CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMAL SPECIES LISTED IN THE "RED BOOK" AND DISTRIBUTED IN SURKHANDARYA REGION

Аннотация

This article examines the rare and endangered animal species found in the Surkhandarya region and listed in the "Red Book" of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The paper provides detailed information on the biodiversity, distribution range, ecological significance, and conservation measures related to these species. Based on regional monitoring data, the current status of the species has been analyzed, and practical scientific recommendations for their protection are proposed. The article is of particular interest to biologists, ecologists, and professionals involved in wildlifeconservation. Keywords:Red Book, Surkhandarya region, rare animals, biodiversity, conservation, ecological monitoring, distributionrange. The territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan is rich in biodiversity and is home to many rare and endangered animal species. Currently, global climate change, intensified human activity, urbanization, and the shrinking of natural habitats are contributing to the decline—and in some cases, the extinction—of numerous animal species. For this reason, the government of Uzbekistan has taken significant steps to preserve rare and endangered flora and fauna, includingtheregular updating ofthe"Red Book of theRepublicofUzbekistan." Surkhandarya region, located in the southern part of Uzbekistan, stands out for its unique ecosystems comprising mountains, deserts, and river systems. A number of endemic Central Asian animal species are found in this area. In particular, the Hissar mountain ranges, Boysun Mountains,the Surkhan Riverbasin, and the Dashtijum Nature Reserve serve as natural habitats formanyrare species. This article scientifically analyzes the current status, biological and ecological characteristics, distribution areas, and conservation conditions of animal species listed in the Red Book and distributedacross theSurkhandarya region. The purpose of this article is to classify the animal species listed in the Red Book and found in the Surkhandarya region, to study their current distribution, to identify threat factors, andto develop scientifically grounded recommendations for theirconservation. A comprehensive ecological and zoological analysis was carried out in the research. The studywas conducted based onthefollowingmethods: 1. Literature Review: Key documents were examined, including the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2021 edition), national environmental legislation, previous scientific studies, and page2169 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue06,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai available biological monitoring data specific to the Surkhandarya region. Special attention was given tocomparative analysis of species records in the Dashtijum, Boysun, andSurkhan nature reserves. 2. FieldObservation andMonitoring: During 2024–2025, expedition-based fieldwork was conducted in important natural areas of Surkhandarya, including the Boysun mountain range, Dashtijum reserve, and Sherobod valley. Species were recorded through direct observation and tracking signs in their natural habitats. Some large mammals, such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) andstriped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), were monitored usingcamera traps. 3. TaxonomicandStatistical Analysis: Recorded animal species were classified systematically by families, orders, and species. Their distribution areas were mapped using GIS technologies. Each species was assessed for itsthreat level, population status, and ecological importance. 4. ExpertInterviews: Consultations were held with specialists from the Surkhandarya Regional Department of Ecology, the Forestry Service, and staff of the Dashtijum Nature Reserve. Practical insights provided bythese experts helped refine andverify the research findings. Throughout the study, only scientifically validated and evidence-based data were used. The results presented in this article provide a valuable foundation for future biodiversity monitoring efforts and thedevelopment of conservation strategies. During the study, a total of 34 animal species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan were recorded in the Surkhandarya region. These include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It was found that the distribution, population size, and conservation status ofthesespecies vary significantly. 1. Mammals (Mammalia) Among the 11 mammal species listed in the Red Book and recorded in the Surkhandarya region, one of the most notable is the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), which occurs in small populations in the Boysun and Hissar mountain ranges. The presence of the snow leopard has been confirmed exclusively through camera trap footage. In addition, species such as the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), grey wolf (Canis lupus), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) were observed. Their population numbers are unstable, and their habitats are shrinking due to increasing anthropog