Tulip Meadows of Kazakhstan & The Tien Shan ... - Naturetrek

<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the<br />

<strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains<br />

<strong>Naturetrek</strong> Tour Report 14 - 29 April 2005<br />

<strong>Naturetrek</strong> Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England<br />

T: and 44 (0)1962 733051 F: and 44 (0)1962 736426<br />

E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

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Tour Report <strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains<br />

Leaders: Anna Ivanshenko<br />

Neil Anderson<br />

Participants: Mary Moore<br />

Peter Newton<br />

Kathleen Newton<br />

Lynne Chapman<br />

John Chapman<br />

Pat Whately<br />

Amanda Vines<br />

Stephanie Littlewood<br />

Day 1 Thursday 14 April<br />

Heathrow- Frankfurt-Almaty<br />

We all met up on time and departed Heathrow at 07.05 for 90 min. flight to Frankfurt. Here we had time to<br />

peruse the shops before boarding our Almaty bound flight. Both flights and proceeding through customs went<br />

smoothly, so we were able to settle in the Astana International Hotel for good night’s sleep before midnight.<br />

Day 2 Friday 15 April<br />

Lake Kapchagai<br />

Following a good breakfast we departed the hotel in sunshine and greeted by Anna and our translator Rima who<br />

would be with us for a few days. En route we picked up the young Dilyara, her first encounter with an English<br />

group, who would be with us for the whole trip as an interpreter.<br />

We drove c.80km NE from Almaty to Lake Kapchagai which is fed by the River Ili.After a brief stop en route<br />

we arrived at the security check to explore the hillside where many stocky <strong>Tulip</strong>a alberti were photographed.<br />

Other highlights were the blue campanulate flowers <strong>of</strong> Ixiolirion tataricum, 2spp <strong>of</strong> poppy:red Papaver pavoninum<br />

and the unusual yellow flowers <strong>of</strong> Hypecoum parviflorum and the pink Salsify relative, Tragopogon marginifolius. 3<br />

White Pelicans flew over.<br />

Arriving at the lake we saw many clumps <strong>of</strong> the showy Iris tenuifolia, an abundance <strong>of</strong> yellow <strong>Tulip</strong>a behmiana and<br />

the delicate pale starry flowers <strong>of</strong> T. busheana. <strong>The</strong> petite Fritillaria karelinii was also found here.<br />

A copulating pair <strong>of</strong> Horsfield’s Tortoise provided the faunal highlight <strong>of</strong> the day! We arrived back at the hotel<br />

by 18.00.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 1

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Day 3 Saturday 16 April<br />

Almaty-Kurdai Pass-Merke<br />

We made an early start for the 360km drive to Merke with botanising stops on the way.A roadside stop<br />

dominated by the steppe grass Stipa capillata was inundated by the glorious yellow flowers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tulip</strong>a<br />

kolpokowskiana.<br />

A close flock <strong>of</strong> c.400 Demoiselle Cranes demanded a second stop and using Neil’s scope all had superb views<br />

as these majestic birds refueled on their northward migration.<br />

Lunch was partaken at the Kurdai Pass, where the banquet was lubricated with tea, vodka and wine!. A colony <strong>of</strong><br />

white Crocus alatavicus was seen by a snow patch. Leontice eversmannii, a showy Berberis relative, was locally common<br />

Probably the highlight here was the exuberant swathe <strong>of</strong> yellows, oranges and reds <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tulip</strong>a ostrowskiana, T.<br />

kolpokowskianaand their hybrids. Six spp <strong>of</strong> Gagea presented I.D challenges while the blue Iris tianschanica and I.<br />

kuschakewiczii were much admired.<br />

We arrived at Merke Sanitorium at c.21.30 for the first <strong>of</strong> 2 nights and were greeted by 20 people “disco<br />

dancing” outside. Conditions were comfortable but basic!<br />

Day 4 Sunday 17 April<br />

Merke<br />

Another glorious day and after a later breakfast drove a couple <strong>of</strong> km to botanise in the hills. A Golden Eagle<br />

passed ahead <strong>of</strong> us as we admired the yellow Juno, Iris orchiodes. <strong>The</strong> delicate <strong>Tulip</strong>a bifloriformis was seen amongst<br />

rocks, but we had to travel much further before we encountered the exquisite T.zenaidae, initially red and yellow<br />

flowers were found, but Anna later discovered a pure red specimen.<br />

A pair <strong>of</strong> Red Marmots provided a delightful diversion from the plants. We then returned for a late lunch.<br />

Following this Uri, our driver, took us about 10km along a challenging road. <strong>The</strong> mountains were dominated by<br />

