Mountain Goose / Too Kazy / Bar-headed Goose

Bar-headed Goose

Status: Category VI, Near Threatened: R. A representative of the Tibetan species complex. A monotypic species.

General distribution and in the country. Found in high-altitude areas of Central Asian countries. The territory of Kyrgyzstan is a peripheral part of its breeding range. Its habitats have been preserved at Lake Son-Kul (3016m) and Lake Chatyr-Kul (3530m) [4, 13].
Habitats. High-altitude lakes, alpine meadows with sedge and other vegetation. They nest on small islands, which are currently being eroded by waves. [2,5,6].

Population. In 1992-96, the Son-Kul population consisted of 44-49 individuals, of which 3-5 pairs were nesting. In the period 2002-2003, 15-17 individuals were noted, but none nested, and in 2004 - 2 birds. The Chatyr-Kul population has remained stable at around 300-350 individuals in recent decades, which corresponds to its population level in the 1960s [4, 50]. In the period 1997-2003, the minimum population size was 282-342 individuals, of which 38-45 pairs were nesting.

Life cycle (lifecycle). Arrival in March, departure in November. The breeding period lasts 10-12 days, and from mid-March to early April, egg-laying begins. The clutch consists of 4-6 eggs, and the chicks appear in early June. At Lake Chatyr-Kul, egg-laying begins two weeks later.

Limiting factors. Enemies include predatory birds and animals, mainly ravens, marsh harriers, and foxes. The main reason for the decline in the population of bar-headed geese is excessive anthropogenic development of the territory in nesting areas. At Lake Son-Kul, the population has been virtually destroyed by fishery enterprises [3, 8].

Breeding (keeping in captivity). In European countries, it is widely used as an ornamental species in urban ponds and zoos. In Kyrgyzstan, 12 individuals are kept in the Issyk-Kul reserve nursery. From 1992 to 2002, three breeding pairs produced 112 chicks [9].

Existing conservation measures. Granting the nesting sites at Lakes Son-Kul and Chatyr-Kul the status of national significance reserves (USSR) by including them in the list of Ramsar wetlands of group "B" and introducing a protected area regime (1971); adoption of a State program in accordance with Government Resolution No. 505 dated 05.10.85 for the restoration of the bar-headed goose population (1985); establishment of a bar-headed goose nursery in the Issyk-Kul reserve for their reproduction and subsequent reintroduction to Lake Son-Kul (1988) [12]; introduction of a protected area regime at Lakes Son-Kul and Chatyr-Kul (1989).

Recommended conservation measures. Limit fishing at Lake Son-Kul during the non-breeding period. Maintain the protected regime at both lakes. Inform the public about activities aimed at the conservation of bar-headed geese.

Тоо кaзы

Bar-headed Goose
Anser indica (Latham, 1790)
Status: VI category, Near Threatened: R. Monotypic species. Breeds in Song-Kul and Chatyr-Kul Lakes at 3,000 m (9,800 feet) above sea level. There are 5-6 islands in Song-Kul and 10-12 small islands in Chatyr-Kul Lakes, which are used as nesting territories. The geese number has reduced from 44-49 birds in 1992-96 in Song-Kul, out of which 3-5 pairs actually nested, to 15-17 ones in 2002-03, no pair attempted to nest. Chatyr-Kul populations are stable - around 300-350 geese. In 1997-2003 the number ranged between 282-342 birds, and number of nesting pairs - between 38-45 ones. Breeding season starts in April. There are 4-6 eggs in the nest. Enemies are raven, harrier, fox. There is heavy human impact in Song-Kul. Twelve geese are in captivity at Issyk-Kul zapovednik (protected area). During 1992-2002 three breeding pairs delivered 112 fledglings. The bar-headed goose is in the current Kyrgyz Red Data Book of 1985.