Pamirs Research Articles

Predicting carnivore habitat use and livestock depredation risk with false-positive multi-state occupancy models

The cycle of livestock depredation and retaliatory killing constitutes a major threat to large carnivores worldwide and imposes considerable hardships on human communities. Mitigation efforts are often undertaken with little knowledge of ecological underpinnings and patterns of depredation, limiting conservationists' ability to develop, prioritize, and evaluate solutions. Carnivore detection and depredation data from interviews in affected communities may help address this gap, but such data are often prone to false-positive uncertainty. To address these challenges in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan we collected snow leopard, lynx, wolf, and bear detection and depredation reports from local communities via semi-structured interviews. We used a novel hierarchical multi-species multi-state occupancy model that accounted for potential false-positives to investigate carnivore site use and depredation concurrently with respondents' apparent vulnerability to that risk. Estimated false-positive probabilities were small, but failure to account for them overstated site use probabilities and depredation risk for all species. Although individual vulnerability was low, depredation was nonetheless commonplace. Carnivore site use was driven by clear habitat associations, but we did not identify any clearly important large-scale spatial correlates of depredation risk despite considerable spatial variation in that risk. Respondents who sheltered livestock in household corrals reinforced with wire mesh were less likely to report snow leopard depredations. Reducing depredation and retaliation at adequately large scales in the Pamirs will likely require a portfolio of species-specific strategies, including widespread proactive corral improvements. Our approach expanded inference on the often-cryptic processes surrounding human-carnivore conflict even though structured wildlife data were scarce.

ПАМИРСКИЕ ЭКСПЕДИЦИИ М.Е. ИОНОВА 1891-1895 ГГ

In the last quarter of the 19th century, the Russian government stepped up its activities in Central Asia, organizing a number of research expeditions to explore the Tien Shan and the Pamir Mountains. In connection with the increased activity of the British in this region in the late 1880s - early 1890s, several military topographic expeditions were sent to the Pamirs in 1891-1894. In addition to geodetic reconnaissance, photography of the Pamir landscapes was carried out for the first time. The article considers the second, 1892, Pamir campaign under the command of Colonel Mikhail Efremovich Ionov, aimed at conducting reconnaissance and restoring Russia’s rights in the Pamirs. During the expedition, Ionov organized an administration of the native population of the Pamirs. Russian military researchers of Central Asia were members of the Geographical Society and were part of the Corps of Military Topographers. In the Pamir campaigns, the task of this department was reduced to geodetic reconnaissance and the development of routes for the movement of troops and the establishment of garrisons at border points. The basis of the publication is a series of photographs taken by S. P. Yudin, an artist, photographer and participant in this campaign. His photographs are currently stored in the archives of the Museum of Geography of Moscow State University.

Role of energy storage in energy and water security in Central Asia

Central Asia has faced major energy and water security challenges. Technically, water from the Pamir and Tian Shan Mountain ranges could be sufficient to meet the needs of the countries in the region, if there was no temporal mismatch between the availability of water for irrigation and electricity generation. While water is required for agriculture in downstream countries during the summer, demand for hydro electricity generation is mainly in the wintertime in upstream countries. With the aid of the open-source MESSAGEix energy systems optimization modelling framework, we study a renewable energy transition in the region through to 2050, considering innovative long duration water and energy storage solutions for optimal management of water and energy resources in different seasons. The modelling approach demonstrates that the proposed "dual water and energy storage scheme", with two different hydrological cycles for up- and down-stream regions, can guarantee enough water for energy generation in upstream countries in winter while ensuring water availability for irrigation downstream in summer. This scheme is economically feasible and, with further detailed analyses and geo-political considerations, it can serve to improve energy security and water resource management, towards achieving sustainable development goals in Central Asia.

Pamiri Ethnic Nationalism in Tajikistan; a Rising Threat against Future of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Pamiri ethnic nationalism in Post-Soviet Tajikistan has led to short-lived sovereign status in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region from 1992 to 1997 that has now been transmitted in the remaining parts of entire Badakhshan Region / Pamir Mountain Range; covering Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County of Tajikistan, and, Chitral District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Gilgit-Baltistan Autonomous Region of Pakistan. As Pak-China Economic Corridor is crossing through Gilgit-Baltistan, anti-Pakistan elements can not only trigger Pamiri ethnic nationalism on the basis of former historical sovereignty, separate linguistic identity, or unique sectarian believes. This study discusses the ways of the Pamiri ethnic community in the entire Badakhshan Region that has little been inspiring from the ethnonational separatism in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. Similarly, anti-Pakistan and anti-CPEC elements are also analyzed in this study that is trying to disturb the socio-political and religious environment of Gilgit-Baltistan to disrupt CPEC. Future assessments of the region after completing CPEC, historical background and economic worth of the Gilgit-Baltistan, and, developmental opportunities for Afghanistan and Tajikistan are also observed in this study.