Juniperus semiglobosa, but the highlight was a mini-meadow <strong>of</strong> Gageas and T. dasystemonoides, a species not found in<br />

the previous couple <strong>of</strong> tours. Both Brown and White-throated Dippers as well as the Blue Whistling Thrush<br />

were observed along the Merkenka River.<br />

Day 5 Monday 18 April<br />

Merke-Aksu Dzabagly<br />

Depating Merke in sunshine at 09.30 we stopped at Kulan Market for browsing and provisions. This was<br />

followed by a cultural stop to inspect the fine mausoleum <strong>of</strong> Aisha Byby which was constructed with local brick<br />

at the end <strong>of</strong> the 11th century, but with some recent restoration. A White-winged Woodpecker here was a bonus.<br />

After lunch we botanised on the dry slopes <strong>of</strong> the Kuyuk Pass. <strong>The</strong>seslopes held good numbers <strong>of</strong> the<br />

architectural Allium karataviense and a few Iris caerulea. Only a couple <strong>of</strong> flowers <strong>of</strong> the latter were seen due to the<br />

ravages <strong>of</strong> sheep.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 2

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Our penultimate stop was c.10km from the guesthouse to inspect the flora by some snowmelt. Here emerged a<br />

stunning garden <strong>of</strong> yellow Eranthis longistipitata, Anemone petiolulosa, Gageas and white Crocus alatavicus. Sheer bliss!<br />

A final stop allowed to see the showy Corydalis sewersowii growing below some bushes. Soon after we were able to<br />

enjoy a hot shower which was most welcome after the very basic conditions at Merke.<br />

Day 6 Tuesday 19th April<br />

Saya Su Gorge<br />

Our first overcast day, we paused near Kuyuk Pass to admire a flock <strong>of</strong> c.2,000 Demoiselle Cranes feeding in<br />

fields, At the pass we stopped to photograph flowering Eremurus lactiflorus.<br />

<strong>The</strong> next gorge was ornithologically rewarding with Short-toed Eagle overhead, a confiding Egyptian Vulture<br />

perched above us, totally indifferent to us, and a pair <strong>of</strong> Eastern Rock Nuthatches feeding young in their mud<br />

nest on the cliff face.<br />

At Saya Su we took lunch on the bus due to the wind. <strong>The</strong> highlights here were the diverse array <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tulip</strong>a greigii<br />

flowers. A smart Tiger Moth, Arctia caja, was discovered by Peter.<br />

On the return to our base we briefly stopped at a lake for some birding . Most notable were the 4 Little Bustards<br />

found in the arid grassland leading to the lake.<br />

Day 7 Wednesday 20th April<br />

Aksu Canyon<br />

We were pleased to see the return <strong>of</strong> clear sunny skies as we made the local trip to Aksu Canyon. Our first pause<br />

was a panoramic one as we peered at the valley to see our and neighbouring villages as well as the Karatau<br />

Mountains opposite.<br />

<strong>The</strong> next two stops were centred around recent snowmelts. Here we encountered the delicate pink flowers <strong>of</strong><br />

Fritillaria stenanthera, many white Scilla puschkinoides and the cream- a pr<strong>of</strong>usion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Tulip</strong>a kaufmanniana in diverse<br />

colours, which had whooping with joy!<br />

Lunch was by the bus at the top <strong>of</strong> the canyon where Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Alpine Choughs and<br />

Ravens were soaring and Swallowtails flitted about. Views here are spectacular. <strong>The</strong> descent to the bottom was a<br />

little slippery in places, A good selection <strong>of</strong> Fritillaria sewersowii were admired near the top. Other fine flowers<br />

encountered include <strong>Tulip</strong>a turkestanica, T. greigiiand, Geranium transversale.<br />

Standing on the wooden bridge across the fast-flowing river (Aksu = white river) we could feel its energy.<br />

Amanda and Stephanie had a brief paddle at the edge. John spotted a Camberwell Beauty which briefly alighted<br />

on the bridge.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 3

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

<strong>The</strong> hard work <strong>of</strong> the 1000m ascent was tiring, but the whole venture down the canyon and back was a<br />

tremendous adventure, which no one regretted.<br />

Day 8 Thursday 21st April<br />

Mashat-Red Hill- Chokpak<br />

En route to Mashat,c.50km from the guest house, we made a photographic stop, as pat was keen to snap one <strong>of</strong><br />

the grand cemeteries.<br />

Mashat has a warm Mediterranean-type climate with vegetation typified by Rosa/Amgdalus shrubs, tall yellow<br />

umbellifers such as Prangos/Ferula, bulbs and annuals. As we drove along the road we could see a mass <strong>of</strong> Ferula<br />

tenuisecta, high held buds <strong>of</strong> Eremurus regelii and blue Ixiolirion tataricum. Pistacio vera was flowering at its northerly<br />

limit and the first yellow blooms were admired on Rosa kokanica.<br />

After lunch we proceeded to Red Hill, where it soon became apparent to the group as to the origin <strong>of</strong> the name:<br />

a hillside carpeted in a million red <strong>Tulip</strong>a greigii- an awesome spectacle, where innumerable pictures were taken.<br />

