Savka
Status: IV category, Endangered, EN, 2bcde. Monotypic species.
Distribution general and in the country. Breeds in North Africa, Southern Europe, the Near and Middle East, Kazakhstan, Southern Siberia, winters in Mediterranean countries, Iran, Pakistan, and India, where it apparently also resides year-round [22, 23]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is a rare migratory species. Regular sightings of Savka during spring and autumn migrations in recent years at Lake Sor-Bulak (near Almaty) and in the water bodies of Eastern Kazakhstan suggest a more noticeable migration of this species through the Issyk-Kul basin and the Chui Valley [2], confirmed by the sighting of a pair of Savkas in November 2005.
Habitat. During migration, it may stop at water bodies with shores overgrown with reeds and bulrush; in recent years, it is often found at reservoirs.
Population. Until the mid-90s, there was a tendency for a decrease [22, 23]; in Kyrgyzstan, single sightings have been recorded [2]. However, in recent years, many ornithologists report a fairly large number of Savkas during migration: from 100 to 4,500 birds [24, 25].
Life style (life cycles). In Kyrgyzstan, it is a rare migratory species, which can be found resting in spring and autumn at the water bodies of the Issyk-Kul, Chui, and Fergana valleys.
Limiting factors. Deterioration of habitats due to fishing, burning of reeds around water bodies, hunting [22, 23].
Breeding (keeping in captivity). There is no information on breeding in captivity or keeping in zoos.
Existing conservation measures. In 1996, it was included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, as well as in Turkmenistan and in the list of globally threatened species by IUCN.
Recommended conservation measures. Prohibit spring hunting in the water bodies of the Chui Valley and Pre-Issyk-Kul area, where the migration of Savkas may occur.
Aкбaштуу ордок
White-headed Duck
Oxyura leucocephala (Scopoli, 1769)
Status: IV category, Endangered, EN, 2bcde. Monotypic species. Rare migrating bird in Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul Region. There were few records in the past. However, last observations prove the numbers of ducks migrated ranging from 100 to 4,500 (!) birds. Fishing, which deteriorates the habitat quality and burning the reeds, are major limiting factors. It is recommended to prohibit the hunting in spring in those sites where White-headed Duck may occur.