Great Black-headed Gull
Status: VI, Near Threatened, NT: R. One of 6 species of the genus in the Kyrgyz Republic. Monotypic species.
General distribution and in the country. From Crimea and the Sea of Azov east to Markakol, the basins of the Great Lakes in northwestern Mongolia, Uryugnor and Kukunor. To the north in the European part of the Russian Federation up to the 47th parallel, in the Volga-Ural interfluve to the Kamysh-Samarsk lakes, to the basin of Uila, to the lakes Ik, Saltai, Chany. To the south to the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, the delta of the Amu Darya, Issyk-Kul, Kukunor. In Kyrgyzstan, it is regularly observed during counts, mainly in the Chui Valley and Issyk-Kul basin [2, 6, 7, 31, 40, 43]. The presence of young at Son-Kul indicates nesting.
Habitat. Shorelines of lakes and water bodies, less often - rivers [44].
Population. In the Chui Valley, the Great Black-headed Gull was regularly recorded in weekly counts from February to April 2004, with numbers ranging from 2 to 55 individuals per count [6]. At Issyk-Kul near Cape Kara-Bulun, it was numerous (27 individuals per 10 km of shoreline) [31]. A solitary gull was observed at Chatyr-Kul Lake in autumn 1972 [6].
Life habits (life cycles). Usually leads a solitary lifestyle, less often in small flocks, especially during migration. Prefers larger water bodies compared to other gulls. Feeds on fish, small crustaceans, and beetles. Does not shy away from pirate behavior [2, 19].
Limiting factors. Increasing disturbance factors in suitable nesting sites: recreational use of water body shorelines, direct destruction and looting of nests. Information on competitors, parasites, and diseases is lacking.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not kept in captivity in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Existing conservation measures. No special measures for the protection of this species have been taken in Kyrgyzstan.
Recommended conservation measures. Nesting sites should be mapped and included in the registry of specially protected areas as mini reserves. It is necessary to protect nesting and migration sites and conduct awareness-raising work with the local population, fishermen, and hunters.
Great Black-headed Gull
Larus ichtyaetus Pallas, 1773
Status: VI category, Near Threatened, NT: R. Monotypic species. Resident species regularly recorded at bird censuses in Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul oblast. Prefers wetlands with lakes and ponds, rarer - rivers’ banks. Great Black-headed Gull has been regularly recorded on ponds’ shores near Bishkek from February to March 2004 with numbers oscillating from 2 to 55 birds. The density of the species in Issyk-Kul Lake is 27 individuals per 10 km of the Lake’s shore. One bird was seen on the shore of Chatyr-Kul Lake in autumn 1972. Feeds on fish, water invertebrates, and beetles. Limiting factors include economic development of suitable nesting and roosting shores of the lakes and ponds, overgrazing, and nest destruction. No data on competitors, parasites, and diseases are available. Not held in captivity. Special protection actions have not been observed so far. It is recommended to map nesting sites and establish mini protected areas around nest colonies. There is a need for public awareness campaigns among community members, fishermen, and hunters.