As a contrast we met Andre and his team at Chokpak ringing station. It had been a quiet day at the giant<br />

heligoland trap with just 1 bird caught, though during our stay a Magpie doubled the day’s tally, which we saw<br />

being processed. Andre informed us that sometimes a couple <strong>of</strong> thousand birds per day could be trapped with an<br />

all time record <strong>of</strong> 14,000 in a day. Following hospitality at Chokpak we retired to the guest house.<br />

Day 9 Friday 22nd April<br />

Kyzyl Zhar<br />

With more warm sunshine we had a local visit to Kyzyl Zhar and the Dzabagly River, with a chorus <strong>of</strong> Marsh<br />

Frogs greeting us.<br />

<strong>The</strong> gentle ascent was dominated by junipers and more open areas. Many patches <strong>of</strong> T. kaufmanniana were<br />

enjoyed as well as hybrids with T. greigii. An outstanding area was accidentally discovered by John in pursuit <strong>of</strong> a<br />

Siberian Stonechat. Here were tall spires <strong>of</strong> Megacarpea orbiculata, beautiful yellow form <strong>of</strong> T. turkestanica, a few<br />

Crocus Eranthis and Gymnospermium alberti.<br />

Lunch was at half-way house where lunch had been transported by the horse-man. As we sat a Blue-capped<br />

Redstart sang from the small Robinia shading us. Rufous-naped and Yellow-breasted Azure Tits were also in the<br />

vicinity. Following lunch and a siesta we went a little farther to see the attractive waterfall.<br />

While Lynn seeked a private moment she inadvertently discovered a venomous Haly’s Pit-viper, which gave<br />

good views.<br />

<strong>The</strong> day concluded with Peter giving astronomy lessons with Neil’s scope after dinner, with Jupiter and its 3<br />

moons observed.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 4

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Day 10 Saturday 23rd April<br />

Taldybulak<br />

We followed the stream up Taldybulak at the rear <strong>of</strong> the guest house in overcast and showery conditions. At<br />

times crossing the fast-flowing stream had us wondering if Anna was preparing us for the Aksu commandos! We<br />

encountered many by now familiar plants. Higher up where we took lunch was a stunning collection <strong>of</strong><br />

Iridodictyum kolpokowskianum.<br />

Probably the highlight <strong>of</strong> the day for most was a family group <strong>of</strong> Siberian Ibex, which gave prolonged views on<br />

the rock face.<br />

Not wishing to get wet again Mary made her debut on horse back for the descent, aided by ranger Eric. He also<br />

showed most <strong>of</strong> the group around the reserve museum before dinner.<br />

Day 11 Sunday 24th April<br />

Aksu-Sairyaigyr<br />

Our sad farewells were bade to the friendly guest house staff as we departed for the cabins at the picturesque<br />

Sairyaigyr Gorge. A brief stop was made in Aksu bazaar where food and scarves were purchased.<br />

Lunch was had by the Sairam Su where Brown Dipper and elusive White-crowned Penduline Tit were seen.<br />

Unexpectedly we had another lunch as we reached our camp- nobody starves here!<br />

A late afternoon stroll provided us with our first sightings <strong>of</strong> deep yellow Iris tubergeniana and Colchicum luteum.<br />

Day 12 Monday 25th April<br />

Sairyaigyr Gorge<br />

Today was spent exploring this scenic gorge on foot, generally easygoing apart from a rickety wooden bridge<br />

over the river. <strong>The</strong> campsite owner provided a rope to assist us on our return.<br />

<strong>The</strong> number <strong>of</strong> new plants was few, but we continued to delight in the many new sports <strong>of</strong> T. kaufmanniana.<br />

Another 3 new spp <strong>of</strong> Gagea were discovered, adding to our confusion over this genus. <strong>The</strong> floral tapestry was<br />

also enhanced with good numbers <strong>of</strong>, C. luteum Crocus, Corydalis and T.turkestanica.<br />

