Hisoriev Hikmat
Biography
He is Dr.of Biological Sciences, Academician of the Tajikistan National Academy of Sciences, Main Scientific Researcherof the Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics Tajikistan National Academy of Sciences Date of birth - 05.03.1952: Vanj District of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region Nationality - Tajikistan
Research Interest
-
Investigation of the Biodiversity and Ecology of the Plant; Plant diversity and protection;
-
More than 35 years’ Teaching Experiences at the Tajikistan National University;
-
More than 35 years’ work experience in field work, and able to field trips;
-
Good speak and write in Russia and English;
-
Speak and write in English - Certification on High beginner, and High level;
-
Computer ability (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, e-mail, internet).
Abstract
Plant Biodiversity of the Pamir-Alai Mountainous Region and protection strategy of Endemic, Rare and Endangered species
Abstract
Pamir-Alai Range or to say Imagery “Roof of the World” occupies more than 93% territory of Tajikistan Republic (143 000 km2) in south of Central Asia, located between the continental Asian deserts to the west and east, and the great mountain ranges of Tian-Shan, Kunlun, Hindukush, and at the confluence of several biogeographic zones with elevation from 300 m to 7495 m above sea level. Tajikistan has a richest endemic and relict species between another Central Asia countries. At the same time, Pamir-Alai region represents an important Centre of origin of dozen cultivated plants (Vavilov, 1926).
The list of wild vascular plants in this region comprises nearly 5000 species, among them nearly 1500 species are endemic and subendemic (Flora of Tajikistan in 10 Volumes). Simultaneously, Tajikistan or Pamir-Alai mountains is regarded as the most sensitive in the Asia continent to climate change and biodiversity loss. Some hundreds of the species are recognized as extinct in the country, including 20 endemic species which, therefore, are categorized as extinct globally. The native people traditionally are to harvest medicine, food plant, and with beautiful flowers from the wild and sell them along roads or at local markets. Only a few species belonging to wild food and medicine plants are cultivated in their home gardens. Valleys, middle and high mountainous parts of Pamir-Alai (nearly 60% of the region territory) intensively used as a pastureland. This love for nature and beauty unfortunately poses a higher threat to the unique wild flora and vegetation. Overexploitation of the bulbous food and medicine plants is the second most important threat to plant diversity. We should also consider the long history of the bulb trade between Central Asia and Western Europe. The peak of the bulb trade is still a long way behind (e.g. tulips), however there is still an intensive collection from the wild or simple smuggling of many bulb plants, putting many of them at a high risk of extinction. This kind of threat is known as one of the most important risk factors for ornamental plants that contributes to their decline. The mountains of the Pamir-Alay are particularly sensitive to climate change due to the low adaptive capacity of its ecosystems, and natural heritage is under severe threat from climate change, habitat fragmentation and degradation caused by intensive grazing and population growth. Thus, in combination with the drop of shepherding efficiency, will lead to further degradation of the vegetation cover. The rapid changes in the country economy, infrastructure and population rise (> 2.3 % in year) also may have deteriorating effects on sustainable balance on floristic richness and vegetation cover in nearby of human landscapes. Moreover, with the sharp continental climate and progressive desertification causes considerable threats to Pamir-Alai native flora as the average temperature in the southern regions of the country rises by about 1ºC. Climate change in Pamir-Alai is already noticeable by glacier melting off in the higher elevations. Therefore, this mountainous region is recognized by Conservation International as hotspot of biodiversity and one of the eleven most important focal points of future plant diversity studies and conservation programs.
