Whooper Swan
Status: Category VII, Least Concern, LC. Rare breeding species. One of seven species of the genus in the global fauna and one of three in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan. Monotypic species.
Distribution general and in the country. Widely distributed across the forest and steppe zones of Eurasia. In the 1980s-1990s, 1-2 pairs nested at Lake Son-Kul, but it has not been observed there in recent years. During migration, it can be found at all major water bodies in the republic. Mass wintering occurs at Lake Issyk-Kul [2]. In summer, it is sometimes found on large water bodies.
Habitat. Shallow waters of large water bodies, overgrown with aquatic vegetation. At Son-Kul, it nested in shallow areas covered with sedge [14]. Winters in shallow waters of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Population. Until 1999, one to two pairs nested at Lake Son-Kul. In Issyk-Kul, up to 1,400 birds are observed in the fall.
Life style (life cycles). Common during seasonal migrations and wintering. Sexual maturity occurs at the age of four. Clutches can contain up to seven eggs. For nesting, it chooses extensive shallow areas covered with emergent vegetation. Both parents raise the chicks. It feeds on aquatic and coastal plants.
Limiting factors. In winter at Issyk-Kul, they die from starvation during severe frosts when shallow waters are covered with ice. In winter, weakened by hunger, swans become prey for golden eagles and white-tailed eagles. Poaching. There are virtually no natural enemies in the republic.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). It is easily tamed and breeds well in captivity.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz SSR in 1985. Included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Protected in the territory of the Issyk-Kul Nature Reserve.
Recommended conservation measures. Strengthen protection of wintering sites at Lake Issyk-Kul. Create a protected area on the western shore of Lake Son-Kul. Regular monitoring at nesting and wintering sites.
Аккуу
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnus Linnaeus, 1758
Status: Category VII, Least Concern, LC. Monotypic species. Rare breeding species. Two to three pairs of Whooper Swan bred earlier in Song-Kul Lake in the 80s-90s of the last century, but at the moment there are no signs. Migrates and winters in Issyk-Kul Lake in large numbers - up to 1,400 birds. Nests can contain up to 7 eggs. Both sexes take care of eggs and fledglings. Limiting factors include hunger during very cold winters, when the water near the shores of Issyk-Kul is covered by ice, as well as poaching. There are no natural enemies in Kyrgyzstan. The species is included in the current Kyrgyz Red Book of 1985. It is recommended to create a protected area in Song-Kul Lake, which is now a target for mass traditional mountainous tourism.