Few birds were seen, though Rufous- naped Tits could be heard and Amanda was pleased that she found and<br />

identified a Golden Eagle. Two Camberwell Beauties feeding on a sap run provided good photo opportunities.<br />

After lunch we witnessed the devastation <strong>of</strong> recent avalanches which had cut a swathe through the junipers. A<br />

group <strong>of</strong> a pale form <strong>of</strong> T. dasystemonoides gave the final floral delight <strong>of</strong> the day.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 5

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Day 13 Tuesday 26th April<br />

Sairyaigyr-overnight sleeper<br />

During the morning we spent our final couple <strong>of</strong> hours exploring the gorge. Amongst the new finds were the<br />

erect flowering stems <strong>of</strong> white Astragalus nuciferus and the more compact blue and white A. skorniakovii, an aptly<br />

named crucifer, Chalcanthus renifolius with maroon and pale flowers and our final new Juno, the pale Iris<br />

capnoides.<br />

After a hearty lunch we were taken to Shimkent Station where we departed on the sleeperat 17.56. From the<br />

train we were able to view places that we had visited such as Aksu, Mashat and Chokpak.<br />

Day 14 Wednesday 27th April<br />

Almaty-Observatory<br />

We arrived promptly at Almaty at 09.00 and were whisked to the Astana International Hotel for breakfast.<br />

<strong>The</strong>reafter lay the challenging drive in the 4WD bus to the old Russian observatory, 2700m up in the western<br />

<strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains, resembling something out <strong>of</strong> a1970’s sci-fi movie!<br />

An initial stop when the bus had problems resultedin the fortuitous discovery <strong>of</strong> 107 T. dasystemon yellow<br />

flowers.<br />

Reaching the dam <strong>of</strong> Almaty Lake we took a walk which was both botanically and ornithologically rewarding.<br />

Previous springs had seen this area snow covered, but now resembled an alpine garden with pink Primula algida,<br />

T.dasystemon, T. heterophylla and single stunners <strong>of</strong> purple Viola altaica and Allium atrosanguineum.<br />

Birdwise we had a small mixed feeding flock <strong>of</strong> Red-fronted Serins and Plain Mountain Finches, whilst in a<br />

nearby small bare bush sang a Black-throated Accentor. A pair <strong>of</strong> Himalayan Snowcock gave brief flight views,<br />

but were heard frequently, but the real thrill was seeing an Ibisbill feeding in the feeder streams and several brief<br />

flight views as it chased <strong>of</strong>f Crows, presumably because it had a nearby nest. With our first Grey Marmot calling<br />

this proved a very exciting and productive stop.<br />

Day 15 Thursday 28th April<br />

Observatory-Almaty<br />

Our good luck continued as cloudless blue skies and no wind dominated unlike previous trips and we had our<br />

last exploration between the observatory and the dam. A pair <strong>of</strong> Golden Eagles majestically soared over the<br />

snowy peaks.<br />

Additional plants encountered included the compact alpine Erytrichium villosa, pale Pulsatilla campanella, minute<br />

blue flower <strong>of</strong> Gentiana kareliniiand the showy yellow legume <strong>The</strong>rmopsis alpina.<br />

Following lunch we began the slow descent to Almaty with a couple <strong>of</strong> photo-oppurtunity and a botanical stop<br />

en route.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 6

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

After checking back in the hotel all but John and Lynne had a city tour with the knowledgeable Rima. We visited<br />

the Green Market where the gastronomic delights were sampled and purchased. <strong>The</strong> stunning Russian Orthodox<br />

Church in the central leafy park was visited with a service in progress. As we returned to our bus we admired the<br />

impressive war memorial which was being smartened up for the May Day celebrations<br />

At 19.00 we took our final dinner in the hotel with Anna and Rima as our guests.<br />

Day 16 Friday 29th April<br />

Almaty-Frankfurt-Heathrow<br />

After a few hours sleep we were picked up from the hotel at 01.45 and driven to the airport. We were processed<br />

efficiently with no time sitting around and departed 03.20 for the journey to Frankfurt. As we arrived a damp<br />

dawn rose, while we had 90 minutes to kill before the final leg <strong>of</strong> our journey to Heathrow. Conditions in<br />

London were better than in Frankfurt with warm sunshine. Landing around 09.00 we said our fond farewells<br />

and a reunion planned for the summer to reminisce over this superb trip and compare photos.<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 7

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Tour Report <strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains<br />

