Little Bustard
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT. It has apparently not bred in Kyrgyzstan for the last 30-40 years. One of the rare species in Central Asia. Monotypic species.
General distribution and in the country. In Kyrgyzstan, it used to breed in small numbers in Suusamyr, Issyk-Kul, certain areas of Osh region, Talas region, and in the Chu Valley on the border with Kazakhstan about half a century ago [2,49]. Currently, nesting cases in the republic have not been confirmed. It is extremely rare during migrations in Issyk-Kul and the Chu Valley. It is found and breeds in neighboring Kazakhstan [66]. Its range is significant within Eurasia, from Hungary in the west to the Ob River in the east. The northern boundary of its distribution reaches Voronezh, Saratov, and Omsk. It is common in the Volga region. Outside the CIS countries, it inhabits southern areas in China, Afghanistan, Syria, and Palestine.
Habitat. Prefers areas of virgin steppe with wormwood-ephemeral vegetation.
Population. No longer found nesting. There have been isolated sightings of these birds during autumn migrations. S.N. Aksenov observed a flock of about 40 Little Bustards in a lucerne field near the village of Kurpuldak in the Panfilov district of the Chu Valley on November 15, 1975. V.N. Kataev recorded 7 birds in a lucerne field near the village of Djany-Djer in the Chu Valley at the end of September 21 years ago. A.N. Kovshar and V.I. Toropova registered one Little Bustard in the northwestern part of Kyrgyzstan on the border with Kazakhstan near the village of Makmal in 1999 [51]. The population of Little Bustards fell simultaneously in neighboring Kazakhstan during those years. Recently, there has been an increase in numbers in the west, north, and even south of Kazakhstan [73]. It is possible that the Little Bustard is reappearing for nesting in northern Kyrgyzstan. The main reason is significant anthropogenic impact.
Life style (life cycles). Prefers extensive territories of steppe or semi-desert character. It stays in areas overgrown with licorice, camel thorn, fescue, and other herbaceous plants. The birds are very cautious. They fly low above the ground, creating a distinctive whistle. There is little information on the biology of the Little Bustard in Kyrgyzstan. They arrive in April [2], build nests on the ground with almost no bedding [49]. The clutch usually consists of 3 to 5 eggs [2,66,74]. In the Chu Valley, clutches were recorded as early as mid-May [2]. By autumn, flocks of Little Bustards can be found in fields, more often in lucerne. They primarily feed on insects but sometimes consume plant matter, such as lucerne leaves [2,66]. By the end of autumn, they migrate to wintering grounds in southern countries.
Limiting factors. Ploughing of suitable territories, grazing livestock in nesting areas, and poaching.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). There is no data for CIS countries.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the list of specially protected species of fauna in Kyrgyzstan. It is listed among rare and endangered birds.
Recommended conservation measures. Study its biology and attempt to achieve breeding in artificial conditions with subsequent release into characteristic habitats.
Little Bustard
Tetrax tetrax Linnaeus, 1758
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT. Monotypic species. Most probably, does not breed in Kyrgyzstan for the last 30-40 years. In the past bred in Suusamyr Valley, Issyk-Kul Region, Talas and Chu Valleys, as well as in Fergana Valley. Extremely rare during migration period in Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul oblast. Prefers steppe zones with scarce vegetation. Information about numbers is scarce. Seven birds were seen in an agricultural field near Djangi-Djer village 20 years ago, 1 bird - in 1999 near the border with Kazakhstan. Little Bustard is a very shy bird. Arrives in April, nests on the ground, and lays 3-5 eggs. Feeds on insects but does not ignore plant matter as well. Limiting factors include ploughing up suitable habitats, overgrazing, and poaching. Hunting was prohibited in the USSR. It is recommended to study the biology of the Little Bustard, try to breed it in captivity, and reintroduce them back.
