Eurasian Eagle-Owl / Chon Uku / Owl

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Status: VII, Least Concern, LC. In Kyrgyzstan, Bubo bubo hemachalanus Hume, 1873 is found.

Distribution overall and in the country. Europe, North Africa, Asia - up to the forest boundary in the north and to Northern Arabia, Hindustan, and Indochina in the south. In Kyrgyzstan, it nests in the Pre-Issyk-Kul region, Kara-Kujur, At-Bashi, the valleys of Song-Kul and Ak-Sai, and the Kyrgyz, Alai, and Chatkal mountain ranges. [2,5,6]. Fresh owl feathers were found near the village of Tyulek (Chui Valley) in June 2002 [5,9], suggesting nesting in the area. An abandoned nest with a broken egg was found near the village of Alabuka (Jalal-Abad region) [55].

Habitat. In Kyrgyzstan, it is sporadically found in mountainous forest landscapes during the summer, preferring areas with cliffs and clay banks, caves. In winter, it often descends into intermountain valleys, sometimes near populated areas, although if there is a food base, it remains to winter in the highlands [56].

Population. Unknown, rare everywhere, although Yanushevich et al. [57] classify the owl as common in the mountains (without data on population numbers).

Life style (life cycles). A mostly sedentary bird, it often makes minor vertical migrations in winter. In mountainous conditions, egg-laying occurs in April, with 2-5 eggs per clutch, incubated by the female for 33-35 days [57]. Chicks appear in late April - early May and remain in the nesting area for three months. Its main diet consists of small mammals (hares, mice, voles), and less frequently birds (jackdaws, small sparrows, etc.).

Limiting factors. In years of hare population decline, the number of owls decreases. Owl feathers are used by the local population for decorating national costumes and making talismans [23]. There are known cases of owl deaths from power lines and car accidents.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). In some zoos of the CIS, owls have been successfully bred for several years [58].

Existing conservation measures. The owl inhabits several nature reserves and national parks: Sarychelek, Besharal, Naryn, Karakol, Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzatin, and others.

Recommended conservation measures. Establishing breeding centers for owls with lifetime feather collection, enhancing public awareness of species conservation among the local population.

Чoн уку

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. hemachanus (Hume, 1873)
Status: VII, Least Concern, LC. Resident bird, breeds in Issyk-Kul oblast, Kara-Kujur, At-Bashi, Kyrgyz, Alai and Chatkal Mountainous Ridges as well as Song-Kul and Aksai Valleys. It may breed in Chu Valley as well. Prefers mountainous areas with forests next to cliffs, clay precipices, caves. In winter, it moves downward into valleys, close to villages. Although if there is an adequate feeding base, it stays in highlands. Exact numbers are unknown. Lays 2-5 eggs in April, female incubates for 33-35 days. Nestlings appear in the end of April - beginning of May. Uses small rodents, hares, and birds for food. Eurasian Eagle-Owl numbers depend on those of hares; there is a correlation between the two numbers. The bird's feathers are used to decorate traditional folk costumes and make talismans, which is why adults and nestlings are subject to captivity. Another limiting factor is death at electricity poles and wires due to car accidents. There are successful cases of breeding in captivity in Almaty. The owl occurs in protected areas of Kyrgyzstan and is included in the Kazakh Red Book. It is recommended to breed them in captivity to obtain feathers from live birds and increase public awareness.