Flora list<br />

Monocots<br />

Alliaceae<br />

Allium atrosanguineum<br />

A. drobovii<br />

A. eriocoleum<br />

A. fetisovii<br />

A. karataviense<br />

A.pallasi<br />

A. scabriscarpum<br />

A.sewersowii<br />

Asparagus persicus<br />

Amaryllidaceae<br />

Ungernia sewersowii<br />

Araceae<br />

Arumkorolkowii<br />

Eminium regelii<br />

Asphodelaceae<br />

Eremurus cristatus<br />

E. inderiensis<br />

E. lactiflorus<br />

E. regelii<br />

E. sogdianus<br />

Colchicaceae<br />

Colchicum luteum<br />

Convallariaceae<br />

Polygonatum sewersowii<br />

Cyperaceae<br />

Carex praecox<br />

C. turkestanica<br />

Hyacinthaceae<br />

Scilla puschkinoides<br />

Iridaceae<br />

Crocus alatavicus<br />

Iridodyctium kolpokowskianum<br />

Iris caerulea<br />

I. capnoides<br />

I. kuschakewiczii<br />

I.orchiodes<br />

I. sogdiana<br />

I. tenuifolia<br />

I. tianschanicus<br />

I. tubergeniana<br />

Ixioliriaceae<br />

Ixiolirion tataricum<br />

Liliaceae<br />

Fritillaria karelinii<br />

F. sewersowii<br />

F. stenanthera<br />

Gagea alberti<br />

G bulbifera<br />

G. chomotovae<br />

G. dshunjarica<br />

G. emarginata<br />

G. filiformis<br />

G. humicola<br />

G. iliensis<br />

G. minutiflora<br />

G. neopopovii<br />

G. olgae<br />

G’ ova<br />

G. popovii<br />

G’ tenera<br />

G. turkestanica<br />

G. vegetata<br />

<strong>Tulip</strong>a alberti<br />

T. behmiana<br />

T’ bifloriformis<br />

T. busheana<br />

T. dasystemon<br />

T. dasystemononoides<br />

T. greigii<br />

T. heterophylla<br />

T. kaufmanniana<br />

T. kolpakowskiana<br />

T. orthopoda<br />

T’ ostrowskiana<br />

T. regelii<br />

T. turkestanica<br />

T. zenaidae<br />

Poaceae<br />

Bromus tectorum<br />

Dactylis glomerata<br />

Festuca sulcata<br />

Hordeum bulbosum<br />

H. crinitum<br />

Lasiorostis splendens<br />

Phragmites australis<br />

Stipa capillata<br />

Dicots<br />

Aceraceae<br />

Acer negundo<br />

A. semenovii<br />

Anarcadiaceae<br />

Pistacio vera<br />

Apiaceae<br />

Aegopodium tadshikorum<br />

Conium maculatum<br />

Ferula karatavica<br />

F. leucographa<br />

F. penninervis<br />

F. pseudoreoselina<br />

F. samarkandica<br />

F. tenuisecta<br />

Muretia transitoria<br />

Oedibasis apiculata<br />

Prangos pabularia<br />

P. uloptera<br />

Scaligera setacea<br />

Scandix pectin-veneris<br />

S. stellata<br />

Screnkiana golickeana<br />

Torilis leptophilum<br />

Vicatia coniifolia<br />

Asteraceae<br />

Achillea filipendulina<br />

A. millefolium<br />

Alphredia nivea Artemisia<br />

absinthium<br />

A. austriaca<br />

A. dracunculus<br />

A. junceum<br />

A. karatavica<br />

A. A. rutifolia<br />

A. santolinifolia<br />

A. sublessingiana<br />

A. terrae-alba<br />

Centaurea squarrosa<br />

C. turkestanica<br />

Cichorium intybus<br />

Cousinia alata<br />

C. alberti<br />

C. karatavica<br />

C.microcarpa<br />

C. sewersowii<br />

C. triflora<br />

C. turkestanica<br />

C. umbrosa<br />

Echinops karatavicus<br />

Handelia trichophylla<br />

Hieracium echiodes<br />

Inula macrophylla<br />

Ligularia karataviense<br />

Olgaea pectinata<br />

Onopordum acanthium<br />

Scorzonera franachetti<br />

Tanacetum pseudoachillea<br />

Taraxacum montanum<br />

T. <strong>of</strong>ficinale agg.<br />

Tragopogon marginifolius<br />

T. krasheninnikovii<br />

Tussilago farfara<br />

Xanthium strumarium<br />

Berberidaceae<br />

Berberis oblonga<br />

B. sphaerocarpa<br />

Gymnospermum alberti<br />

Leontice eversmanii<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 8

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<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Betulaceae<br />

