Ajiniyaz R Reimov

Because of insufficient exploration of the complicated process of formation, functioning and dynamics of the structures of the natural complexes and development of the desiccated bottom of the Aral Sea and its adjoining territories, it is very difficult to solve the numerous theoretical and methodological problems connected with the assessment of the sustainability of the ecosystem, preservation of the biodiversity and determination of possible anthropogenic loading. The general characteristic features of the nature conditions underlie the diversity, mode of life, specific ways of adaptation and many other aspects of the ecology of animals inhabiting the region. 65 species of mammals (pertaining to 6 orders, 16 families and 41 genera), about 346 species and subspecies of birds, 31 species of reptiles, two species of amphibians, and more than 25 local and 22 introduced fish species are registered in various landscapes of the Southern Aral Sea area. More than two thousands species of invertebrates, nearly half of which are insects, are recorded in the Southern Aral Sea area. 188 species of arthropod are found in the agrocenoses of cotton fields, and 150 in rice fields and their surroundings. In the soil mesofauna about 220 species of invertebrates are found, many of which have harmful effect on plants. 420 species of invertebrates are registered in the tugai biocenosis, 264 in the gypseous deserts, and 108 in sand desert. 346 species of parasites, including 214 species of helminthes and 222 species of Protozoa were found in fish inhabiting the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya. Psammophilic associations of animals play an important role in the natural seats of plague, as fleas (45 species) and ticks (16 species) found on these rodents are carriers of dangerous infections.

Desiccation of the Aral Sea and the crisis of the ecological system in the Aral zone led to the disturbance of the dynamic equilibrium of the ecosystem of the region, to the degradation of the natural complexes, to decreased biodiversity of the flora and fauna. Over the last fifty years 6 species of mammals, 36 species of birds have disappeared from the fauna of the region, and some have become rare. 11 species of mammals, 18 species of birds, 2 species of reptiles are entered in the Red Book. All the endemic species of the Aral Sea, which in the 1950s yielded 40-45 million kg of high quality fish, have totally disappeared. At present only 5 introduced species inhabit the Aral Sea: flounder, sprat and bullheads.

In general the Aral Sea ecological catastrophe is the powerful factor which determines the species assortment, population density and, connected with this, the regulation of animal populations. Taking into consideration that the desiccation of the Aral Sea, the desertification of the delta, and the development of technogenic processes will continue, there should be a complex approach to the problems of preservation and restoration of the Aral Sea area ecosystems as well as the Sea ecosystem. It is necessary to work out scientific foundations for sustainable use of resources and preservation of the biodiversity. While developing new territories where rare species live, it is necessary to take into consideration both the needs of the hunting industry and the preservation of biotops and creation of reserves.