Crane Beauty / Karkyra / Demoiselle - Crane

Demoiselle Crane

Status: Category VI, Near Threatened, NT: R. One of two species of the genus in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan. Monotypic species.

Distribution general and in the country. Steppes and semi-deserts of Eurasia and North Africa. Winters in India and Pakistan. Breeds in Kazakhstan. In Kyrgyzstan, it inhabits steppes and meadow-steppes up to an altitude of 3000 m above sea level and higher. Breeds in the Chui Valley, Suusamyr and Ketmen Tyobyo basins, Issyk-Kul region, at Lake Song-Kul, in the Arpa and Aksay valleys, in the valleys of the At-Bashi and Naryn rivers.

Habitat. Breeds in steppes, meadow-steppes, reeds, and agricultural fields, in open areas with good visibility, not far from water. During migrations, it readily feeds on cereal crops. Often forms flocks along the shores of large water bodies.

Population. The total number of breeding birds in Kyrgyzstan is less than 100 pairs. It is numerous during spring and autumn migrations. In spring, at least 60,000 individuals pass through the Chui Valley [77].

Life cycle (life history). Reaches sexual maturity at three years of age. The clutch usually contains 2 eggs. Both parents incubate and raise the offspring. The brood consists of one or two chicks [2]. At the end of summer, the birds gather in flocks. The spring migration occurs through the valleys at the end of March - April. In autumn, they migrate throughout Kyrgyzstan in August and early September. Winters in India and Pakistan. Feeds on various invertebrates and plant seeds.

Limiting factors. Plowing of nesting areas in valley regions and grazing of livestock in mountainous areas. Rarely direct extermination by humans.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). Easily bred in zoos and nurseries.

Existing conservation measures. Protected in the territory of the Song-Kul section of the Karatal-Japyrik Reserve and in the Issyk-Kul Reserve.

Recommended conservation measures. Limit livestock grazing and reduce disturbance factors in nesting areas. It is necessary to determine the population size and localization of the breeding population in the republic.

Karkyra

Demoiselle Crane
Anthropoides virgo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Status: Category VI, Near Threatened, NT: R. Monotypic species. Breeds in Chu, Suusamyr, and Ketmen Tyobyo Valleys, Issyk-Kul oblast, Song-Kul Lake, as well as Arpa, Aksay, At-Bashi, and Naryn rivers. Prefers steppe, meadows, marshes, and cultivated fields that are close to the water. During migration, it lives on crop fields, often grouping near water. The estimated nesting numbers are about 100 pairs. At least 60,000 birds migrate through Chu Valley in springtime. Lays 2 eggs, both parents share domestic duties. Spring migration starts at the end of March-April, autumn migration - in August-September. Feeds on invertebrates and plant seeds. Limiting factors include the plowing of nesting sites and overgrazing. Rarely, hunting. Easily breeds in captivity. Protected in Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul protected areas. It is recommended to limit cattle grazing around nesting sites.