Biological diversity

Only 100 years ago, travelers indicated rich diversity of flora and fauna within main part of contemporary city's territory. About 0,1-0,15 thousand km2 out of 0,3 thousand km2 (modern Dushanbe's area) was covered with greenery (poplar, willow, sea-buckthorn). Along riverbeds, there were 1-2 wild boars, foxes, and jackals per 1 km2.

Natural vegetation is entirely cleared with the exception of small fragments on the islands along Varzob River.

Biodiversity survives in the complicated urban conditions. Up to 15% of vascular plant species that have been registered in Tajikistan, live in Dushanbe.

Many birds are settled (23 most common species). They inhabit parks, squares, and gardens - turtledove, Indian starling, pigeon, sparrow, blackbird, titmouse, etc. Some birds are migratory (13 most common species). They inhabit watercourses, parks, houses - yellowhammer, water-hen, chaff-chaff, swallow, etc.

Air pollution along motorways adversely affects birds' state and number.

Green toad and marsh frog are only two amphibians that inhabit Dushanbe's ponds. In the Varzob River, few common species of fish may be found.

Disorganized water consumption and water pollution negatively impact the state of population of water flora and fauna.

Turtles, lizards and non-poisonous snakes inhabit many places in Dushanbe too.

Specific composition of plants includes 30 families and consists of:

• cereals - 80 species;
• composites - 51 species;
• legumes - 20 species;
• crucifers - 23 species;
• ranunculus - 15 species;
• umbellate - 18 species;
• cyperaceous 6 - species;
• buckwheat - 10 species;
• others - 80 species;

Composition of seasonal vegetation includes various species of weeds: chicory, wormwood, grass, barley, astragal, etc.

Many flora species inhabit riverbanks, wastes and flood-lands. Under the influence of urbanization, virtually all plant species and communities have lost their biological integrity. The exception is some natural flooded areas on the islands of Varzob River and other watercourses.

Source : NILOP

Concurrently with city's development, aboriginal vegetation was replaced with new types of greenery of parks, squares, grass-plots and garden-plots. At the same time, during last 60 years, more then 70 arboreal and shrub species, as well as 100 annual plant species were brought to and cultivated in Dushanbe. The inventory of Dushanbe's greenery, conducted by Research Laboratory for Nature Protection, points that from all arboreal and shrub species (90), coniferous comprise 9%, deciduous - 75%, fruit - 1,6%, others - 14,4%.

Source : NILOP

Civil unrest and economical crisis adversely affect the state of flora in Dushanbe. Many trees were cut down for fuel purposes. Assortment of many arboreal and shrub species is lost. As consequence, the number of birds has also decreased.

Nevertheless, during last few years, essential efforts have been undertaken by City Administration, nature protection organizations and scientists to explore, restore and enhance the state of the biodiversity of in Dushanbe.

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