Pink Pelican
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. One of 2 species of the genus, rarely migrating through the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Monotypic species.
Distribution general and in the country. Equatorial Africa, Mediterranean, Danube delta, countries of the Middle East to India, Kazakhstan. In Kyrgyzstan, it has been observed during autumn migration in the Chu Valley [2, 22, 23], and sometimes winters [41].
Habitat. Large water bodies with dense reed thickets.
Population. Single birds have been observed during migration.
Life style (life cycles). Breeds in large colonies, sometimes up to several thousand pairs. Nests are built on the bends of reeds, on islands. The nest contains 1-3 eggs, incubation lasts 33-39 days. Feeds on fish.
Limiting factors. Lack of large water bodies for resting during migration. Habitat degradation due to changes in the hydrological regime of rivers, chemical pollution, burning of reeds, reduction of fish stocks, poaching.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). No information available, although it is kept in many zoos.
Existing conservation measures. In 1985 [3], the pelican was included in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan, as well as in the Red Books of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Recommended conservation measures. Creation of seasonal reserves and key ornithological territories.
Кызгылт бирказан
Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus Linnaeus, 1758
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. Monotypic species. Rare migrating bird in Chu valley in autumns, sometimes winters. Single birds are usually seen. Breeds in colonies, lays 1-3 eggs, incubation period is 33-39 days, uses fish for food. Limiting factors are lack of large ponds with fish for roosting, degradation of habitats due to changes in the hydrological regime of rivers, poaching, burning of reeds, chemical contamination, reduction of fish quantity. Included in the Red Books of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
