2021 – Trudy of the Institute of Zoology RK

Results of a long term study on the distribution, taxonomy, and ecology of the Central Asian Tortoise, Agrionemys horsfieldii (Gray, 1844) (Testudines, Testudinidae)

The results of a long-term study of the distribution and ecology of the Central Asian Tortoise, Agrionemys horsfieldii (Gray, 1844) across its species range are summarized in this article. Particular attention is paid to the results obtained over the past 50 years. The distribution and taxonomic position of the species, spatial distribution and population density, thermobiology, seasonal and daily activity, nutrition, relationship with parasites and predators, and the influence of economic activity on the state of populations are considered.

The Steppe Ribbon Racer Psammophis lineolatus (Brandt, 1838) (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae) in Mangistau and Atyrau oblasts from the Republic of Kazakhstan

Materials related to the history of the study of the distribution of the steppe ribbon racer Psammophis lineolatus in Western Kazakhstan are presented in this article. Thus, based on literature and original data, a map was compiled with an inventory of the distribution of the species in the Mangistau and Atyrau oblasts of Kazakhstan through which the northwestern border of the range passes. This border rises from the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea along the left bank of the Urals almost to the border of the West-Kazakhstan oblast before then turning eastwards into the Indersky district of the Atyrau oblast, passing along the northern coast of Lake Inder. Data show that the currently known northern distribution limit for the Steppe Ribbon Racer is on the northwestern edge of the Taisoigan sands, in the Kyzylkoginsky district of the Atyrau oblast (48°49,97′N, 52°55,545′E).

Herpetological research in Central Asia and Kazakhstan: A brief history of reptile studies, main achievements and prospects in the 21st century

This review is devoted to the history and progress in herpetological research in Central Asia and Kazakhstan, a region that is positioned within Central Asia. Studies of the herpetological diversity of Central Asia have a long history and are a special field of research. Research in this area has passed through several developmental stages, the first of which was associated with early expeditions which penetrated into Asia including those of P.S. Pallas and I.I. Lepekhin.

Checklist of the amphibians of Kazakhstan: A short history of study, taxonomy and issues of actualization

The aim of this article is to briefly describe the history of creation of a recent checklist of amphibians of Kazakhstan. This history as an academic phenomenon begun in the second half of the 18th Century – the time of the scientific travels of Peter Simon Pallas in western Kazakhstan. The very first checklist of amphibians developed for the territory of Kazakhstan was by A.M. Nikolsky in a monograph published in 1918. This forms the basis of all future work and contains scientific names which, for the most part, were interpreted in their correct forms: Ranodon sibiricus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Rana arvalis, R. asiatica, R. esculenta, and R. temporaria (nine species).

Prospects for Cretaceous vertebrate exploration in Kazakhstan

The brief summary of the previous activity on the study of Mesozoic fossils in Kazakhstan shows high potential of known localities to reveal new and unique fossils. Mangystau, Kyzylorda (Lower Syr-Darya uplift), and Turgay Depression regions may provide good data on the change of fossil vertebrate assemblages around the K-T boundary due to the extinction of non-avian Dinosaurian fauna and the rise of mammals.

A review of zooculture methods for studying rare and endangered amphibians from Russia and adjacent countries: The Timiryazev Academy experience

This article discusses the problems of rare amphibian zooculture, artificial reproduction over several generations. Amphibians have been bred in Russia for at least 150 years, but only a small number of species have become widely distributed in captivity. However, to date, the offspring of most amphibians included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation have been obtained under laboratory conditions, and since 2008, the Timiryazev Academy (Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy) has been working on the introduction of five species into the culture (Lissotriton lantzi, Ommatotriton ophryticus, Triturus karelinii, Bufo verrucosissimus и Epidalea calamita).

Historical context and results of a study on Racerunners (Sauria, Lacertidae, Eremias) in Kazakhstan

This article provides a brief historical overview of studies dealing with the genus Eremias, from the late 19 th century to present. Records show that in 2021, nine species of lizards are present in Kazakhstan (about one-third of the volume of the Saurofauna of Kazakhstan), which is 25% of the total volume of the genus Eremias. All of these belong to five subgeneric groups of the genus Eremias. Due to the active study of taxonomy and phylogeny using molecular genetic methods, the fauna of the genus Eremias in Kazakhstan has been enhanced with two new species Eremias dzhungarica and E. stummeri (E. multiocellata-przewalskii-complex). These species and E. vermiculata should be included in the new edition of the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. The most studied species in the territory of Kazakhstan is E. arguta, but other species require the close attention of specialists.

An overview of reptiles from the Kaplankyr Nature Reserve and adjacent territories

The Kaplankyr Nature Reserve and encapsulated Shasenem and Sarykamysh nature sanctuaries are located at the junction between southern and northern types of deserts. Landscape diversity in this region therefore determines the richness of the herpetofauna. A critical review of literature devoted to the study of this territory and adjacent areas shows that an inventory process has not yet been completed. Thus, based on literature data our own materials, a list of reptile species from this region was compiled comprising 25 reptile species.

On the occurrence of the Racerunner (Eremias arguta) in scorched places within the Semipalatinsk belt pine forests

A semi-adult Eremias arguta was discovered in September 2013 at one site within the «Semey Ormany” State Forest Nature Reserve. This is the only known record of this species in the sandy biotope of the Semipalatinsk pine forest.

Tail bifurcation in the European Glass Lizard (Pseudopus apodus) in South Kazakhstan

We examined 66 individuals of the European Legless Lizard (Pseudopus apodus) from ten sites across this species range. One specimen from South Kazakhstan possessed an additional 7.0 mm long process at the injured end of the tail. Bifurcation in the tail of the European Legless Lizard because of injury is reported for the first time.