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The article proposes a set of 8 indicators allowing to compare faunal diversity, the degree of its conservation, economic importance and endemism. Through the system of indicators it is possible to assess the importance of different regions of the country for fauna conservation, to develop measures for its protection and sustainable use. The assessment of the importance of different territories of Uzbekistan for the conservation of faunal diversity of mammals is demonstrated on the example of two administrative regions of the country. It is recommended to analyse the current state of the fauna and trends in its changes using a set of indicators on a regular basis and in parallel with fauna monitoring.

This paper describes the first experience for Uzbekistan in mammals' fauna inventory in the context of large administrative districts. Tashkent region was chosen as a model territory for researching – as an integral natural area with natural geographical boundaries. A revision of the composition and assessment of the fauna current conditions of economically significant mammals of this region was carried out. The primary limiting factors and threats to the existence of these species were analyzed. The permissible standards for the removal of economically significant mammalian species from the natural environment were determined, based on the data of the abundance and their habitats conditions. Standard approaches and methods for inventory have been developed: data collection and storage; working with sources of existing information; field research as the gaps closing basic method. Based on the results of the research, standard species profiles were prepared for 17 economically significant mammalian species, including data on distribution, landscape location, abundance, and permissible operational loads. A proposal to change the current conservation status of the Long-tailed Marmot, Corsac Fox and Steppe Polecat was justified. These species were previously considered as hunting objects, but now they have become rare. The impact of introduced and invasive species – Coypu, Muskrat, American Mink and Norway Rat on the native fauna was determined. The analysis of negative impacts on the species allowed to recommend a number of applied measures for the sustainable use of biological resources.

Since 2010, several Sociable Lapwings fitted with satellite transmitters on the breeding grounds in Kazakhstan have been tracked on southward migration to an area that straddles the border between southeastern Turkmenistan and southern Uzbekistan. The birds tracked along this migration route stopped at this site, called Tallymerjen in Turkmenistan and Talimarzhan in Uzbekistan, for prolonged periods, suggesting that it might be an important staging site for birds en route to wintering grounds in India and Pakistan. In September and October 2015, we undertook coordinated counts on either side of the border to assess the number of birds using the site, their habitat use and diet and the threats they may face. Counts of 4225 in Uzbekistan and 3675 in Turkmenistan represent the highest numbers of the species recorded anywhere since the 19th century. Movements of birds between the two countries were hard to quantify because of the restricted border zone, but the total number of birds using the area was estimated at between 6000 and 8000. This may represent the species' entire eastern flyway population and perhaps half of its global population. Field observations and data from two satellite-tagged birds present at the same time suggested a complex pattern of daily movements and resource use, which may have been influenced in part by the intensity of moonlight. Birds moved between heavily grazed steppe-like areas, irrigated arable fields and the shoreline of a large reservoir. The large number of birds present and the long period they remain here on south-bound migration make this one of the most important sites in the world for this critically endangered species. The sensitive border zone is likely to deter hunting by people, a significant threat in other areas of the species' flyway. There has been a huge expansion of irrigated agriculture on both sides of the border since the mid 1970s, with a consequent loss of steppe-like habitats. Desertification caused by overgrazing has caused the appearance of shifting sand dunes in areas where they were not previously present. Many of the key areas for Sociable Lapwings fall within two existing Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), which are listed for their importance for other species. Regular monitoring of this staging area and the number of Sociable Lapwings using it will be a key action in global efforts to protect the species and reduce threats to it. The discovery of this staging site is an example of the significant contribution that even small numbers of satellite tracking devices can make to our knowledge of threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the sites Akpetky lake system, Sarykamysh lake and Ayakaghytma lake, the three new Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Uzbekistan. It presents a description of each site as well as the species of birds that can be seen and other rare animals. Main threats and problems of conservation are also discussed including extensive encroachment, change in water level and unsustainable use of resources.