Regionalization of climate teleconnections across Central Asian mountains improves the predictability of seasonal precipitation

Mountains play a critical role in water cycles in semiarid regions by providing for the majority of the total runoff. However, hydroclimatic conditions in mountainous regions vary considerably in space and time, with high interannual fluctuations driven by large-scale climate oscillations. Here, we investigated teleconnections between global climate oscillations and the peak precipitation season from February to June in the Tian-Shan and Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. Using hierarchical climate regionalization, we identified seven subregions with distinct precipitation patterns, and assessed correlations with selected climate oscillations at different time lags. We then simulated the seasonal precipitation in each subregion from 1979 to 2020 using the most prevalent teleconnections as predictors with support vector regression (SVR). Our findings indicate that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Eastern Atlantic/West Russia pattern are among the major determinants of the seasonal precipitation. The dominant lead-lag times of these oscillations make them reliable predictors ahead of the season. We detected notable teleconnections with the North Atlantic Oscillation and Scandinavian Pattern, with their strongest associations emerging after onset of the season. While the SVR-based models exhibit robust prediction skills, they tend to underestimate precipitation in extremely wet seasons. Overall, our study highlights the value of appropriate spatial and temporal aggregations for exploring the impacts of climate teleconnections on precipitation in complex terrains.

Morphology and distribution of the Middle Asian centipede genus Krateraspis Lignau, 1929 (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha, Mecistocephalidae).

A comprehensive redescription of the poorly known mecistocephalid genus Krateraspis Lignau, 1929 and its two species is provided, based on the examination of type material and new specimens, as well as the critical evaluation of all published information. Krateraspis is confirmed differing from all other Mecistocephalidae especially for a peculiar pattern of areolation and setation of the clypeus. Records from 24 localities indicate that Krateraspis is limited to a narrow area of Middle Asia, from the Western Tian-Shan to the western offshoots of Pamir Mountains. Two species are morphologically distinguishable: K.meinerti (Sseliwanoff, 1881) and K.sselivanovi Titova, 1975. They differ mainly in details of the clypeus and maxillae, in the pattern of forcipular denticles, and in the number of legs. Tygarrupasiaticus Verhoeff, 1930 is confirmed as a junior synonym of K.meinerti, and a lectotype is designated for the former.

Predator niche overlap and partitioning and potential interactions in the mountains of Central Asia

AbstractDirect and indirect interactions among predators affect predator fitness, distribution, and overall community structure. Yet, outside of experimental settings, such interactions are difficult to observe and thus poorly understood. Patterns of niche overlap among predators reflect and shape community interactions and may therefore help elucidate the nature and intensity of intraguild interactions. To better understand the coexistence of two apex predators, snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and wolves (Canis lupus), we investigated their spatial, temporal, and dietary niche overlap in summer in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. We estimated population-level space use via spatial capture–recapture models based on noninvasive genetics and camera traps, diel activity patterns based on camera trap detections, and diet composition from prey remains in carnivore scats, from which we estimated coefficients between 0 and 1 for overlap in space, time, and diet, respectively. Snow leopards and wolves displayed moderate spatial partitioning (0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–37), but overlapping temporal (0.77, 95% CI: 0.64–0.90) and dietary (0.97, 95% CI: 0.80–0.99) niches. Both predators relied on seasonally abundant marmots (Marmota caudata) rather than wild ungulates, their typical primary prey, suggesting that despite patterns of overlap that were superficially conducive to exploitation competition and predator facilitation, prey were likely not a limiting factor. Therefore, prey-mediated interactions, if present, were unlikely to be a major structuring force in the ecosystem. By implication, carnivore conservation planning and monitoring in the mountains of Central Asia should more fully account for the seasonal importance of marmots in the ecosystem.

‘To firmly establish our border at the foot of The Hindu Kush’: road construction as a means of legitimizing the rule of the Russian Empire in the Pamir

ABSTRACT Expansion has been a trait typical of many empires. As they occupied new territories, empires needed to exert control over them, and for this they needed roads. New roads also served to indirectly legitimize imperial rule over subjugated lands, in the eyes of both the local population and other, competing colonial powers. The Russian Empire was no exception, especially in such remote, mountainous regions as Pamir. As soon as Russian rule had been established, the Russian authorities faced the challenge here of ‘developing’ the road network. Roadbuilding, initiated by the Russians, brought the technological advances of the West to the peoples living in the Pamir Mountains, and accelerated their integration with the rest of the empire, whilst simultaneously legitimizing Russian rule at a local level. Traditional, local trails and Russian-built roads merged into a single network, an imperial mix of communication lines that allowed the Russians to successfully control Pamir.

