The Daily Routine of a Central Asian Desert Tortoise

In the heart of Central Asia, the Central Asian tortoise, known as Tasbaqa in Kazakh, faces numerous threats due to human activity. This ancient species, which has lived on the Ustyurt Plateau for over a million years, is traded, unintentionally killed, or trapped in cattle trenches.

British director Saxon Bosworth sought to shed light on this critical situation with his recent documentary film, TASBAQA. The film, which premiered at the Royal Geographical Society in London in July, offers a voice to voiceless creatures, particularly the Central Asian tortoise.

Saxon discovered the Ustyurt Plateau in 2020 while documenting the last living species of the South Aral, the artemia brine shrimp. Inspired by the biodiversity of the Ustyurt Plateau, he decided to create a film that would highlight the symbiosis between the Central Asian tortoise and the plateau.

The film captures the way of life of the Central Asian tortoise, a way of life that might stop soon due to human activity threatening its ecosystem. It follows a day in the life of the tortoise, showcasing its two-to-three month active window, and highlights its adaptation to the extreme and vast environment of the Ustyurt Plateau.

The film's soundtrack, available on various music streaming platforms, features Kazakh music, particularly the dombra. Two dombra masters, Kosaman Saparbayev and Ali Akyltai, contributed to the soundtrack, each with their regional styles. The dombra's emotional depth and power are showcased in the film's soundtrack, adding a poignant layer to the narrative.

Kosaman Saparbayev, who is linked to the production of the documentary film TASBAQA, likely played a significant role in its creation or subject matter. Albert Otkjaer interviewed Saxon Bosworth about the film and its significance, providing valuable insights into the making of this important documentary.

Yuliya Zaugg, the director of the Tasbaqa Fund, an environmental conservation organization focusing on Central Asian tortoises, praised the film, saying it gives tortoises a voice. The film emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this ancient species and its unique habitat.

The Ustyurt Plateau, a transboundary clay desert spanning Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and western Kazakhstan, features 21-23 million-year-old layers of rock that form the "chinks" (cliffs) and "sors" (valleys) of the plateau. This ancient landscape serves as a vital home for the Central Asian tortoise and many other species, making its preservation all the more crucial.

In TASBAQA, Saxon Bosworth has created a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the plight of the Central Asian tortoise and the need for action to protect this ancient species and its habitat. The film serves as a call to action for all who care about the future of our planet's biodiversity.