Betula turkestanica<br />

Boraginaceae<br />

Asperugo procumbens<br />

Echium italicum<br />

Erytrichium villosa<br />

Lappula microcarpa<br />

Lithospermum arvense<br />

L. tenuiflorum<br />

Myosotis micrantha<br />

M. asiatica<br />

Nonea caspica<br />

Onosma dicroanthum<br />

Rindera echinata<br />

R. oblongifolia<br />

R. tetraspis<br />

Rochelia cardiosepala<br />

Solenanthus circinnatus<br />

Trachelanthus korolkowii<br />

Brassicaceae<br />

Alliara petiolata<br />

Alyssum turkestanicum<br />

Arabis montbretiana<br />

Barbaraea planisliqua<br />

Cammelina microcarpa<br />

Capsella bursa-pastoris<br />

Chalcanthus renifolius<br />

Clypeola johnthlaspi<br />

Crambe kotschyana<br />

C. orientalis<br />

Descourania sophia<br />

Erophila verna<br />

Erysimum diffusum<br />

Lepidium draba<br />

Leptoleum filifolium<br />

Megacarpea orbiculata<br />

Menioicus linifolius<br />

Pseudoclausea turkestanica<br />

Sissymbrium loesseli<br />

Stubendorfia gracilis<br />

Thlaspi perfoliatum<br />

Campanulaceae<br />

Campanula alberti<br />

C. glomerata<br />

Sergia sewersowii<br />

Caprifoliaceae<br />

Abelia corymbosa<br />

Lonicera karelinii<br />

L. microphylla<br />

L nummularifolia<br />

L. stenantha<br />

L. tianschanica<br />

Caryophyllaceae<br />

Acanthophyllum pungens<br />

Cerastium inflatum<br />

Holosteum umbellatum<br />

Stellaria media<br />

Celastraceae<br />

Euonymus koopmannii<br />

E. semonovii<br />

Chenopodiaceae<br />

Ceratoides papposa<br />

Kochia prostata<br />

Rhaphidophyton regelii<br />

Salsola lariccifolia<br />

S. pestifer<br />

Convolvulaceae<br />

Convolvulus arvensis<br />

C. subhirsutus<br />

Crassulaceae<br />

Pseudosedum longidentatum<br />

Rhodiola linariifolia<br />

Rosularia turkestanica<br />

Sedum alberti<br />

S. ewersii<br />

S. hybridum<br />

S. pentapetalum<br />

Dipsacaceae<br />

Dipsacus azureum<br />

D. laciniata<br />

Euphorbiaceae<br />

Euphorbia jaxartica<br />

E. rapulum<br />

E. talastavica<br />

Fabaceae<br />

Astragulus alatavicus<br />

A. abolinii<br />

A. anisomerus<br />

A. balchagchensis<br />

A. fedtschenkoanus<br />

A.kurdaieus<br />

A. macrotropis<br />

A. megalomerus<br />

A. neolypskianus<br />

A. nuciferus<br />

A. pachyrhizus<br />

A. pseudocytisoides<br />

A. scabrisetus<br />

A. sewersowii<br />

A. sieversianus<br />

A. skorniakovii<br />

Caragana kyrgisorum<br />

Glycorhiza uralensis<br />

Lathyrus cicera<br />

L. incospicua<br />

L. pratensis<br />

Lens orientalis<br />

Medicago minima<br />

Onobrychis grandis<br />

Robinia pseudoacacia<br />

<strong>The</strong>rmopsis alpina<br />

Trifolium repens<br />

Vicia subvillosa<br />

V. tenuifolia<br />

Fumariaceae<br />

Corydalis glaucescens<br />

C. ledebouriana<br />

C. nudicaulis<br />

C. sewersowii<br />

Gentianaceae<br />

Gentiana barbata<br />

G. karelinii<br />

G. olivieri<br />

G. tianschanica<br />

Geraniaceae<br />

Biebersteinia multifida<br />

Erodium cicutarium<br />

E. hoefftianum<br />

Geranium pratense<br />

G. pusillum<br />

G. robertianum<br />

G. transversale<br />

Hypericaceae<br />

Hypericum elogatum<br />

H. perforatum<br />

H. scabrum<br />

Lamiaceae<br />

Betonica foliosa<br />

Dracocephalum nutans<br />

Eremostachys speciosa<br />

Lamium album<br />

L. amplexicaule<br />

Marrubium alternidens<br />

Mentha asiaticus<br />

Origanum tyttanthum<br />

Phlomis brachystegia<br />

P. eriophila<br />

P. salicifolia<br />

Pseudoeremostachys sewersowii<br />

Salvia aethiopis<br />

S. deserta<br />

S. sclarea<br />

Scutellaria immaculate<br />

Thymus karatavicus<br />

Ziziphora bungeana<br />

Malvaceae<br />

