Endangered Raptor Conservation on the Indo-Palearctic Flyway of Kazakhstan

Overhead power lines (OPL) with a capacity of 6-10 kV are a serious threat to these species. The location and use of such overhead power lines along migration routes is an important threat to biodiversity conservation that needs to be addressed at the state level.

Another potentially significant threat not only to these species, but also to other species, including rare and endangered ones, is the active design and construction of wind power plants (WPPs) along the mass bird migration routes. The project also aims to promote knowledge, increase awareness and competencies on research issues among employees of the energy industry, ministries, government agencies, ornithologists and other stakeholders, as well as to promote information about environmentally friendly technologies in the design and construction of energy infrastructure facilities.

It is planned to actively interact with all stakeholders in accordance with the best international practices in the field of sustainable development. Project milestones results, as well as relevant information, will be published regularly for review by all interested parties.

The total length of survey routes covered during field studies to assess nesting activity exceeded 18,000 km.

Compared with 2010, the number of active Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) nests declined 18.5-fold (95%), while the encounter rate of individuals decreased 75-fold (99%). By 2022, all previously known breeding colonies of the Griffon Vulture in the Karatau Mountains had disappeared, and the species was found breeding only as isolated pairs. At present, the national population is estimated to comprise only a few dozen breeding pairs throughout Kazakhstan. The most likely explanation for this rapid and severe population decline—despite a substantial increase in food availability and the absence of significant habitat degradation—is poisoning caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This threat appears to affect the species not only within its breeding range but also along migration routes and in wintering areas.

Species distribution modelling estimated the area of suitable breeding habitat for the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in the Karatau Mountains and adjacent territories at 10,378.85 km², while the total extent of suitable habitat was estimated at 34,576.8 km². As of 2022, the breeding population in Karatau was estimated at 171–298 breeding pairs, with an average estimate of 278 pairs.

Distribution modelling was also conducted for the Egyptian Vulture across the whole of Kazakhstan. The total area of suitable breeding habitat within the country was estimated at 16,430.89 km². The national breeding population was estimated at 332–667 breeding pairs, with an average of 502 pairs. Based on these findings and a review of published literature, we conclude that the Egyptian Vulture population in Kazakhstan is currently stable.

Distribution modelling estimated the area of suitable breeding habitat for the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Karatau Mountains and adjacent territories at 4,222.64 km², with the total suitable habitat covering 9,084.3 km². The breeding population in Karatau was estimated at 128–281 pairs (average 200 pairs) in 2010, declining to 28–66 pairs(average 46 pairs) by 2022, representing a 77% population decrease. The national population of the Saker Falcon is now estimated at fewer than 650 breeding pairs; however, this estimate requires revision in light of newly obtained data. Both the species’ distribution range and population size continue to decline, making the Saker Falcon currently the most threatened raptor species in the Palearctic.

The area of suitable breeding habitat for the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in the Moyynkum region was estimated at 4,971.09 km², while the total suitable habitat covers 55,073.86 km². The breeding population in the Karatau Mountains was estimated at 79–275 breeding pairs, with an average of 150 pairs. The national breeding population of the Eastern Imperial Eagle is estimated at 3,420–4,260 breeding pairs, with an average of 3,840 pairs; however, this estimate also requires revision based on newly acquired data. Based on our findings and a review of published studies, we consider the Eastern Imperial Eagle population in Kazakhstan to be stable.

In 2022, the BRCC team fitted six Egyptian Vultures with GPS tracking devices. We are currently continuing to monitor three individuals. Juvenile Egyptian Vultures spend their first several years primarily in the Indian state of Rajasthan, while one tracked individual selected Pakistani Kashmir as its wintering area. During the summer of 2024, two GPS-tagged and one ringed Egyptian Vulture returned to the Karatau Mountains.

In 2022, the BRCC team fitted five Eastern Imperial Eagles with GPS trackers. We are currently monitoring one individual, which has spent its third consecutive winter primarily in southern Pakistan. During the breeding season, juvenile Eastern Imperial Eagles undertake extensive movements across Kazakhstan.

In 2023, the BRCC team fitted five Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) with GPS trackers. We are currently tracking two individuals. One Steppe Eagle spent its first winter in southern Pakistan and migrated to Oman on the Arabian Peninsula for its second winter. The second individual winters in the border region shared by Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

To date, we have published seven peer-reviewed scientific papers and eight conference abstracts related to the project. An additional four manuscripts are currently in preparation for publication.