IMPACT OF ECOSYSTEM CHANGES ON AVIAN POPULATIONS IN UZBEKISTAN: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND BIRD CONSERVATION

Abstract

Background: Uzbekistan's ecosystems have undergone dramatic transformations over the past six decades, primarily driven by the Aral Sea desiccation, widespread desertification, and climate change impacts. These environmental changes have severely affected avian populations, particularly migratory species along the Central Asian Flyway.