Krechet / Shumkar / Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon

Status: Category VII, Least Concern. One of 10 species of the genus in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan. Not listed in the IUCN for Kyrgyzstan [1]. The subspecies Falco rusticolus intermedius Gloger, 1834 is found in the country.

General distribution and in the country. From the Kola Peninsula to the Chukotka Peninsula. Arctic regions of North America. In Kyrgyzstan, gyrfalcons have been recorded in the northern part of the republic in the Issyk-Kul region and the Chui Valley [62].

Habitat. Rocky sea coasts and riverbanks in tundra and northern forest zones. In Kyrgyzstan, high-altitude areas and foothill valleys.

Population. Unknown in Kyrgyzstan. In November 2002, one gyrfalcon was encountered in the Baibiche-Tuu Gorge of the Naryn region.

Life cycle (lifestyle). Some winters it migrates for wintering. Breeds in April-May, laying 3-5 eggs, with an incubation period of 28-30 days. Chicks fledge at 46-49 days [38].

Limiting factors. Nest destruction, capture for falconry.

Breeding (captive maintenance). No data available.

Existing conservation measures. Listed in the Red Book of the USSR [39]. No special conservation measures have been undertaken in Kyrgyzstan.

Recommended conservation measures. Promote awareness among the population about the need to protect birds of prey. Identify nesting sites in Kyrgyzstan and organize their protection. It is necessary to develop methods for breeding in captivity.

Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus Linnaeus, 1758, ssp. intermedius Gloger, 1834
Status: Category VII, Least Concern. Seen in the Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul, Naryn Regions. No data on numbers are reported. Only one bird was observed in Baibiche Gorge of Naryn Region. Rare winter visitor. Nests in April-May, lays 3-5 eggs, and incubates for 28-30 days. Juveniles leave the nest in 46-49 days. Limiting factors include capture for falcon hunting purposes, and nest destruction. No data on captivity holding. Included in the USSR Red Book of 1984, special protection measures in Kyrgyzstan were not undertaken. It is proposed to conduct public awareness campaigns, identify possible nesting sites, and organize protection of those nests.