Kyrgyzstan is for many people in the world a country far away hidden in an unknown region, you can say the butterfly is even more a species hidden in Kyrgyzstan’s nature, it rarely shows itself, the season that the butterfly really flies is short, too short. The specialists in the study of the butterflies, the entomologists, in Kyrgyzstan have a vast knowledge of the where-a-bouts of the nation’s butterflies, and they share this knowledge of the butterflies sometimes with others. Some butterflies fly only a few days every two years, some occupy only 1 sq. km on a certain rocky slope, so the habitats and habits are a tightly-kept secret to keep poachers from coming in and selling the precious species on the world’s market.
Entomological Expeditions to the Tien-Shan
Already many years Kyrgyz specialists have organized entomological expeditions. The first expedition was in 1996 to the Alai and Transalai ranges, in 1997 a trip was organized to the Kokshaal-Too range, in 1998 to Sary Jaz and last year three separate trips were run, to Alai and Transalai, Sary Jaz and Baidullu and At-Bashi ranges. The parties have comprised entomologists from England, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, Finland and Kyrgyzstan. The specialists have considerable experience in organizing international tours. We are able to provide all necessary services so that you will be spared any problems with accommodation, safety, provisions, transport, permits, itineraries etc. Entomologists, ornithologists and botanists as well as general wildlife enthusiasts are all welcome.
There are separate tours available as follows:
Kaindy-Katta and Enylcheck-Too mountain ranges; Kaindy gorge; Sary-Dhaz river basin.
This trip will be from the 1st to 20th July; the camp will be at 2700-3200 meters. Species found include 6 species of Parnassius, 6 species of Colias, 18 species of Satyrus (Paralasa, Erebia, Karanasa, Hyponephele, Chazara, Coenonympha), Lycaenidae and several endemic types of Carabus and other beetles, also species typical of butterflies, moths and other insects found in Interior and Central Tien-Shan and contiguous territories of China.
– Kokshaal-Too range, At-Bashi and Naryn mountain ranges.
This trip will be from the 25 th of June to 15th of July; the camp will be at 3000-3400 meters. Species found include 5 species of Parnassius and 6 species of Colias, 16 species of Satyrus (Karanasa, Hyponephele, Coenonympha), also the entire complex of high-mountain butterflies, moths and other insects found in the Kokshaal-Too and contiguous territories of China.
– Baidullu (Dolon pass).
This trip will be from the 20th of June to 10th of July; the camp will be at 3000-3200 meters. Species found include 5 species of Parnassius and 5 species of Colias, 10 species of Satyrus (Erebia, Karanasa, Paralasa, Hyponephele), also the entire complex of high-mountain butterflies, moths and other insects found in the Northern Tien-Shan. This trip can be combined with other trips.
– Kyrgyz range: Ala-Medin, Shamsi gorge, Alabel pass, Tuya Ashuu pass.
This trip will be organized from the 20 th of June to 10 th of July accommodation will be at the altitude of 2400-3200 meters. Species found are the species of Parnassius, 5 species of Colias, 10 species of Satyrus (Erebia, Coenonympha) and some Melitaea and Lycaenidae.
This trip can be combined with other trips.
TServices provided: all transport (with drivers and fuel) for both personnel and equipment; consultant entomological services; full board; interpreter services You will need to bring a small backpack for use during daily excursions. You can bring your own tent, sleeping bag and mattress, or we can supply you with our material (of European standard). You are responsible for all your own collecting and/or photographic equipment. If you wish to collect at night you should bring a portable generator and moth trapping equipment. The expeditions are organized for a minimum group size of two people
