Bio-Damaging Bird and Mammal Species in Urban Landscapes of Kyrgyzstan: Damage and Mitigation Measures (Osh City Case Study)

Abstract

Under conditions of increasing urbanization, the problem of studying the impact of synanthropic animal species on the functioning of urban ecosystems is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the species composition of synanthropic birds and mammals in the urban area of Osh (Kyrgyzstan), assess the degree of their bio-damaging activity, and develop recommendations to minimize their negative impact on various sectors of the urban environment. Field studies conducted in 2023–2024 revealed 22 species of synanthropic birds and 7 species of synanthropic mammals. Among birds, representatives of Columbiformes (3 species), Apodiformes (2 species), and Passeriformes (18 species) were identified, including families Hirundinidae, Motacillidae, Sturnidae, Corvidae, Turdidae, Paridae, Passeridae, Fringillidae, and Emberizidae. All recorded mammal species belonged to Rodentia, represented by the families Gliridae, Cricetidae, Gerbillidae, and Muridae. Most of these species are closely related to human activities, including obligate and facultative synanthropes (23 species) successfully adapted to anthropogenic landscapes. There are also pseudosynanthropes (6 species) that occur in populated areas but are not directly dependent on humans. The analysis showed that synanthropic species cause considerable damage to urban agriculture, infrastructure, and utilities. Major impacts include crop destruction, deterioration of monuments, damage to networks, and disease transmission. Special attention was paid to Meriones libycus, Ellobius tancrei, and Dryomys nitedula, recently identified as synanthropic species in Kyrgyz cities. Their inclusion provides new insights into urban ecosystem dynamics. The study proposes integrated control measures, including mechanical, chemical, and biological methods for effective management of bio-damaging species.