Berkut \ Burkut \ Golden Eagle

Berkut

Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. One of four species of the genus in the fauna of the country. In Kyrgyzstan, the subspecies Aquila chrysaetos daphanea Severtzov, 1873 is found.

Distribution overall and in the country. Widely distributed in Eurasia, North America, North-West Africa [69]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is widely distributed across all mountain systems [4].

Habitat. Rocks located in the forest belt of mountains, in subalpine and alpine zones [2].

Population. There is no reliable information. The population is relatively small and has been rapidly declining until recently. As a result of expeditionary work in October 1996, 11 golden eagles were recorded in 5 gorges on the northern macro-slope of the Kyrgyz Ridge. In 1999, 15 golden eagles were recorded along the Teskey Ala-Too in March-April. In 2001, 3 individuals were recorded in the Besh-Aral Nature Reserve.

Life style (life cycles). A sedentary bird. Egg laying occurs in March-April. The clutch consists of 1-2 eggs. Incubation lasts 40-45 days. The chicks stay in the nest for 75 days. The main food source is the marmot, as well as grouse and hares.

Limiting factors. Direct destruction, death in traps at bait sites. Removal of chicks from nests by hunters, disturbance factor.

Breeding (captive breeding). No information available.

Existing conservation measures. Listed in the Red Book of the USSR [39]. Included in Appendix 2 of the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora." Protected in nature reserves, sanctuaries, and state natural parks [3].

Recommended conservation measures. Strengthening protection of nesting sites. Educational work among the population about the need for protection. Regulation of the rules for acquiring and keeping golden eagles by hunters. Compiling a cadastre of nesting sites. Studying limiting factors.

Burkut

Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. daphanea Severtzov, 1873
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. Resident bird, occurs throughout Kyrgyzstan mountains. Prefers rocky sites in forest, subalpine and alpine belts. No systematic data on numbers are available. Eleven Golden Eagles were seen in Kyrgyz Mountainous Ridge, 15 birds in Issyk-Kul oblast in 1999, 3 birds - in Besh-Aral zapovednik (protected area). Lays 1-2 eggs in March-April, incubates those for 40-45 days, juveniles leave nests in 75 days. Removal of juveniles from nests by local hunters for hunting purposes, death in traps, direct killing are major limiting factors. No breeding in captivity is known. Included in the USSR Red Book of 1984, Kyrgyz Red Book of 1985. It is proposed to strengthen Golden Eagle nests protection efforts, conduct public education campaigns, and develop policy and rules for local traditional Eagle hunters, map nest sites.