area – 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).