The characteristics of flora in the Tien Shan are determined largely by the region’s distinct zones of elevation, which provide a diverse distribution of soils and vegetation. In the foothills and plains at the base of the mountains, semidesert and desert areas have usually developed; these zones continue to elevations between about 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500 and 1,800 metres) in the eastern section. In the Tien Shan they are characterized by ephemeral vegetation growths that die out at the beginning of summer; xerophytic (drought-tolerant) grasses, wormwood, and species of the desert shrub genus Ephedra are generally distributed. The most common landscape in the Tien Shan is steppe, which occurs at elevations between about 3,500 and 11,000 feet (1,050 and 3,350 metres). In China and the Central Asian republics measures have been taken to restore vast areas of steppe grassland that have been depleted by overgrazing.

The forests of the Tien Shan alternate with steppes and meadows. Forests are found principally on the northern slopes and range between elevations of about 5,000 and 10,000 feet (1,500 and 3,000 metres). On the lower slopes of the outer ranges, the forests are mainly deciduous, consisting of maple and aspen, with extensive admixtures of wild fruit trees (apples and apricots). Vast areas of the southwestern slopes of the Fergana Kyrka Mountains are occupied by ancient nut-bearing forests. Stands of pistachio, walnut, and juniper are found up to 6,500 feet (2,000 metres) on the shaded slopes of several western and southern Tien Shan ranges. North and east of the Fergana Valley, coniferous forests predominate. At the upper boundary they are often replaced by sparse juniper forests. The marshy forests in the river valley bottoms, in which aspen, birch, poplar, and various brushwoods ordinarily grow, lie far outside the forest zone. Over millennia, cutting for fuel has reduced much of the tree cover in some areas, although the forced relocation of many mountain inhabitants to irrigated valleys beginning in the second half of the 20th century has reversed this pattern.

The forest glades and areas adjacent to the upper tree line are usually covered with meadow vegetation. Subalpine meadows of mixed grasses and cereals extend up to almost 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) on the moist northern slopes but on southern slopes are usually replaced by mountain steppes. There are short-grass alpine meadows up to 11,500 feet (3,500 metres). In the inner and eastern Tien Shan regions, at elevations between 11,200 and 12,000 feet (3,400 and 3,700 metres) and sometimes higher, the level areas and gentle slopes are “cold deserts,” with sparse and short vegetation. Mosses and lichens are found in the areas of the glacial zone that are free of soil cover.

Animal life

The diversity and range of animals and birds in the Tien Shan increased markedly following the relocation of much of the human population to lower elevations. Species typifying the mountain fauna include wolves, foxes, and ermines. There also are many distinctively Central Asian species, chiefly inhabiting the high mountains; these include snow leopards, mountain goats, Manchurian roe, roe deer, and mountain sheep. The forest-meadow-steppe zone is inhabited by bears, wild boars, badgers, field voles, members of the jerboa family (nocturnal jumping rodents), and members of the Ochotonidae family (short-eared mammals related to the rabbits). The many birds include the mountain partridge, pigeon, alpine chough, crow, mountain wagtail, redstart, birket (a golden eagle), vulture, Himalayan snow cock, and other species. The lower zones—desert and semiarid regions—are visited by animals from the neighbouring plains, such as antelopes, gazelles, Tolai hares, and gray hamsters. Lizards and snakes are also found.