Alcea nudiflora<br />

Malva neglecta<br />

Onagraceae<br />

Epilobium hirsutum<br />

Papaveraceae<br />

Glaucium sqamigerum<br />

Hypecoum parviflorum<br />

Papaver pavoninum<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 9

---

<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Plantaginaceae<br />

Plantago lanceolata<br />

Plumbaginaceae<br />

Acantholinum alberti<br />

A. aulieatense<br />

Goniolinum speciosum<br />

Polygonaceae<br />

Atraphaxis compacta<br />

A. frutescens<br />

Rheum maximowiczii<br />

Rumex crispus<br />

R. tianschanicus<br />

Primulaceae<br />

Androsace septentrionalis<br />

A. turczaninovii<br />

Cortusa turkestanica<br />

Primula algida<br />

P. kauffmaniana<br />

Ranunculaceae<br />

Aconitum leucostomum<br />

Adonis parviflora<br />

Anemone gortschakovii<br />

A. petiolulosa<br />

Atragene sibirica<br />

Ceratocephalus orthocera<br />

Clematis orietalis<br />

C. songoricus<br />

Delphinium biternatum<br />

D. iliense<br />

Eranthis longistipitata<br />

Paeonia intermedia<br />

Pulsatilla campanella<br />

Ranunculus alberti<br />

R. arvensis<br />

R. olgae<br />

R. paucidentatus<br />

R. polyrhizus<br />

R. regelianus<br />

Thalictrum isopyroides<br />

Rhamnaceae<br />

Rhamnus catharticus<br />

R. coriacea<br />

Rosaceae<br />

Agrimonia asiaticus<br />

Alchemilla tianschanicus<br />

Amygdalus communis<br />

A. petunnikowii<br />

A. spinosissimus<br />

Armeniaca vulgaris<br />

Crataegus pontica<br />

C. turkestanica<br />

Geum urbanum<br />

Malus sieversii<br />

Orthurus kokanicus<br />

Padus mahaleb<br />

Potentilla asiatica<br />

P. dzungarika<br />

P.fedtschenkoana<br />

P. impolita<br />

P. nivea<br />

P. orientalis<br />

P. transcaspica<br />

Poterium polyganum<br />

Prunus sogdiana<br />

P. tianschanicus<br />

Pyrus regelii<br />

Rosa begrana<br />

R. corymbifera<br />

R. fedtschenkoana<br />

R. kokanica<br />

R. maracandica<br />

R. nonothamnus<br />

R. persica<br />

Rubus caesius<br />

Sorbus persicus<br />

S. tianschanica<br />

Spiraea hypericifolia<br />

S. pilosa<br />

Rubiaceae<br />

Asperula humifusa<br />

Galium aparine<br />

G. verum<br />

Rutaceae<br />

Haplophyllum latifolium<br />

Salicaceae<br />

Populus talassica<br />

Salix alatavica<br />

S. niedzwetzkiana<br />

Scrophulariaceae<br />

Bungea vesiculifera<br />

Parentucellia flava<br />

Pedicularis alberti<br />

P. korolkovii<br />

P. olgae<br />

Polygala hybrida<br />

Verbascum blattaria<br />

V. songoricum<br />

Veronica anagallis-aquatica<br />

V. didyma<br />

V. hederifolia<br />

V. persica<br />

Ulmaceae<br />

Celtis caucasica<br />

Ulmus pumila<br />

Urticaceae<br />

Urtica diocia<br />

Valerianaceae<br />

Valeriana chionophila<br />

V. ficarifolia<br />

Violaceae<br />

Viola acutifolia<br />

V. altaica<br />

V. modestula<br />

V. rupestris<br />

V. suavis<br />

GYMNOSPERMS<br />

Cupressaceae<br />

Juniperus pseudosabina<br />

J. sabina<br />

J. semiglobosa<br />

J. seravscanica<br />

J. sibirica<br />

J. turkestanica<br />

Ephadraceae<br />

Ephedra equisetine<br />

Pinaceae<br />

Picea screnkiana<br />

FERNS<br />

Adiantaceae<br />

Adiantum sp.<br />

Aspleniaceae<br />

Asplenium septentrionale<br />

A. trichomanes<br />

Ceterach <strong>of</strong>ficinarum<br />

Ophioglossaceae<br />

Botrychium lunaria<br />

Polypodiaceae<br />

Polypodium vulgare<br />

Woodsiaceae<br />

Cystopteris fragilis<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 10

---

<strong>Tulip</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kazakhstan</strong> & the <strong>Tien</strong> <strong>Shan</strong> Mountains Tour Report<br />

