With the support of the Rector of the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni, Ahliddin Ibodullozoda, a group of researchers from the Department of Zoology of the Faculty of Biology, led by Professor T. Sattorov, together with lecturers and researchers T. Najmuddinov, U. Ergashev, U. Abdiev, and A. Davlatzoda, Assistant of the Department of Zoology and Human and Animal Physiology at Khujand State University named after Academician Bobojon Gafurov, conducted a scientific research expedition to the sandy regions of southwestern Tajikistan from June 30 to July 8, 2026.

The purpose of the expedition was to implement a research project and investigate the reptile ecosystems of the sandy massifs of Shoh (Qubodiyon District), Ayvoj (Shahritus District), and the Beshkent Valley (Nosiri Khusrav District).

During the field studies, the researchers investigated the species composition and population status of reptiles and collected new scientific data on representatives of the gecko family, various species of lizards, toad-headed agamas, monitor lizards, and snakes. At the same time, air and soil temperatures, altitude above sea level, wind speed, and other environmental parameters affecting the daily activity of reptiles were recorded.

Field observations showed that in the sandy habitats, air temperatures increased from +28°C to +47°C between morning and midday, while the surface temperature of the sand reached as high as +56°C. During the evening hours, the air temperature ranged from +33°C to +38°C, and the soil temperature from +35°C to +40°C. These environmental factors have a direct impact on the ecological and biological activity of reptiles.

Based on the results of the study, the researchers concluded that the natural sandy ecosystems least affected by human activities are primarily located along the right bank of the Amu Darya River, in the vicinity of Ayvoj Village in Shahritus District, and along the Ayvoj–Termez highway. In this area, mobile sand dunes and the natural habitats of reptiles have remained well preserved.

The field surveys also demonstrated that populations of several reptile species remain relatively abundant in this region and continue to thrive under natural conditions. The collected specimens and data will be analyzed in the laboratories of the Faculty of Biology, and the results will be used in future scientific research.

The researchers of the Faculty of Biology emphasize that similar field investigations will continue in the future to promote a deeper understanding of Tajikistan's biological diversity and to support the conservation of its unique desert ecosystems.