Endangered Raptor Conservation on the Indo-Palearctic Flyway of Kazakhstan

This project supports the conservation of threatened raptors in southern and south-eastern Kazakhstan by combining field research, satellite tracking, ringing/banding, habitat monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. A major focus is reducing bird mortality linked to energy infrastructure—especially electrocution on 6–10 kV overhead power lines and risks associated with wind power development along mass migration routes. The […]

This project supports the conservation of threatened raptors in southern and south-eastern Kazakhstan by combining field research, satellite tracking, ringing/banding, habitat monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. A major focus is reducing bird mortality linked to energy infrastructure—especially electrocution on 6–10 kV overhead power lines and risks associated with wind power development along mass migration routes. The project generates updated evidence on population status, key habitats, and threats for priority species, and promotes practical mitigation measures and better planning standards for “bird-safe” energy infrastructure. It also strengthens cooperation among conservation experts, government institutions, and the energy sector, and disseminates results through publications and open information sharing.

Key facts

  • Country/Area: Kazakhstan — South and south-east Kazakhstan (Karatau Mountains; Dzungarian Alatau; additional analyses include Moyynkum)
  • Activity type: Conservation; Research; Capacity building; Outreach
  • Themes: Satellite Tagging; Ringing/Banding; Green Energy & Birds; Habitat monitoring; Raptors; Education & Outreach
  • Target species/group: Threatened raptors (incl. Egyptian Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker Falcon; vultures also assessed)
  • Implementing organization: Biodiversity Research and Conservation Center (BRCC) Community Trust; Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (RRRCN); Eurasian Wildlife and Peoples
  • Timeline: May 2022 – December 2024
  • Donor/Budget: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) (budget not specified)

Key outcomes / expected outputs

  • Field survey routes exceeded 18,000 km to assess raptor nesting and key habitats.
  • Updated assessment for Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Kazakhstan: occupied nests decreased 18.5× (95%) vs. 2010; encounter rate decreased 75× (99%); former colonies largely disappeared and nesting persists mainly as solitary pairs with only several dozen nests remaining.
  • Evidence and literature review suggest poisoning by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a major driver of vulture decline across breeding, migration, and wintering areas.
  • Habitat suitability modelling produced quantified estimates for key species and landscapes (e.g., Griffon Vulture nesting-suitable area in Karatau and adjacent territories estimated at 10,378.85 km²; habitat area 34,576.8 km²).
  • Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): national breeding population estimated at 332–667 pairs (avg. 502) as of 2022; satellite tracking of 6 individuals showed wintering mainly in Rajasthan (India) and also Pakistan; documented returns of tagged/ringed birds in 2023.
  • Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug): modelling and new data indicate a marked decline (reported reduction around 77% in the assessed area).
  • Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca): modelling for Moyynkum; national breeding population estimated at 3,420–4,260 pairs (avg. 3,840) (noting that the estimate may require revision with new data).
  • Expanded telemetry: 5 Eastern Imperial Eagles tagged (2022) and 5 Steppe Eagles tagged (2023), with recorded wintering routes including Oman and border areas of Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan.
  • Knowledge products: 7 scientific papers and 8 conference abstracts published; additional manuscripts in preparation.

Links

Contact

Additional contact: Nurlan Ongarbayev, Executive Director (BRCC) — office@brcc.kz

Focal point: Alyona Kaptyonkina (BRCC)

Email: alyonakaptyonkina@gmail.com