Herpetological studies of the southern and central parts of the Ustyurt Plateau and the Sarykamysh Valley in 2016-2017

About the authors:

Denis A. Nuridjanov, Junior Researcher, Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent)

Timur V. Abduraupov, Junior Researcher, Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent); timur.abduraupov@gmail.com

Mariya A. Gritsina, Junior Researcher, Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent); mgritsina@gmail.com

Abstract:

This article provides the results of herpetological studies in the southern and central parts of the Karakalpak portion of the Ustryut Plateau in 2016-2017. The publication contains information about 25 reptile and 1 amphibian species. All the data relies on the field research results and literary sources.

This article provides information on species distribution, numbers, and population density. The authors have discovered the subspecies Phrynocephalus reticulatus bannikovi, which has never been previously observed on the territory of Uzbekistan. The publication calls upon further study of the distribution of Phrynocephalus guttatus salsatus and taking urgent steps to conserve the Barsakelmes Sor — the only known habitat of this subspecies, currently exposed to transformation in connection with the development of salt deposits for the Aksholak chemical plant.

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