Saja / Bulduk / Pallas’s Sandgrouse

Sadzha

Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU: R, Monotypic species.

Distribution overall and in the country. Inhabits the northeastern part of the republic. [3] During nesting, it is found on the western shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the valleys of the At-Bashi and Naryn rivers, and also in the Kochkor basin. In winter and autumn, it is often found in other areas of the republic [92]

Habitat. The nesting habitat consists of broad stony-gravel plateaus at an altitude of 1600-1900 m above sea level, with bushes of Caragana, Anabasis, and saltworts, and in some cases completely without shrub vegetation [3].

Population. There are no exact data, but it is low everywhere. Flocks encountered consist of 4-6 to twenty or more individuals [3].

Life style (life cycles). Mainly sedentary, sometimes nomadic bird. The nesting period is greatly extended, from late March to late July. Egg-laying begins early: from late March through all of April. Some pairs may lay eggs twice a year. The clutch consists of three, rarely two eggs. Incubation lasts about a month, with both the female and male participating in incubation. [86] The earliest downy chicks were found on the western shore of Lake Issyk-Kul - April 7, 2000. Chicks are usually encountered throughout June [92]. They feed on small seeds of desert plants: crucifers, legumes, borage. They regularly fly to drink, sometimes over significant distances, and adults bring water to the chicks in their crop [57].

Limiting factors. Livestock grazing, shepherd dogs that destroy young birds, and poaching.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). Birds are periodically kept in zoos in Kazakhstan and Russia. We raised chicks from 3-5 days old in 2000. Two chicks were found on April 7, 2000, weighing 23 and 31 grams. In captivity, the birds lived for 3 years. Observations have shown good adaptation to captivity, and breeding is possible [92].

Existing conservation measures. According to hunting regulations, the shooting of Sadzha in the republic is prohibited. Since 1975, it has been included in the list of specially protected species [86].

Recommended conservation measures. Prohibition of livestock grazing in nesting areas. Strengthening the fight against poaching and widespread promotion of species conservation.

Buldurok

Pallas’s Sandgrouse
Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pallas, 1773)
Status: V category, Vulnerable, VU: R. Monotypic species. Breeds in the western part of the Issyk-Kul Region, valleys of Kochkor, At-Bashi, and Naryn Rivers. In winter, it spreads around the country. The nesting site is stone-detritus deserts in a range between 1,600-1,900 m (5,200-6,200 feet) above sea level, next to Caragana and other scrubs. Data on numbers are scarce and irregular. Flocks observed consisted of several to dozens of pairs. Lays 3, rarer 2 eggs, incubates for a month, both sexes share domestic duties. The first nestlings were recorded on April 7, 2000. Usually, nestlings are recorded in June. It feeds on plant seeds. Overgrazing, domestic dogs, and poaching are major limiting factors. There is a successful case of holding Sandgrouse in captivity. Two chicks were taken from the nest and kept for 3 years. The birds demonstrated good adaptation to captivity; there are good chances to breed them in the future. Included in the Kyrgyz Red Book of 1985, hunting is prohibited in the country. It is recommended to cease grazing at nesting sites, fight against poachers, and increase public awareness.