is an ovoviviparous snake; hibernation ends in April, copulation is observed in April - May, and young snakes appear from the end of July to September. Prey mainly consists of small terrestrial vertebrates and insects. The population in the country is small everywhere: up to two specimens per transect of 10 km x 4 m. Limiting factors include habitat transformation and uncontrolled collection for commercial purposes. Breeding in captivity is not difficult but is currently absent in Kyrgyzstan. At present, a small population is protected by common routine in the Tokmak wildlife area only. Recommended options to protect this species include prohibiting export (publishing informational leaflets for customs services) and conducting educational work for the public (about the false value for traditional medicine).
