Aktash, Karzhantau Gorge, Uzbekistan Photograph by A. Kliouchnik   Central Asia: Kazahkstan, Uzbekistan, and into Tadjikistan Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   49,200 square miles (127,500 square kilometers) -- about the size of North Carolina Critical/Endangered

· Creatures Small and Large
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
More Photos

Creatures Small and Large

Hidden in the tall grasses of this ecoregion are several small mammals, including bats, squirrels, and gerbils. In the foothills, you might be able to spot larger species, such as mountain sheep and wild cats.

Special Features

The foothills and low mountains of this ecoregion adjoin the warm southern desert in Central Asia. Tall grasses and forbs characterize the steppe landscape. Limited forests of Zeravshan juniper and wild pistachio can still be found. The conservation and restoration of these habitats is important for animals and humans alike--a number of rare species are important due to their high value as food or medicinal plants. For example, Artemisia cina is an oil plant that is widely used in medicine as an antibacterial agent.

	As you walk through this ecoregion, you may hear something that sounds like the rattling of keys coming from the surrounding bushes. This is actually the unusual call of the corn bunting. This small bird perches on the ground or on a bush, throws its head back, and proudly sings its jangling song.

Wild Side

Small mammals such as horseshoe bats, ground squirrels, jerboas, and gerbils dominate this ecoregion. Larger animals include steppe and marbled polecats and goitered gazelles. Balanced on the slopes are three subspecies of wild sheep: Severtsov's argali mountain sheep, Tien-Shan mountain sheep, and Karatau mountain sheep. There are various birds, including the pallid harrier, imperial and steppe eagles, rough-legged hawk, little bustard, rock pigeon, Eurasian roller, hoopoe, lesser gray shrike, and corn bunting.

Cause for Concern

A large percentage of Uzbekistan’s population is concentrated in this ecoregion. As a result, the foothills have been transformed by intensive agricultural activity. Almost all areas suitable for field crops are plowed, and the grazing pressure on pastures is very high. Extractive industries have led to significant water and soil contamination, destruction of vegetative cover, and other negative impacts. Recently, the declining economy has caused many farmers to abandon their fields in the dry steppes and semi-deserts. This has allowed natural rehabilitation of some ecosystems to take place.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.