Capital

Bishke

Official Language

Kyrgyz

Fun Fact

The southern city of Osh is over 3,000 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia

National Animal

Snow Leopard

National Bird

Gyrfalcon

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Animal Laws of Kyrgyzstan

The Animal Laws of Kyrgyzstan PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Kyrgyzstan. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Kyrgyzstan

Gyrfalcon

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, found in the Arctic tundra and northern coastal regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is recognized by its powerful build and plumage that ranges from dark gray to nearly pure white. A swift and formidable hunter, the Gyrfalcon preys mainly on birds such as ptarmigans, as well as small mammals. Its strength, speed, and resilience make it one of the Arctic's top avian predators.

Snow Leopard

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Snow Leopard is a powerful wild cat found in the rugged mountains of Central and South Asia. Recognized by its thick smoky-gray coat, dark rosettes, and long, bushy tail, it is perfectly adapted to cold, rocky environments. Snow Leopards hunt wild sheep, goats, and other mountain animals, using their strength and agility to navigate steep cliffs. Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations have made this elusive predator vulnerable to extinction.

Marco Polo Sheep

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Marco Polo Sheep is a large wild sheep found in the high mountains of Central Asia, particularly the Pamir Mountains. It is famous for the enormous spiral horns of the males, which are among the longest of any sheep species. Marco Polo Sheep feed on grasses, herbs, and shrubs and are well adapted to life in cold, high-altitude environments. Habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock have caused declines in some populations.

Tien Shan Brown Bear

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Tien Shan Brown Bear is a rare subspecies of brown bear found in the forests and alpine meadows of the Tian Shan. Recognized by its thick brown fur and powerful build, it feeds on berries, roots, insects, fish, and small mammals. These bears play an important role in mountain ecosystems by dispersing seeds and helping regulate prey populations. Habitat loss and human disturbance have made this subspecies increasingly vulnerable.

Tatary Sand Boa

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Tartar Sand Boa is a small, nonvenomous snake found in the deserts, grasslands, and semi-arid regions of Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. It is recognized by its stout body, blunt tail, and excellent camouflage, allowing it to blend into sandy soils. A skilled burrower, it spends much of its time beneath the sand, ambushing rodents, lizards, and other small animals. Despite its unusual appearance, the Tartar Sand Boa is harmless to humans and plays an important role in controlling small prey populations.

Bearded Vulture

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier, is a large bird of prey found in the high mountains of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Recognized by its long, narrow wings, wedge-shaped tail, and feathered face, it feeds primarily on bones left behind by other predators. Bearded Vultures are famous for dropping large bones onto rocks to break them open and reach the nutritious marrow inside. This unique feeding behavior makes them one of the world's most specialized scavengers.