Fauna list<br />

Mammals<br />

Roe Deer<br />

Siberian Ibex<br />

Altai Hare<br />

Muskrat<br />

Grey Marmot<br />

Red Marmot<br />

Souslik<br />

Vole sp.<br />

Birds<br />

(H = heard only)<br />

White Pelican<br />

Ruddy Shelduck<br />

Mallard<br />

Gadwall<br />

Shovelor<br />

Teal<br />

Garganey<br />

Tufted Duck<br />

Golden Eagle<br />

Steppe Eagle<br />

Short-toed Eagle<br />

Booted Eagle<br />

Osprey<br />

Eurasian Griffon<br />

Himalayan Griffon<br />

Black Vulture<br />

Egyptian Vulture<br />

Lammergeier<br />

Black Kite<br />

Marsh Harrier<br />

Pallid Harrier<br />

Steppe Buzzard<br />

Long- legged Buzzard<br />

Sparrowhawk<br />

Kestrel<br />

Himalayan Snowcock<br />

Pheasant<br />

Grey Partridge<br />

Chukar<br />

Moorhen<br />

Coot<br />

Demoiselle Crane<br />

Little Bustard<br />

Lapwing<br />

Black-winged Stilt<br />

Redshank<br />

Common Sandpiper<br />

Ibisbill<br />

Black-headed Gull<br />

Caspian Gull<br />

Wood Pigeon<br />

Feral Pigeon<br />

Stock Dove<br />

Collared Dove<br />

Laughing Dove<br />

Scops Owl (H)<br />

Swift<br />

Hoopoe<br />

White-winged Woodpecker<br />

Skylark<br />

Calandra Lark<br />

Crested Lark<br />

Barn Swallow<br />

Red-rumped Swallow<br />

House Martin<br />

Tree Pipit<br />

Water Pipit<br />

Masked Wagtail<br />

Grey Wagtail<br />

Wren<br />

Brown Dipper<br />

White-throated Dipper<br />

Black-throated Accentor<br />

Mistle Thrush<br />

Black-throated Thrush<br />

Blackbird<br />

Rock Thrush<br />

Blue Whistling Thrush<br />

Redstart<br />

Blue-capped Redstart<br />

Black Redstart<br />

Siberian Stonechat<br />

Himalayan Rubythroat<br />

Northern Wheatear<br />

Pied Wheatear<br />

Chiffchaff<br />

Dusky Warbler<br />

Hume’s Warbler<br />

Greenish Warbler<br />

Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat<br />

White-crowned Penduline Tit<br />

Great Tit<br />

Turkestan Tit<br />

Yellow-breasted Azure Tit<br />

Rufous-naped Tit<br />

Eastern Rock Nuthatch<br />

Isabelline Shrike<br />

Carrion Crow<br />

Rook<br />

Jackdaw<br />

Raven<br />

Alpine Chough<br />

Magpie<br />

Starling<br />

Common Mynah<br />

House Sparrow<br />

Indian Sparrow<br />

Tree Sparrow<br />

Chaffinch<br />

Brambling<br />

Greenfinch<br />

Grey-faced Goldfinch<br />

Red-fronted Serin<br />

Plain Mountain Finch<br />

White-winged Grosbeak<br />

Rock Bunting<br />

Corn Bunting<br />

Reptiles/ Amphibia<br />

Haly’s Pit-viper<br />

Orsini’s Viper<br />

Steppe Snake<br />

Glass Lizard<br />

Stepperunner<br />

Alpine Lidless Skink<br />

Horsfield’s Tortoise<br />

Marsh Frog<br />

Butterflies, etc<br />

Swallowtail<br />

Eastern bath White<br />

Small White sp.<br />

Brimstone<br />

Orange Tip<br />

Eastern Clouded Yellow<br />

Comma<br />

Peacock<br />

Camberwell Beauty<br />

Painted Lady<br />

Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell<br />

Queen <strong>of</strong> Spain Fritillary<br />

Small Copper<br />

Holly Blue<br />

Tiger Moth sp. Arctia caja<br />

Hummingbird Hawkmoth<br />

Carpenter Bee<br />

Dorcadium turkestanicum<br />

(“Humbug” Beetle)<br />

Epicometis hirtella (hairy flower<br />

eating beetle )<br />

Meloe sp. (Oil Beetle)<br />

Cincidela turkestanica (Tiger<br />

Beetle sp.)<br />

Potosia interruptocostata (bronze<br />

scarab)<br />

Eresus niger (Ladybird spider)<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> December 05 11