Egyptian vulture
The Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is a rare bird of prey of Kazakhstan that occupies a narrow trophic niche, feeding on carrion. The 2022 estimate of nesting in Kazakhstan is 348-639 pairs, with an average of 502 pairs (Karyakin et al., 2023, ref.).
Conservation status
“Endangered” (EN) listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN);
“Rare, occurring in small quantities” (Category III) in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan (PDF link);
Included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention;
Included in the List of rare and endangered animal species of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Appearance
Medium sized raptor. All plumage is white (yellow in some places, mainly on the head and neck), primaries are black. A large wedge-shaped tail and a bare “face” covered with yellow skin are also characteristic. Juveniles are brown. The transition from brown to adult plumage occurs gradually over several years (kz.birding.day).
Species distribution
Breeds on Mangyshlak, in Karatau, Talas and Kirghiz Alatau, in Chu-Ili mountains and xerophytic spurs of Trans-Ili and Dzhungar Alatau (possibly up to Alakol). Here it is also found on migration. Occasionally flies into the western, central and eastern regions of the republic (kz.birding.day).
Threats
- Habitat loss;
- Poisoning from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in veterinary medicine;
- Illegal catch and trade;
- Death from an electric shock on overhead power lines (OPL) with a capacity of 6-10 kV.
- Death by collision with the blades of wind turbines with a horizontal axis of rotation.
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