Zarafshan Reserve

Zarafshan Reserve is located in the southeast of Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. The reserve was founded in 1975 and now occupies part of the territory of Bulungur and Jambay districts. The territory of the reserve begins near the city of Samarkand and stretches along the right bank of the Zarafshan River. From the south, the reserve borders the Republic of Tajikistan.

The climate in the reserve is subtropical continental, with a high amplitude of temperature fluctuations. Summer is quite dry, rain is rare. The Zarafshan River flows through the territory of the reserve, which gave it its name. Due to the low frequency of precipitation, the main source of moisture for plants growing here are groundwater.

The flora of the reserve is mainly represented by Tugai vegetation, resistant to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. There are 207 species of plants in the reserve. The animal world is not rich and is represented mainly by rodents and small predators. The number and variety of birds, on the other hand, are quite significant.