Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz are a Turkic ethnic group found primarily in Kyrgyzstan. Etymology There are several etymological theories on the name “Kyrgyz.” First, the name Kyrgyz may mean “forty girls” (kyrk +…

The Kazakhs are a Turkic people of the northern parts of Central Asia (largely Kazakhstan). They are famous for their self-reliance and military skills, particularly horsemanship. Etymology of Kazak There…

The Uzbeks are a Turkic people of Central Asia. They comprise the majority population of Uzbekistan, and large populations can also be found in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia…

Joost van der Ven, in his book “Looking at Birds in the Kyrgyz Republic” devotes a special chapter to cranes and the migratory routes that bring three different species to…

There are several different types of birds of prey (eagles, vultures, hawks, Bustards and so forth) found in the Kyrgyz Republic – the largest is the Golden Eagle – Berkut….

Yaks are large animals, they can reach two metres in height, a relative of cattle. As long ago as 3000 years ago, they were first tamed by man. Domestic yaks…

The wolf has a bad reputation throughout the world. Perhaps part of this in modern times is due to the prevelance of Werewolf stories and films. There are a number…

Marco Polo’s Sheep (Ovis ammon polii) are a variety of Argali. They are also known as Great Tibetan Sheep, Pamir Argali, and Great Pamir Sheep. They are mainly known for…

Tigers and cheetahs once roamed through the forests of Kyrgyzstan – but the Snow Leopard is the only example of the “Big Cats” still to be found in Kyrgyzstan.  They…