Curlew Sandpiper / Orok Tumshuk Chuldak / Ibisbill

Ibisbill

Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU: R, D1. A small number of stenobiont species, at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction. Monotypic species.

Distribution general and in the country. Endemic to Central Asia. In Kyrgyzstan, it inhabits the highlands of the Central, Inner, Northern Tien Shan and Alai, and is absent in the Western Tien Shan. Known nesting sites: Chong-Kemin, Chong-Ak-Suu, Karkyra, Sary-Djaz, Turgen-Ak-Suu, Karakol, Arashan, Djety-Oguz, Alabash Valley, Naryn, At-Bashi, Ak-Sai, Kara-Kujur, Arpa, Alai. [3, 78, 79, 80, 81].

Habitat. Pebbly shoals of mountain rivers with numerous islets at altitudes of 2000 - 3000 m above sea level.

Population. It was estimated that the population of Ibisbill in Kyrgyzstan does not exceed 23-25 pairs [3]. Recent counts on many mountain rivers suggest that there are at least 200 pairs of Ibisbills in Kyrgyzstan, with the largest population in Chong-Kemin (20-22 pairs), in Alabash Valley (6-9 pairs), and 1-3 pairs in other locations [23, 78, 82, 83, 84]. Comparative data on the Chong-Kemin population [78] show stable numbers over nearly 40 years.

Life style (life cycles). A sedentary bird, occasionally making minor vertical migrations in winter. The nest is a depression lined with small stones, usually built on non-flooded islets; the breeding period is May and June. The clutch consists of 4, rarely 3 eggs, incubated by both parents [84]. They feed on larvae of caddisflies, dragonflies, amphipods, and other aquatic invertebrates [85].

Limiting factors. Natural and artificial changes in the hydrological regime and riverbed, especially during the nesting period. Late frosts with snowfall also negatively affect nesting success. There is observed mortality of nests and chicks from dogs and under the hooves of livestock during cattle drives through the pebbles [82]. Frequent disturbances from humans contribute to the destruction of Ibisbill nests by magpies, black crows, and other feathered predators.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). No data available.

Existing conservation measures. The Ibisbill is protected in the Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve, Karakol and Chong-Kemin National Parks. It is included in the Red Books of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Recommended conservation measures. Organization of a seasonal transboundary (joint with Kazakhstan) reserve along the Karkyra River, where the second largest population of Ibisbill in the republic resides.

Орок тумшук чулдук

Ibisbill
Ibidorhyncha struthersii Vigors, 1832
Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU: R, D1. Monotypic species, resident bird, occurs in Central, Inner, Northern Tien Shan and Alai Mountainous Ridge. Nests were observed in Chong-Kemin, Chong-Ak-Suu, Karkyra, Sary-Djaz, Turgen-Ak-Suu, Karakol, Arashan, Djety-Oguz, Alabash, Naryn, At-Bashi, Ak-Sai, Kara-Kujur, Arpa Rivers and in Alai Mountains. Prefers pebbly banks of mountainous rivers with islands within a range 2,000-3,000 m (6,500-9,800 feet) above sea level. There are at least 200 breeding pairs in Kyrgyzstan. Nest is a small depression with small stones in pebbly islands. Nesting period is May-June. Eggs - 3-4, both parents share domestic duties. Uses for food the larvae of dragonflies, other water invertebrates. Limiting factors are natural and artificial changes of hydrological regime of the rivers, late frosts with snowing, domestic animals like sheep and dogs. No data on holding it in captivity. Currently, Ibisbills are protected in Sarychat-Ertash zapovednik (protected area), Karakol and Chong-Kemin National Parks. Included into Kazakh and Tadjik Red Books as well as in Kyrgyz one. It is recommended to pay more attention to Ibisbill’s populations in Karkyra river at the border with Kazakhstan.