Eurasian Griffon
Status: Category VI, Near Threatened, NT: R. One of two species of this genus in Kyrgyzstan, inhabiting the nominative subspecies Gyps fulvus fulvus (Hablizl, 1783).
Distribution overall and in the country. North Africa from Morocco east to the Red Sea coast. South in Morocco to the 20th parallel, to the Saharan Atlas, southern Tunisia, and along the Red Sea coast south to Sudan. Eurasia from the Iberian Peninsula east to the Saur and Tarbagatai, Mongolian Altai, Eastern Tien Shan, Alai system of Western Pamir, and along the southern slope of the Himalayas to western Assam. In Kyrgyzstan - on the northern and southern outskirts of Tien Shan, locally intergrading with the kumai [2, 7, 16].
Habitat. Inhabits low and mid-mountain areas of northern and southern Tien Shan, in habitats of wild ungulates and concentrations of domestic animals. Prefers to nest in areas with sharply dissected landscapes.
Population. Information on population size is incomplete. In the past, griffons were noted at nesting sites and hunted in the Kyrgyz Ridge [2]. In 1992, a group of 15 griffons was encountered in the Dangi Tuya Muyun area of the Aravan district at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level (0.5-1 individuals/km²) [48]. Another 4 birds were observed in the foothills of the Fergana Valley [16].
Life style (life cycles). Sedentary bird. Nests in both solitary pairs and colonies of several dozen pairs. Information on nesting biology is extremely scarce. Incubation begins in March. Lays one egg. In early June, young but still flightless birds were found. [2, 19].
Limiting factors. The main limiting factor is the availability of carrion from wild and domestic animals. They may fall victim to consuming poisoned baits intended for wolves. Less frequently, direct extermination by humans.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Kept in many zoos. Not kept in captivity in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Existing conservation measures. No special conservation measures are provided.
Recommended conservation measures. It is necessary to protect nesting colonies by declaring such places mini-reserves, including through funds obtained from organizing observation of griffons by interested local community members and ornithology enthusiasts at nesting sites and artificial feeding.
Eurasian Griffon
Gyps fulvus (Hablizl, 1783), ssp. fulvus (Hablizl, 1783)
Eurasian Griffon
Gyps fulvus (Hablizl, 1783), ssp. fulvus (Hablizl, 1783)
Status: VI, Near Threatened, NT: R low- and midlands of Northern and Southern Tien-Shan, sympatric with Gyps himalayensis in some areas, prefers to nest on rocks next to wild goat and sheep populations. The species is resident, occurs not higher than 1,500-2,000 m (4,900-6,600 feet) above sea level. The estimated density in highlands of Southern Tien-Shan is 0.5-1 individuals per km² [48]. Much dependent on carcass availability, vulnerable because of illegal poaching or poisoning. No special protection measures are currently observed. It is suggested to create small protected areas in localities where nesting or roosting sites are identified, encourage local community to display dead domestic animals at the sites, organize special watching places and attract ecological tourists. Money received should be re-invested back to maintain a protection of the species.
