Vasily Zaitsev, one of the hunters, reported that during a hunt for grouse in January 2026 in the mountains of the Chui region, not far from Bishkek, they noticed a golden eagle sitting on a slope.
“At first, it wasn’t clear what the bird was doing. However, when we got closer, the eagle did not hurry to fly away. Only when we approached within shooting distance did it struggle to take off, leaving something on the slope. When we climbed up the gorge, we found the fresh skin of a jackal. It was clear that the eagle had just had lunch, right before our eyes,” Zaitsev shared his impressions.
According to the National Statistical Committee, as of the end of 2024, there were 248 golden eagles in Kyrgyzstan. The period from 2018 to 2022 was characterized by a stable increase in population numbers. Over five years, it grew by 46.8%, from 269 to 395 individuals.
The population of golden eagles reached a peak of 395 individuals, and this level was maintained for two years. However, in 2024, there was a sharp decline, and the number decreased to 248 individuals, which is 37% lower than the previous year.
The current population level (248) is even lower than in 2018 (269).
After more than five years of growth, the population of golden eagles sharply decreased by more than a third in just one year. This sharp decline (minus 147 individuals in a year) may be attributed to both natural factors and changes in counting methods.
