Animal life ( from Tien Shan )

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The diversity and range of animals and birds in the Tien Shan increased markedly following the relocation of much of the human population to lower elevations. Species typifying the mountain fauna include the wolf, fox, and ermine. There also are many distinctively Central Asian species, inhabiting chiefly the high mountains; these include the snow leopard, mountain goat, Manchurian roe, roe deer, and mountain sheep. The forest meadow steppe zone is inhabited by bears, wild boars, badgers, field voles, members of the jerboa family (nocturnal jumping rodents), and members of the Ochotonidae family (short-eared mammals related to the rabbits). The many birds include the mountain partridge, pigeon, Alpine chough, crow, mountain wagtail, redstart, birket (a golden eagle), vulture, Himalayan snow cock, and other species. The lower zones desert and semiarid regions are visited by animals from the neighbouring plains, such as antelope, gazelles, Tolai hares, and gray hamsters. Lizards and snakes are also found.

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December 13, 2006 · Print This Article

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