Evolution and origin of global glaciers and their impacts on the environment

Glacier is one of the most important freshwater resources. However, the situation of glaciers is changed nowadays because of global warming. This study aimed at two types of glaciers, and analyzed their evolution, origin and impacts on the environment. As for typical melting glaciers, the Vatnajokull glacier and Urumqi Glacier No.1, Tianshan Mountains gradually melt over time. Their causes are related to atmospheric River events, black carbon pollutants, ice recycling, global warming, and human activities. The impacts of glacier retreat mainly include sea-level rise and can alleviate global warming and cause surface deformation. However, there are some “weird” glaciers because they are expanded in the past few years rather than shrinking. Those glaciers are highly concentrated in the Karakoram, Pamir Mountains, Svalbard, the Canadian Arctic islands, Alaska, and Iceland, which are called surged-type glaciers. Hydrological control, thermal regime, deformable bed hypothesis, and critical mass are reasons for glacier expansion. There is no clear and unified opinion on the advantages or disadvantages of glacier expansion.

Shakhdaraite-(Y), ScYNb2O8, from the Leskhozovskaya granitic pegmatite, the valley of the Shakhdara River, southwestern Pamir, Gorno-Badakhshanskii Autonomous Region, Tajikistan: New mineral description and crystal structure

ABSTRACT Shakhdaraite-(Y), ideally ScYNb2O8, is a new mineral from the Leskhozovskaya miarolitic granitic pegmatite at the Shakhdara River, southwestern Pamir (Tajikistan). Shakhdaraite-(Y) occurs mainly as grains from 10 to 150 μm in size in a near-miarolitic pegmatite complex in association with quartz, albite, pyrochlore-microlite, fersmite, and an unnamed Sc-Nb oxide; only one large, single, well-shaped crystal 200 μm long was found in a small cavity with quartz, albite, bertrandite, pyrochlore, and jarosite. Shakhdaraite-(Y) is black to dark-brown, streak is brown. Luster is vitreous semi-metallic. It is brittle with conchoidal fracture. Mohs hardness is 5. VHN100 = 436 kg/mm2. Dcalc. = 5.602 g/cm3. In reflected light, it is light gray and its reflective capacity is moderate to low. Anisotropy is distinct, without color effects. Pleochroism was not observed. Internal reflections are red-brown. Reflectance values were measured in air with SiC as reference material [λ(nm), Rmax, Rmin]: 470, 14.6, 13.9; 546, 14.0, 13.4; 589, 13.9, 13.3; 650, 13.8, 13.1. Electron probe microanalysis (WDS mode, 7 points) gives (wt.%): Nb2O5 50.70; Ta2O5 4.52; TiO2 0.08; WO3 0.79; SnO2 1.54; CaO 1.01; Sc2O3 11.35; MnO 1.38; FeO 0.01; Y2O3 12.00; Ce2O3 0.21; Pr2O3 0.04; Nd2O3 0.27; Sm2O3 0.32; Eu2O3 0.07; Gd2O3 0.86; Tb2O3 0.22; Dy2O3 2.07; Ho2O3 0.29; Er2O3 1.33; Tm2O3 0.35; Yb2O3 2.80; Lu2O3 0.32; PbO 0.24; ThO2 1.90; UO2 3.30, total 97.97. The empirical formula of shakhdaraite-(Y) based on O = 8 apfu (atoms per formula unit) is (Nb1.91Sc0.83Y0.53Ta0.10Mn0.10Ca0.09 Yb0.07U4+0.06Dy0.06Sn0.05Th0.04Er0.03Gd0.02W6+0.02Pb0.01Ce0.01Nd0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Ho0.01Tm0.01Lu0.01Ti0.01)Σ4.00O8, Z = 2. The simplified formula is Sc(Y,Yb)Nb2O8, where Yb is the dominant lanthanoid. Shakhdaraite-(Y) is monoclinic, space group P2/c, a 9.930(2), b 5.6625(11), c 5.2108(10) Å, β 92.38(3)°, V 292.7(5) Å3, Z = 2. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods [R1 = 0.0269, 878 unique reflections (F > 4σF)]. There are three cation M sites: [6]M(1) = Nb2apfu, [6]M(2) = Sc apfu, and [8]M(3) = Y apfu, ideally M = ScYNb2apfu. The M(1) and M(2) octahedra each form a brookite chain along c. The Y-dominant [8]M(3A) polyhedra form a brookite-like kinked chain, and each M(3A) polyhedron of one brookite-like chain shares two edges with the two M(3A) polyhedra from the adjacent brookite-like chain, thus forming a [Y2O8]10– layer. In the structure of shakhdaraite-(Y), M(1A) and M(2) brookite chains and a layer of [8]-coordinated M(3A) polyhedra alternate along a. Shakhdaraite-(Y) is isostructural with samarskite-(Y), ideally YFe3+Nb2O8. Shakhdaraite-(Y) [Russian Cyrillic: шахдараит-(Y)] is named after its type locality: the valley of the Shakhdara River in the southwest of the Pamir Mountains.

