A wolverine has been recorded in Bayanaul for the first time — the first registration of this predator in the Pavlodar Region, according to the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, infohub.kz reports.
"This is the first registration of a wolverine in the Pavlodar Region. The appearance of the predator at a considerable distance from its main range is of particular scientific interest and adds to our knowledge of the long-distance movements of this species," the statement said.
According to scientific data, the wolverine's main range in Kazakhstan is associated with the mountain-taiga areas of the Southern Altai. However, history records isolated cases of the species appearing far beyond its usual habitats.
In 1932 — in the forests of Borovoye (present-day Akmola Region); in 1948–1949 — in the area of Lake Chagly (present-day North Kazakhstan Region).
Scientists regard such cases as long-distance movements of individual animals. The observation was made possible by long-term camera monitoring.
"The discovery of the wolverine also highlights the importance of long-term camera monitoring, which makes it possible to record rare animal species and gain new information about the biodiversity of natural areas," the publication notes.