Third International Scientific and Practical Conference “Eagles of the Palearctic: Study and Conservation”

Raptors Conservation. Suppl. 2. Proceedings of Conferences

First steps of steppe eagle conservation in central Kostanay oblast using artificial nests (Republic of Kazakhstan)

Batryakov R.R. (Naurzum State Nature Reserve, Naurzum Community Environmental Organization, Karamendy, Republic of Kazakhstan)

Contact:
Rishat Batryakov batryakov_naurzum@mail.ru
Recommended citation: Batryakov R.R. First Steps of Steppe Eagle Conservation in Central Kostanay Oblast Using Artificial Nests (Republic of Kazakhstan). – Raptors Conservation. 2023. S2: 264–265. DOI: 10.19074/1814-8654-2023-2-264-265 URL: http://rrrcn.ru/en/archives/35059

The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) nests across a great swath of Kostanay Oblast. The greatest number and density of nesting pairs is concentrated in to the south. Northernmost nesting points are located in Kamysty, Auliekol and Naurzum districts, located centrally in the oblast.

In July 2023 Naurzum Community Environmental Organization initiated a project jointly with Naurzum State Nature Reserve and with the financial support of the Global Greengrants Fund to install nesting platforms for Steppe Eagles. The project area covers the districts of Nauru and southern Auliekol. Naurzum State Nature Reserve is also located here and has great importance for biodiversity conservation in the region.

There are 10–12 Steppe Eagle nesting sites located directly within the reserve and its buffer zone, and another 8–10 sites on adjacent territories. Among the threats facing Steppe Eagles, fire is the biggest issue, often burning large areas. Another challenge is periodic decline in food supply, generally resulting from mainly epizootic disease in the Little Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus pygmaeus). To a lesser extent, the Destruction of nests by predators and domestic animals, as well as bird-hazardous power lines also have negative impacts, albeit to lesser extents.

34 nesting platforms will be installed in the reserve’s buffer zone and adjacent areas as part of the project. Installation sites include both active nesting sites for birds and prospective areas to attract new pairs.