In the village of Internacional, part of the Kulundinsky ayil district, an unknown predator attacked chickens and killed 50 turkeys belonging to one of the farmers. Additionally, it broke through the roof of a recently built house.
Local residents managed to catch this animal; however, the village head, Avazbek Kóngurbaev, reported that it was not possible to accurately determine its species, although the damage caused by its actions was significant. He explained: “During a recent border conflict, the house of one of our residents burned down, and he built a new one. This animal broke through the roof, making a den there, and in one night destroyed many chickens and 50 turkeys. We have noticed an increase in the population of such animals in the area. So far, we have managed to catch one of them, but since it is protected by law, we were forced to release it.”
Among the local residents, there were speculations that it might be a weasel, known as “ars chychkan.” There is also a version that it is a stone marten, which has a body length of 38–59 cm and a tail length of 23–32 cm, weighing up to 2500 grams.
The stone marten is characterized by a slender body, large pointed ears, and a long tail that significantly exceeds the length of its limbs. The forest marten usually has a dark brown color, while the stone marten is lighter with a pale hue and less dense fur. The stone marten has a white spot on its throat and chest, which is why it is often called a white-throated marten.
Ecologist Alexander Sosnovsky commented that the captured predator is likely a stone marten or white-throated marten. These animals inhabit only the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, at altitudes of 1500 to 3000 meters. “In the summer, they ascend even higher. These predators are active at any time of day and can climb trees, as well as easily swim across rivers. Each individual has its own habitat range, and foreign individuals are not allowed in its territory. The stone marten feeds on small rodents and birds. One hunter living in the Chatkal Valley reported that he had to drive a marten out of a poplar hollow where a bee swarm was located, as it went there in search of honey. Previously, marten pelts were in high demand in the market, but now hunting this animal is prohibited,” he added.
In previous comments, Sosnovsky also noted that the weasel is widespread in Kyrgyzstan and is nature's creation for exterminating rodents. This predator has an ochre-brown color in summer and turns completely white in winter, with a black tip on its tail. Weasels are the smallest members of the marten family and predatory mammals in the country. “The least weasel weighs about 100 grams, while the stoat weighs around 200 grams. Despite their small size, they are true enemies of all mouse-like rodents. Even when satiated, the stoat continues to hunt, leaving behind entire caches of trophies, where only the brains are eaten. This predator follows its prey into the forest and highlands, spending the winter under the snow. This leads to a significant decrease in the rodent population by spring. Interestingly, ermine mantles were a sign of royal grandeur and required hundreds of pelts,” Sosnovsky noted.
