State wildlife sanctuary "Karnabchul"

Karnob desert state wildlife sanctuary — located along the southern border of Samarkand region, to the west along the Navoi region border, and to the north along the Bukhara region border. It borders the “Nurobod” state wildlife sanctuary to the east and the “Muborak” state wildlife sanctuary to the south.

Establishment

Established indefinitely by the decision No. f-90 of the Navoi region hokimiyat dated June 9, 1998. The total area of the sanctuary is 28,500 ga (285 km²; 110 sq mi).

The purpose of establishment is primarily to protect the houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) and its habitat, as well as the entire biological complex of the Karnob desert. The sanctuary lies on the seasonal migration route of the houbara bustard. The houbara bustard is encountered in this area mainly during its seasonal migration period. Fewer individuals are seen in summer. The greatest number of bustards during autumn migration has been found here.

Description

The Karnob wildlife sanctuary consists of a steppe area composed of the plant and animal life characteristic of the Karnob desert biotope.

It is under the jurisdiction of the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection — Navoi region Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection.

The sanctuary does not have a permanent guard service. The area is protected by rapid patrols.

Nature

The fauna consists mainly of birds and reptiles. Most animal species are observed in spring and autumn during seasonal migrations. Species include: Tolai hare (Lepus tolai), common fox (Vulpes vulpes), corsac fox (Vulpes corsac), stonechat (Turdidae), lark (Alaudidae), small raptors (Falconidae), steppe agama, tortoise (Argionemys (Testudo) horsfieldii). The main object of the sanctuary is undoubtedly the houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), which occurs in small numbers within the protected area. The majority of bustards can be observed mainly during migration periods.