Black Grouse
Status: Category VI, Near Threatened: R. The subspecies L. t. mongolicus (Lonnberg, 1904) inhabits the Tian Shan mountains.
Distribution general and in the country. Widely distributed across the forest and forest-steppe zones of Eurasia. The subspecies L. t. mongolicus is found in the Tian Shan and Dzhungar Alatau. In Kyrgyzstan, it inhabits the spruce forests of Chong-Kemin and the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul basin (2).
Habitat. Mountain spruce forests with underbrush of rowan, barberry, and other shrubs interspersed with open glades.
Population. The population in the republic is not high, but likely stable. During the breeding season, gatherings of up to 15 birds can be observed. In the eastern foothills of Kungey Ala-Too in May 2003, 3 males and 1 female were noted along a 2.5 km route. The population is recovering.
Life style (life cycles). A large sedentary bird of typical grouse appearance, with well-developed sexual dimorphism. The Black Grouse is polygamous. During the breeding season in April-May, males gather in leks on the southern bushy slopes, where up to 15 males congregate. However, usually their number does not exceed 3-5 individuals, and solitary displaying birds can often be seen. Males do not participate in incubation or raising the young. Females reach sexual maturity at the end of their first year of life. The clutch usually contains 7-9 eggs. They feed on insects, leaves, and seeds of grasses, as well as berries and fruits; in winter, they feed on needles.
Limiting factors. Grazing in the spruce forest zone, poaching. The main natural enemies of the Black Grouse are wolves, foxes, golden eagles, goshawks, and domestic dogs. Small predators, magpies, and crows destroy chicks and eggs.
Breeding (captive breeding). Breeds in nurseries.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz SSR in 1985 (3). Protected in the territory of the Karakol and Chong-Kemin National Parks.
Recommended conservation measures. Special conservation measures have not been developed.
Black Grouse
Black Grouse
Lyrurus tetrix (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. mongolicus (Lonnberg, 1758)
Status: Category VI, Near Threatened: R. The Black Grouse is a resident bird, occurring in spruce forests in the Chong-Kemin and Eastern Issyk-Kul Valleys’ mountains. Prefers open forest meadows. The population is low but stable. There are up to 15 males observed during the mating season. Three males and 1 female were observed in the spruce forests of Kungey Ala-Too Ridge along a 2.5 km transect. There are typically 7-9 eggs in the nest. They prefer insects, leaves, and seeds. Major enemies include wolves, foxes, eagles, goshawks, and domestic dogs. Overgrazing is another limiting factor. It is included in the current Kyrgyz Red Data Book of 1985.
