Күнгей Алатауында (Солтүстік Тянь-Шань) мекендейтін Түркістан сілеусіні (Lynx lynx isabellina)

Abstract

This article presents data on the present spatial, habitat and altitudinal distribution of the elusive Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellina Blyth, 1847) in the Kungey Alatau ridge, Northern Tien Shan. We conducted the research from 2011 to 2021 on the territory of “Kolsai Kolderi” National Park using traditional mammalogical methods and a camera trapping approach. According to the data obtained, the Turkestan lynx currently occurs in all large gorges within the national park – Kaindy, Saty, Kolsai, Kurmenti, Taldy, Kutyrgan, Big and Lesser Uryukty, Shelek, etc., in its characteristic habitats – coniferous and deciduous forests and thickets of shrubs, with the presence of a sufficient number of prey (tolai hares, grey marmots, roe deer, mouse-like rodents, rock partridges, snowcocks, young ungulates). The Turkestan lynx is unique for the Tien Shan and Zhetisu Alatau mountains, and without full-scale research, which should become the basis for increasing the effectiveness of its protection, the number of lynx can gradually or sharply decline. Our results indicate the need to continue studying the populations of this rare carnivore in the Kungey Alatau and the Tien Shan mountains in general.