Tajikistan Unveils New Red Data Book to Protect Endangered Species

Tajikistan has officially released the third edition of its national Red Data Book, a vital reference cataloging the country’s endangered plant and animal species.

The new edition was presented at the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan (NAN) during a special unveiling ceremony, The Caspian Post reports, citing Tajik media.

The updated volume now includes 304 rare plant species and 242 endangered animal species, bringing the total number of protected species to 546. This marks a notable increase from the 2015 edition, which listed 267 plant and 222 animal species.

Experts say the expanded list reflects both growing ecological pressures and improved biodiversity monitoring systems. The data were collected over several years by teams of field researchers, zoologists, botanists, and ecologists across the country.

Work on the new edition began in 2023 at the initiative of the Committee for Environmental Protection, in partnership with leading scientists from NAN. This collaboration ensured scientific rigor and credibility throughout the project.

Loik Rakhmonzoda, Deputy Chair of the Environmental Protection Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of the Red Data Book, calling it not only a conservation tool but also a roadmap for the sustainable use of Tajikistan’s natural resources.

The editorial board featured some of the country’s top biologists, including Academician Hikmat Khisoriev, and Drs. Abdusattor Saidov and Mariyo Boboev, both doctors of biological sciences. They emphasized the book's role in advancing environmental research and education.

The presentation showcased two comprehensive volumes of the new edition, which will be distributed to libraries, universities, research institutions, and used widely by students, conservationists, and policymakers.

Attendees at the event expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that the new edition of the Red Data Book will play a crucial role in preserving Tajikistan’s biodiversity and enhancing national conservation efforts.