Cinereous Vulture
Status: VI, Near Threatened, NT. The only representative of the genus in the fauna of the Kyrgyz Republic. Monotypic species. General distribution in the country. In the north, it is found in Morocco and Egypt, in Eurasia - the Iberian Peninsula, from the Balkan Peninsula eastward to Hangai, Gobi Altai, Gansu, Bhutan, and Assam. To the north, it ranges to Slavonia, Romania, Crimea, the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, Kopetdag, Badkhyz, Karatau, Chu-Ili Mountains, Dzhungarian Alatau, Tarbagatai, Altai, Sayan, and Hangai. To the south, it reaches the Mediterranean coast, Asia Minor, Syria, Zagros, Balochistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir, and southeastern Tibet [7, 15]. It is common in nesting areas throughout the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic [2, 16].
Habitat. It inhabits the subalpine and alpine zones of the Tien Shan, in habitats of wild ungulates and concentrations of domestic animals.
Population. No special population counts have been conducted in the Kyrgyz Republic. From August 17 to October 16, 1992, 21 Cinereous Vultures were recorded in 10 sites out of 44 surveyed across the country. This includes sightings at an altitude of 3200 m above sea level in the Karakol area, as well as at lower altitudes, in the Fergana Valley at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level in the Kyzyl-Kiyak area. Typically, the Cinereous Vulture soared in mixed flocks with the Himalayan Griffon. Several young birds and at least one fledgling were noted [16]. In Eastern Prijskul, the Cinereous Vulture is very rare in the alpine zone (0.02-0.04 individuals/km²). It is less frequently observed in the forest zone [31]. One Cinereous Vulture was seen soaring over the carcass of a fallen horse in the Kashka-Suu area of the Kyrgyz Ridge at an altitude of 2000 meters on June 21, 2003, in a habitat with tree-like juniper.
Life Cycle. It is a sedentary species. The Cinereous Vulture builds nests in trees (more often in junipers), and less frequently in rocks. The nest is usually constructed from juniper branches, and the lining is made of the wool of mountain goats and domestic sheep. It nests fairly early, laying the first eggs in February-March. The clutch usually consists of one egg. Chicks appear in April-May and fledge in August-September.
Limiting Factors. Decline in the population of wild ungulates. Hunting for sport. Breeding (keeping in captivity). It is not held in captivity in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Existing Conservation Measures. No special measures for the protection of this species have been undertaken in Kyrgyzstan.
Recommended Conservation Measures. Nesting sites should be mapped and included in the register of specially protected areas as mini-reserves. It is necessary to protect nesting sites, including through funds obtained from organizing observations of Cinereous Vultures as part of the ecological tourism industry, in places of artificial feeding. Local community residents should be engaged as potential organizers of such events and suppliers of carrion from domestic livestock to specially arranged feeding sites. It is essential to establish the population size of the Cinereous Vulture, study its nesting biology, and clarify interspecies relationships with the Himalayan Griffon.
Cinereous Vulture
Cinereous Vulture
Aegypius monachus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Status: VI, Near Threatened, NT. Monotypic, resident species, prefers subalpine and alpine belts of the highlands, next to populations of wild goats and sheep. Although in the south it may occur in midlands, at 1,250 m above sea level. It was observed in 10 sites out of 44 investigated sites by the Swiss-Czech-Kyrgyz expedition in August-September 1992, altogether 21 vultures were identified. It was seen in flocks together with the Himalayan Griffon. One juvenile was identified, the rest were immature or mature birds. The density of the Cinereous Vulture in the alpine belt of the Issyk-Kul Region is 0.02-0.04 individuals per km². It is rarer in the forest belt. Nests are on the tops of juniper trees, rarer on rocks. Lays 1 egg in February-March. Juveniles leave the nest in August-September. Limiting factors are reduction of ungulate animals and illegal game hunting. It is not held in captivity in Kyrgyzstan, and special protection measures were not undertaken in the past as well. It is recommended to map found nests, and mini protected areas need to be established around those sites. It is necessary to encourage local communities to display dead domestic animals at the sites, organize special watching places, and attract ecological tourists. Money received should be reinvested back to maintain the protection of the species.
