Red Wolf
Status: III category Critically Endangered, CR: R. There have been no confirmed sightings in Kyrgyzstan over the past 50 years. The only representative of the genus in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan and the CIS.
Distribution general and in the country. The former possible habitat range includes the entire mountain system of the Tien Shan and Alai. Previously recorded sighting locations include the Zaalai Range, the upper reaches of the Alai Valley, the Aksai River valley, the upper reaches of the Naryn River, the Teskey, Kyrgyz, and Talas Ala-Too ridges, the mountain slopes of the Ketmen-Tyube basin, the upper reaches of the Chatkal River, and the eastern slopes of the Fergana Range. In 1953, it was noted in the upper reaches of the Nara River [1], in 1977 - on the Angren Plateau, and in the late 1980s - on the northern slopes of the Ugam Range adjacent to Kazakhstan [2].
Habitat. Steppe biotopes of alpine and subalpine zones, upper part of the forest belt. Associated with areas of ungulate concentration.
Population. Likely extinct species. From 1922 to 1956, among the skins of the common wolf submitted for hunting rewards, 6 skins of this species were registered, although there are doubts about the accuracy of their identification by the skin collectors.
Life style (life cycles). Active during both day and night, capable of roaming up to 500 km or more. The mating season occurs in January-February, with a gestation period of 62-64 days, and litter sizes ranging from 3-9 puppies. They reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years. Outside the breeding season, they form packs of 5-10 (up to 30) individuals. Their prey primarily consists of wild ungulates, mainly ibex.
Limiting factors. Competition from the common wolf, dogs, and presumably direct persecution by humans.
Breeding (captivity management). Not bred in Kyrgyzstan. Successfully bred in some zoos around the world.
Existing conservation measures. Listed in the IUCN Red List, in the EN category. Included in Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Hunting and trapping in Kyrgyzstan has been prohibited since 1975, and it was included in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz SSR in 1985.
Recommended conservation measures. Artificial breeding and reintroduction in protected areas. Extensive surveys to identify the locations of this species within the republic, followed by monitoring. Study of reproductive biology in captivity and adaptation to the natural environment.
Chёё
Asiatic Wild Dog
Cuon alpinus (Pallas, 1811)
Status: III category Critically Endangered, CR: R. Previously occurred in the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain systems. Prefers steppe-type habitats in subalpine and alpine belts and the upper part of the forest belt near wild populations of ungulate animals. Most likely extinct in Kyrgyzstan. Six skins were identified as Asiatic Wild Dogs among wolf skins obtained from hunters for bonuses between 1922-1956. These cases are questionable due to the ability to accurately identify based on skin collectors. Active during both day and night, capable of roaming for 500 km or more. The mating season starts in January-February, pregnancy lasts for 62-64 days, and females deliver 3-9 puppies. Animals reach maturity at 1-2 years. Groups consist of 5-10 (up to 30) individuals after the mating season. They primarily feed on wild goats. Limiting factors include competition with wolves and poaching. No cases of breeding in captivity. Hunting has been prohibited since 1975, and it was included in the Kyrgyz Red Book in 1985. Recommendations include breeding in captivity and reintroduction, as well as surveys through questionnaire distribution to identify dwelling animals.