Flora and fauna of Uzbekistan are closely linked to its sharply continental and mostly arid climate, so nature here is very contrasting depending on the region.
Most of the territory is covered by deserts such as the Kyzylkum Desert, where vegetation is sparse and highly adapted to extreme heat and lack of water. The main plants are saxaul, tamarisk, wormwood and other drought-resistant shrubs that survive in sandy and saline soils. In river valleys and oasis zones, especially around cities like Bukhara and Khiva, the landscape becomes much greener thanks to irrigation. There you can find poplar, willow, mulberry trees and cultivated crops such as cotton, wheat, grapes, melons and apricots.
In the eastern part of the country, near the Tian Shan, nature changes again. Mountains are covered with juniper forests, wild fruit and nut trees, and alpine meadows with many endemic flowers and medicinal herbs. These areas are much richer in biodiversity compared to the deserts.
The animal world is also very diverse but adapted to harsh conditions. In desert and steppe regions you can find the Bactrian camel, goitered gazelle, corsac fox, as well as various rodents and reptiles that are active mainly at night. In mountainous areas live rare species such as the Snow leopard, ibex, brown bears and the Golden eagle, which is also historically important for traditional falconry.
Uzbekistan is also an important part of the Eurasian bird migration routes, so many migratory species pass through the country, including flamingos, storks, cranes and various waterbirds, especially in wetland areas. At the same time, ecological changes connected with the drying of the Aral Sea have significantly affected local ecosystems and biodiversity in some regions.