Spinel from the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan

Spinel from the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan

Супраморалистическая трилогия двустороннего мира теней в философии космизма (Н.Ф. Федоров)

The article examines a thematic fragment of the religious and philosophical her­itage of the founder of the philosophy of cosmism N.F. Fyodorov (1829–1903). In the context of supramoralism, an attempt is made to semantically reveal the reli­gious and mythological ideas associated with the phenomena of the other world. The peculiarities of the concepts of Hell, Paradise, Purgatory, which in cosmosophy are two-sided expressions of “another being” and, at the same time, express the ac­tive-Christian principle of the ontological transformation of the world, is disclosed. The meaning of the images of the no-geographical land of Ophir and the sacred Pamir Mountain used by the thinker, is revealed. Using the logical and ethical appa­ratus of supramoralism, Fyodorov uncovers the extreme inconsistency of the idea of a dichotomically split structure and irreversible polarization of the other world. In the active-Christian topology of the two-sided world projected by cosmosophy, there is neither hell nor heaven, there is only purgatory. The spatial-temporal transpo­sition of the Kingdom of Shadows used in the philosophy of the common cause ac­quires the meaning of the active-historical redemption of humankind, which alerts the threat of catastrophic eschatology announced by the Apocalypse.

Анализ эпизоотической ситуации в высокогорных районах Таджикистана

Sheep and goat pox, brucellosis, chlamydia (Chlamidophyla), Newcastle disease and other infectious diseases, many of which were considered rare and exotic in countries with a continental climate, have reappeared. In recent years, resulting in serious economic losses to farmers, public health and food safety in Tajikistan. The Republic of Tajikistan belongs to the mountainous countries, located in Central Asia, in the southeast. The total area of the territory of the republic is 143,1 thousand km2, of which 93,0% are mountains and gorges. The close interaction in the communities of the Pamir mountain regions between people, animals and the environment affects the development of livestock and poultry farming. The difficult epizootic situation for especially dangerous diseases in the countries of Central Asia requires regular physiological and serological monitoring among animals and birds in the mountainous regions of the Pamirs. The data obtained contribute to the optimization of measures to control the spread of mixed infections and increase the sources of income for the local population, as well as solving the economic problems of the region.

Distinctive Aspects of Vernacular Architecture of Wakhan Valley in Afghanistan; Influencing the Crossing Cultures and Adapting to the Harsh Climate

Many scientific sources agree that indigenous architecture, in terms of shape and function, is best suited to its environment. In this architecture, climatic conditions, access to materials, culture and beliefs of residents play an important role in the formation of the outer wall, the arrangement of ancillary spaces and decorative features. This architecture has a unique feature in the Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan in the face of wildlife, different cultures and harsh climatic conditions. The approach of the two Wakhi and Kyrgyz immigrant communities in the region is quite different in their adherence to traditions. However, in the Wakhan Valley, the transfer of experiences between farmers and herding nomads has created a new kind of architecture that is still introverted. To study the formation of this architecture, descriptive-analytical method has been studied on library resources, maps, statistical data, reports and field images. This study showed that indigenous architecture, in a wise introverted way, is based on both maintaining the internal warmth of the house and socio-cultural relationships. Symbols are influenced by the nature, history and culture of neighboring civilizations and have evolved over time. However, this architecture plays an important role in creating interaction and social stability in this region. Communities in residential, religious and burial buildings have also paid attention to available materials and adaptation to land form. Despite efforts to adapt to very cold climates in both types of homes, buildings and tents, there are limitations to receiving lighting and ventilation.

