Lynx
Status: V! category, Nearly Threatened, NT. A rare subspecies Lynx lynx isabellinus Blyth, 1874 inhabits the territory of the republic.
Distribution general and in the country. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Tibet, Himalayas, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan [16]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is found in forested areas.
Habitat. Primarily inhabits mid-mountain forests and shrubby areas of mountain ranges. It is not found in every gorge, even large ones [6]. Its presence is associated with the availability of sufficient prey, and when this is lacking, it migrates to other areas along the ridges [6].
Population. A small animal, but its numbers are not currently declining. In its habitats, there are more than 0.1-0.02 individuals per 1000 ha [6]. About two dozen lynxes have been registered, for example, in the Shamsi, Kegety, Issyk-Ata, Alamedin, Ala-Archa, Ak-Suu, and Jardy-Kaindy gorges on the northern macroslope of the Kyrgyz Ridge [6].
Life style (life cycles). The biology is not fully studied. This subspecies, unlike the European one, is not a strict forest inhabitant, although it tends to prefer wooded and shrubby areas. It is found in various biotopes, in spruce forests, in juniper and deciduous forests, in areas covered only by shrubs, and in treeless areas, it hides in rocks and stone piles [6]. It mainly lives in the mid-mountains, although it sometimes ventures into the foothills and visits the lower part of the highlands. It leads a predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular lifestyle. With a sufficient food base, it is sedentary; when food is scarce, it migrates to other areas [3, 6, 7, 17, 18]. Mating occurs at the end of winter - beginning of spring [6]. Approximately 70 days later, the young are born [9, 17]. Their number is usually from 2 to 3, with cases of up to 4-5 known [17]. The young stay with their mother until the following year. Food sources include various vertebrates, primarily mammals, as well as birds. The lynx's favorite prey are hares - toghai, and if they are scarce or absent, it hunts roe deer, catches rock partridges, snowcocks, and does not disdain small rodents and sparrows. In the lower part of the highlands, it sometimes preys on female and young ibex, and also hunts for snowcocks [3, 6].
Limiting factors. Possibly insufficient food supply in habitats and competition from wolves. Poachers rarely hunt it.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). There are known cases of breeding in captivity.
Existing conservation measures. The species is listed in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz SSR and the USSR. Since 1986, hunting for it has been prohibited. It is protected in reserves and sanctuaries.
Recommended conservation measures. Establishing new reserves and protected areas in the middle part of the mountains, conducting awareness-raising work with the local population. Studying the biology of this species and its biocenotic role in habitats.
Sulёyusun
Eurasian Lynx
Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758
Status: VI category, Nearly Threatened. NT, inhabits in forest zones throughout Kyrgyzstan. Stock is stable, although Lynx is a rare animal. Occurs next to prey sites. Density is 0.01-0.02 individuals per 100 ha. About twenty lynxes registered in Shamsi, Kegety, Issyk-Ata, Alamedin, Ala-Archa, Ak-Suu, Jardy-Kaindy gorges in northern slopes of Kyrgyz Mountainous Ridge. Common in Chong-Kemin, stock is a bit higher in Talas Region and spruce forests of upper part of Naryn River. Numbers are low but very typical for the predator. Breeding biology is not fully known. Occurs in different types of biotopes, however, prefers forests and bushes. May occur in lower part of highlands, hides in Juniper bushes, rocks and big stones. Nocturnal animal, may hunt in dusk. During day time hides in dense bushes or rocks. Resident if the amount of prey is enough, may roam following it. Hunting season starts at the end of winter, beginning of spring. Pregnancy lasts for 70 days. Uses for food hares, roe deer, partridges, does not avoid small rodents and passerines. In highlands hunt after wild goats and snowcocks. Limiting factors are shortage of prey, competition with wolves; poaching is rare. There are cases of captivity breeding. Included in Kyrgyz SSR and USSR Red Books. Hunting is prohibited since 1986. It is recommended to establish protected areas and reserves, increase public awareness.
