From April 20 to May 29, researchers of the Entomology Laboratory of the Institute of Zoology conducted a scientific expedition in the Western Tien Shan. The studies covered three protected areas: the “Merke” Regional Nature Park, the Karatau State Nature Reserve, and the Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve.
The main objective of the expedition was to collect material on target insect groups to expand the database on the fauna of the Western Tien Shan, an important tool for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources in the region.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the researchers managed to collect a substantial amount of scientific material. The survey revealed:
- 101 species of true bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) from 14 families;
- 27 species of cicadas from 6 families;
- 4 species of ants from 3 genera of the family Formicidae.
Special attention was paid to predatory bugs, natural regulators of pest insect populations. These species play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in natural ecosystems by preventing the mass reproduction of phytophagous insects and subsequent depletion of plant communities.
The research also confirmed the absence of dangerous invasive and quarantine species of cicadas in the surveyed areas that could pose a potential threat to vegetation.
The data obtained will be incorporated into the information system of the Western Tien Shan Wildlife Cadastre and will be used in further scientific research and the development of conservation measures.
The study was carried out within the framework of the state scientific program BR24993060.
Photo: Perizat Yesenbekova
04.06.2026