Ecological date: October 4 – International Animal Protection Day                     

                                          

Every year, October 4 is celebrated as the International Day for the Protection of Animals. The main purpose of this ecological date is to involve humanity in the protection, conservation, rescue of wildlife and the preservation of the diversity of their species.

The world of biodiversity in Tajikistan is very rich and unique. More than 13 thousand species of animals have been identified on the small territory of our republic, most of which live in mountain ecosystems. In the areas of valleys and foothills, rivers, agricultural lands near cities and districts of the country, species that live in close contact with the population are common. From the monitoring of recent years, it has been determined that under the influence of various anthropogenic factors, some species of the animal world are quantitatively decreasing, some of these species are threatened with extinction.

The fauna of Tajikistan is very rich and diverse. The country is home to 49 species of fish, 2 species of terrestrial and aquatic animals, 44 species of reptiles, 10 thousand invertebrates, 85 species of mammals, including rare animals like Marco Polo sheep, red deer. Many representatives of the fauna and vegetation of Tajikistan are included in the International Red Book as rare or endangered species requiring special protection and attention. Among the rare species of animals, you can meet a mouflon (wild sheep), which is considered the founder of domestic sheep.

Animal protection is one of the main directions of state policy, hunting for rare species of animals is prohibited by law. The method, time and place of hunting for a particular type of animal are determined by law. In the Republic of Tajikistan there are reserves "Romit", "Tigrovaya Balka", "Dashti Jum", "Zorkul" and a large number of nurseries.

A lot of work is being done in these reserves and nurseries to protect and increase the number of rare animal species.

The preservation and maintenance of wildlife, the improvement of the environment is the task and moral duty of every nature lover.