Steppe Eagle \ Kara Kush \ Steppe Eagle

Steppe Eagle

Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. One of four species of the genus in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan. The subspecies Aquila nipalensis orientalis1 Cabanis, 1854 is found here.

Distribution general and in the country. Dry steppes and northern deserts of Eurasia from the lower reaches of the Danube River to Transbaikalia and the shores of the Yellow Sea, extending south to North-West, Eastern and Southern Africa, deserts of Central and Central Asia [68]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is only observed during migration [62].

Habitat. Open spaces of the foothills [62].

Population. In the Chui Valley, it is seen during migration [62]. In 1995, 11 individuals were recorded in the foothills of the Jardy-Kaindy gorge, and in 2001, 2 individuals were registered near the village of Vinogradnoe.

Life style (life cycles). A migratory bird. Nests on the ground, in small bushes, and on rocks. Its diet mainly consists of medium-sized rodents [66].

Limiting factors. Direct destruction, nest raiding, death from power lines and poles.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). No information available.

Existing conservation measures. Rare species. Included in the Red Book of the USSR [39]. Listed in 1975 in the List of Animals subject to State Protection in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Included in Appendix 1 of the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora" [3].

Recommended conservation measures. Combat poaching. Promote species conservation through mass media among the population. Identify potential nesting sites, create protected areas.
Stepanyan L.S. [7] refers this species to the subspecies Aquila rapax (Temminck, 1828) [93].

Кара куш

Steppe Eagle
Aquila nipalensis Hodgson, 1833, ssp. orientalis Cabanis, 1854
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. Migrating bird in lowlands of Chu valley. No systematic data on numbers available. Eleven Eagles were seen in Jardy-Kaindy gorge in 1995, 2 - close to Vinogradnoe Village in 2001. Builds nest on ground under bushes and rocks. Uses for food rodents. Limiting factors are illegal game hunting, nest destruction, death at electricity wires and poles. No data on captivity available. Included in USSR Red Book of 1984. It is recommended to fight with illegal poachers, increase public awareness.