An Artistic Solution to A Multi-Figure Composition In The Rospis Technique Of Monumental Painting

First of all, let’s talk about the fact that monumental painting is the oldest form of fine art. In the early days of fine arts, the first examples of monumental painting were animals and hunting scenes depicting people on the ground, on rocks, and in graphic form. Such unique and magnificent artifacts can also be found in caves in the Pamir mountain ranges in our region. Over time, the monumental works have been polished, developed and continue to evolve.

Composition of Selected Lipid Fractions in 13 Alpine Cryophytic Plant Species Growing in the Eastern Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

Composition of Selected Lipid Fractions in 13 Alpine Cryophytic Plant Species Growing in the Eastern Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

A new species of the genus Epeolus Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apoidea: Apidae) from the Pamirs, with a checklist of Central Asian species

Epeolus rasnitsyni Astafurova et Proshchalykin, sp. n. is described and illustrated from the Pamir Mountains (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajiki¬stan). An updated checklist of the ten species of Epeolus so far known from Central Asia is provided.

Staying despite disaster risks: Place attachment, voluntary immobility and adaptation in Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains

Individuals threatened by environmental risks may choose migration as a survival or adaptation strategy. However, various factors such as attachment to place may encourage immobility despite disaster risks. Since the collapse of the USSR, residents of Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains have faced significant political and socioeconomic difficulties and been exposed to environmental hazards such as floods, rockslides, landslides, and avalanches. These hazards put human security, infrastructure, food security, and accessibility to mountainous areas at risk and call into question aspirations to remain. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in the Bartang Valley, this article addresses immobility in a context of changes and risks. The concept of place attachment is used to explore people-place relationships, voluntary immobility and in-situ adaptation. Results show that place attachment is shaped by cultural, socioeconomic, ecological, and historical variables and that the relationship between place attachment and mobility is complex. The strong place attachment of the Bartangis influences immobility aspirations, short-distance displacements, and return after international out-migration. Findings suggest a mutually reinforcing relation between place attachment, immobility aspirations, and adaptive capacity to disasters, which points to a need for more attention to voluntary immobility and people-place relationships within environmental mobilities research.

On the snow leopard Trails: Occupancy pattern and implications for management in the Pamir.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits one of the most challenging environments on Earth, referred to as the ‘third pole’. Only a fraction of its vast range has been explored thus far, owing to myriad of barriers inflicted by the remote terrain and socio-ecological realities of the landscapes. Understanding distribution patterns of species is essential to devise practical management measures. This study aimed to understand the distribution pattern and factors influencing occupancy of snow leopard in the Pamir Mountain range through sign-based occupancy modelling. Our study confirmed that the Pamir range is a snow leopard stronghold, with occupancy estimated at 0.57 ± 0.02. The topographic features positively influenced the detection probability (p = 0.37 ± 0.005) of snow leopards. Occupancy was influenced by mean annual precipitation (β = -6.12 ± 1.8), density of roads (β = -1.61 ± 0.6) and water sources (β = 0.74 ± 0.4). Our findings underpin that sign-based distribution surveys provide vigorous scientific knowledge about elusive species and merit replication being used for other species. We propose to redefine the protected area boundaries based on ecological knowledge and encourage transboundary cooperation to safeguard snow leopards at a landscape scale.

Effect and impact of indigenous knowledge on local biodiversity and social resilience in Pamir region of Tajik and Afghan Badakhshan

Background: Pamir mountain communities hold vast knowledge of plants important for health and food security. However, little research is conducted on this topic. Methods: This study explores the contribution of indigenous knowledge of mountain dwellers and assesses how it contributes to biodiversity conservation, adaptation, and social/community resilience in the Pamir region of Tajik and Afghan Badakhshans. Secondary sources on medicinal plants were reviewed and then, 280 individual interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted in four border districts of Afghan and Tajik Badakhshans respectively during 2017-18. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, first, research districts, then, villages/valleys and last, households were selected, limiting the sample size to 20% in all stages due to vast study area. Results: Pamir mountain communities depend on natural environment for their livelihood needs, particularly using plants for remedies and food. Respondents used 128 plant species belonging to 63 families and 81 genera. The most marketable medicinal plants grew far away from settlements indicating pressure and over-harvesting of plants. Local communities’ knowledge of plant usage for food, therapeutics and traditional rituals is key to community/social resilience and conservation of plants within farmlands and natural environment. Conclusion: Medicinal plants decreased substantially in their natural habitats over the past 15 years, which may negatively impact people’s traditional health systems and food security. However, knowledge about biodiversity and importance of plants has increased. Participatory conservation strategies for medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge is necessary for the benefits of present and future generations of Pamir mountain communities. Key words: Indigenous knowledge, conservation, biodiversity, social resilience, medicinal plants, food security, Pamir, Badakhshan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan