Fergana Ground Beetle
Status: Category II (VUB1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)c(iii,iv); C2b). A narrowly distributed rare species, sporadically inhabiting areas of economic activity [11], entomophagous. One of two species of the relict oligotypic subgenus, endemic to the Fergana Mountain Range [30], it has scientific significance in terms of zoogeography and genetic conservation.
Brief description of the adult appearance. Beetle length 27-33 mm. The head is thickened, with fine wrinkles and small punctures on top. The pronotum has weak indentations on the sides at the base. The elytra are slightly wider than the pronotum, flat in the middle, covered with longitudinal rows of numerous large, deep angular pits. Completely black, with a weak sheen. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed.
General distribution and within the country. The species' range is entirely located within Kyrgyzstan and covers the southwestern macro-slope of the northern part of the Fergana Range, approximately from the city of Jalalabad to Lake Karasu [30,51].
Habitat. Forest-meadow stations in the belt of walnut-fruit forests, along edges, under rocks, and in stony scree in the forest zone, at an altitude range of 1200 to 2500 m above sea level. They do not rise far above the walnut-fruit forests and are found here in thickets of wild rose [51].
Population. Very low. During route counts, 3 to 6 specimens of beetles were found per 10 km per day, and upon revisiting these same places, the results were negative [51]; in areas with intensive livestock grazing or logging, they are not found at all [40]. Males are slightly more numerous than females in the populations [51].
Life cycle (lifestyles). Poorly studied. Likely one generation per year. Larvae and imagos are terrestrial non-specialized predators. Imago beetles are found from May to August.
Limiting factors. The species' range is shrinking due to the cultivation of walnut forests and pesticide treatments. In areas with intensive livestock grazing, on sites of mass logging and sanitary cuts, the species is not found [51,40]. Isolated local populations are threatened with degeneration due to inbreeding. Beetles and larvae are common prey for insectivorous vertebrates [51].
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. Currently, it is not protected in Kyrgyzstan.
Recommended conservation measures. Preserve walnut-fruit forest areas, as much as possible, in their pristine form, minimizing logging and livestock pressure. It is advisable to investigate the phenology and lifestyle of the larvae, as well as experimentally consider the possibilities of reintroduction into habitats in areas where the natural habitat of walnut-fruit forests has undergone anthropogenic changes.
Fergana Ground Beetle
Carabus (Pseudotribax) ferghanicus Breuning, 1933
Status: Vulnerable (VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)c(iii,iv); C2b - Category II), narrowly distributed endemic species. It is one of two representatives of oligotypic relic subgenus and has scientific zoogeographical importance and for preservation of regional genetic fund. Adult beetles occur in the period from May to August in the zone of walnut-fruit forests or some higher, in the northern part of Fergana Mountain Range, in forest-shrubbery biotopes, in stony scree and under rocks, at 1,200-2,500 m above sea level. Life cycle is poorly known. Imagoes are active predators, larvae are unknown. Isolated populations are under great risk of extinction owing to anthropogenic disturbance because beetles were not registered in areas where pasturage or tree-cutting are conducted. Other limiting factors: treatment by pesticides and destruction by insectivores. For conservation of this species, it is necessary to preserve virgin walnut-fruit forests, and to study the larval life mode and possibilities for re-introduction into disturbed habitats as well.
