On the Status of the Siberian Roe Deer Population in Uzbekistan

About the authors:

Elena A. Bykova, Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Field Coordinator, UNDP in Uzbekistan; elena.bykova@undp.org

Aleksandr V. Esipov, Deputy Director on Science, Chatkal Biosphere Reserve (Uzbekistan); esipov411@gmail.com

Dmitriy E. Golovtsov, Senior Researcher, Chatkal Biosphere Reserve (Uzbekistan); dimagolovtsov@mail.ru

Anna G. Ten, Junior Researcher, Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan (Tashkent); aini.ten@gmail.com

Abstract:

This article provides general data on the current distribution of the Siberian roe deer Capreolus pygargus in Uzbekistan, where its area is limited to the mountain ranges of the Western Tien Shan within the Tashkent Province. The roe deer range in Uzbekistan borders with that in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Roe deer inhabits in the mountain river forests and mixed mountain forests with an altitude up to 1,100-1,200 m a. s. l. (Ugam and Pskem ridges) and 1,700 m a. s. l. (Chatkal range, Kurama range). In the past, the species area included gallery (tugay) river forests in the valleys of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers.

For the first time, the data on daily and seasonal dynamics of roe deer was obtained in Uzbekistan, as well as the data on the herd pattern of groups. Information about the number of roe deer in Uzbekistan is very fragmentary. The number is low across the range. It has varied over the years, which was typically associated with snowy winters leading to the partial death of the population and also with a high number of predators (wolves and stray dogs). In general, the state of the roe deer population in Uzbekistan can be considered relatively stable. The expert estimate of the population number — based on accounting data or expert estimates in the territories of protected areas, forestry and hunting farms — at 300-350 individuals. However, the authors emphasize that in order to obtain a reliable estimate of the number, it is necessary to conduct counts and process data using a standard method.

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