Flora and Fauna
Flora and fauna of Kyrgyzstan directly depends on its altitude. Northern part of the country is taken by steppes, meadow-steppes, and meadow. This area is usually covered by bushes and forests. This part of the country makes most part of tours in Kyrgyzstan. In contrast, south of the Kyrgyzstan features pretty dry climate. Therefore, no forests can be noticed there, but deserts and semi-deserts. The higher the altitude is, the fewer trees will be seen: it is almost clean and herbal. Trees are usually common on foots of the mountains. You can easily notice it during your tours in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan has plants of thousands different kinds. 4000 kinds were enlisted in the catalogue of Kyrgyzstan. Even during a one-day tour to Ala Archa, you can see a big variety of trees, bushes and herbs. Flora includes about 600 of wild-growing plants and over 200 of medicinal ones. For instance, there are medicinal plants such as coltsfoot, sea buckthorn, St John's wort, horsetail, Turkestan thermopsis and origanum. Some other wild plants such as rhubarb, saltwort, and barberries are valuable economically. Forests contain in itself tulips and edelweiss, Siberian fir, Schrenk's fir, and juniper. Juniper is widely used by locals: they burn it emitting smoke which is supposed to clean the home of bad spirits.
South of Kyrgyzstan is also known for its walnut forests, Arslanbob. This place is very unique and one of the most popular tours in Kyrgyzstan. It is the biggest naturally growing walnut forest in the world. The forest is unique also for the diversity of plants apart from just walnut. Wild apple, cherry trees, and pear can also be found there. There are many legends about forests origins: one regards Alexander the Great and the other states Prophet Muhammad to be the one who gave rise to it.
Kyrgyzstan has a fauna which is as diverse as its flora. Animals inhabit the altitudes which suit them the most. Thus, fauna is also dependent on altitude. For example, the animals which you will see quite often at the altitude of between 3,400 and 3,800 m are marmots, mountain voles and field voles. You can also witness brown bears, hares, wild rams, and mountain goats. The higher the altitude is, the rarer you will find marmots. Instead, birds take place at higher ground. Alpine choughs, red-bellied redstarts, rock pigeons, partridges, golden eagles, falcons, hawks, and buzzards and bullfinches are the inhabitants of such places. Some of these birds of prey can be trained and used for hunting. However, after some period of time they are set free. Thus, we cannot say that they are fully domesticated.
Rare animals such as Marco Polo sheep, red deer, lynx, and snow leopards are inherent part of Kyrgyzstan's fauna. Nowadays, snow leopards are at state nearly becoming extinct. However, our country is guiding all its efforts to preserve its snow.
Come to discover Kyrgyzstan from many sides, names explore flora and fauna with professionals.
