Jeyrans, which were previously considered an extinct species in Kyrgyzstan and were listed in the Red Data Book, are reappearing in the country's natural landscape. The population restoration process is focused on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
History of the species' return
Previously, jeyrans inhabited steppes throughout the republic, with the exception of the Naryn region. However, due to illegal hunting, poaching, and habitat loss, their numbers declined sharply. By the 1960s, they survived only in the Batken and Issyk-Kul regions, after which they completely disappeared from the wild.
Reintroduction efforts began in 2021 at the initiative of biologist Askar Davletbakov. The first groups of animals were brought to the country from Uzbekistan by the Argalis Foundation public association. To adapt to the local climate, special enclosures covering an area of about 50 hectares were created on the shore of Ordok-Uchar Bay in the Ton district.
"We brought them in at 3-4 months of age, successfully adapted them, and have already obtained a fourth generation of offspring. Today, we have more than 70 individuals."
Context
The project is being implemented in the Issyk-Kul region. The Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Argalis Foundation public association are participating in the work.
