Dzhayran
Status: Category III, Critically Endangered, CR: R, Cl. An endangered or possibly extinct species in Kyrgyzstan. The only species of the genus in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and Kazakhstan.
General distribution and in the country. Central Asia and Kazakhstan, deserts of Eastern Transcaucasia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Mongolia [7, 16]. Until the 1930s, it inhabited the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the southwestern desert part, and the Orto-Tokoi area [3, 17]. By the 1970s, it survived only in the southwestern part of Pre-Issyk-Kul, where only a few of these animals were counted [3]. Currently, there is no information about the presence of Dzhayran in this area [6]. In 1968, the presence of Dzhayran was established in the southwest of Kyrgyzstan - in the Leilek district of Osh region, where about 100 animals lived in 1975 [3, 9]. Their fate thereafter is unknown.
Population. Extremely low, recorded irregularly.
Life style (life cycles). It inhabits gravelly and clayey deserts with sparse herbaceous vegetation. Prefers flat or hilly open spaces [6]. Stays near watering places, which are rare here. It relies on rainwater and snowmelt collected in depressions. Leads a predominantly sedentary lifestyle [3]. Feeds in the morning and evening. It has excellent sight and hearing, making it a very cautious animal. The mating season for Dzhayran in Kazakhstan occurs in November - December [14, 17]. Males gather groups of 2 - 5 females, keeping young individuals away from them [14]. The gestation period for females lasts about 5.5 - 6 months, and the young are born from late April to early July, mainly in the second half of May [14]. A female gives birth to 1 - 2 and very rarely 3 - 4 [14, 17] offspring, with lactation lasting about 3 months [14].
Limiting factors. Anthropogenic: poaching, development of suitable territories, as well as predators.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). They breed well in zoos and nurseries.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Book of the IUCN, the Red Book of the USSR, and the Red Book of the Kyrgyz SSR. Special attention is given to protection in the foothills of the Turkestan Range in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Recommended conservation measures. Strengthening efforts against poaching, prohibiting livestock grazing in the species' habitats. Organizing semi-free breeding of animals with subsequent release into suitable areas and former habitats, creating reserves. Studying the biology of the species, breeding characteristics in captivity, and adapting it to limited habitats and even anthropogenic landscapes.
Zheiren
Goitered gazelle
Gazella subgutturoza Gulg., 1780
Status: III category, Critically Endangered, CR: R. Inhabited on northern and southern shores of the western part of Issyk-Kul Lake as well as Orto-Tokoi and Leilek Locality in the south until the 70s of the last century. No evidence of existence is available nowadays. No data on numbers are known. Prefers plain or hilly open habitats close to watered sites. Often limits water consumption to rain and snow water accumulated in depressions. Resident species. Feeds in mornings and evenings. Extremely shy animal with good sight and hearing abilities. Mating season starts in November-December. Males group 2-5 females and isolate them from other males. Pregnancy period is about 5.5-6 months, females give birth to 1-2, rarer 3-4 young animals at the end of April to the beginning of July. Lactation time lasts for 3 months. Limiting factors are poaching and cattle grazing. Breeds successfully in captivity. Included in the Kyrgyz Red Book. It is recommended to fight against poachers, cease cattle breeding in suitable habitats for the gazelle, organize captive breeding and re-introduction of the animal.