Birdwatching in the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve -
Animalwatching in the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve -
The animal world of Aksu-Zhabagly is an ancient, pristine world that still lives by its own laws. Here, among the rocks, gorges, glaciers and meadows, it seems as if a wild harmony has frozen, untouched for centuries. This reserve is home to more than 50 species of mammals, over 250 species of birds, about 20 species of reptiles, thousands of species of insects - and all this is framed by mountain magnificence.
The main character of the local peaks is, of course, the snow leopard (irbis). He is the spirit of the mountains, almost a ghost. To see him is like receiving a blessing from nature itself. He was hunted, he was almost exterminated, but here he found his shelter. The snow leopard does not like noise, appears rarely, but its tracks can be seen on the snowy slopes, and its shadow - against the background of clouds. It is a symbol of freedom, strength and vulnerable beauty.
Slightly inferior to it in grace and power is the lynx, a secretive hunter, the mistress of shady gorges. In the highlands, argali graze - powerful mountain rams with twisted horns, they easily run along the rocks, where a person can hardly hold on. Mountain goats, roe deer, stone martens, foxes, wolves, brown bears, red wolves (the rarest), badgers, hedgehogs, gophers, bats also live here. This is not a zoo, it is a living ecosystem, where each animal is in its role, in its element.
The bird world of the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve is a separate poem. Golden eagles, vultures, and bearded eagles soar in the sky above the gorges – mighty birds of prey, majestic and dangerous. Nightingales, goldfinches, swallows, stonechats, finches, hoopoes, and woodpeckers sing in the forests and meadows. Swifts, nutcrackers, and orioles fly over streams and slopes. Thousands of migratory birds pass through here in autumn and spring, and in summer you can even meet the rare black stork.
The reptiles and amphibians of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve are quiet but important. Yellow-bellied snakes, lizards, vipers, green toads, and frogs all feel safe thanks to the strict protection of the territory. And underfoot and in the air are butterflies, bumblebees, beetles, praying mantises, and grasshoppers. The world of insects here is a whole galaxy, especially in spring and summer. The rivers and streams of the reserve are home to Tien Shan trout, a valuable fish with tender pink meat. An interesting fact: it was in Aksu-Zhabagly that several animal species were first described, including the Zhabagly lizard, a small reptile found only in this region. The reserve plays a key role in preserving the genetic diversity of the fauna of the Western Tien Shan, being a natural "databank" for future generations of researchers.
Aksu-Zhabagly is a place where animals are truly free. They are not accustomed to people, do not seek contact, do not ask for food. Here, a tourist is a guest, an observer. And if you show respect, silence and patience, this wild world can open up to you. Seeing an argali against the sunset sky, hearing the howl of a wolf somewhere below, feeling the gaze of a leopard from the shadows - all this is possible. But only if you go to the mountains with pure thoughts and an open heart. Each animal is part of the unique animal world of Aksu-Zhabagly, which continues to amaze scientists and delight nature lovers with its beauty and diversity.
Attractions nearby:
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Aksu Canyon (Aksu River Canyon)
Aksu River
Kishi-Kaindy Gorge
Waterfall on the Kishi-Kaindy River
Koksai Gorge
Kaskabulak Petroglyphs
Darbaza Tract
Tulips of the Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve
Zhabagly Village
"Skazka" Cave near the village of Ak-Biik
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