In spring and autumn 2024, Kyrgyzstan registered the number of storks migrating to the country for the first time ever. They are mainly located in southern regions, and by results of studies, their number was 267 storks.
Storks mainly nest in the rice fields of Kyzyl-Tuu village in Dzhalal-Abad region and Ak-Turpaka village of Batken region, as well as in Aravan district of Osh region. They arrive in early spring and fly for the winter in August and September. In 2024, The Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) of Germany counted the population of storks twice – spring and autumn.
“We counted them including their nests. There were two storklings in every nest. Back then, we counted 267 storks, including all nestlings and adult storks. […] Locals reported that these birds came more often in recent years. It could be due to the improved food supply and better conditions. We have noticed a good attitude of locals to the birds. They take storks as the symbol of peace and tranquillity,” said Zhyrgal Sagyndykov, representative of NABU.
The main source of food for storks are small animals such as frogs, snakes and insects. They fly to the ponds and wetlands in rural areas and frequently nest on power lines. The birds prefer to build their nests high up off the ground, which gives them the opportunity to hunt and protect themselves from predators. Several generations of storks could live in the same nest, and the higher the nest, the longer it will last.
Photo: NABU
However, nesting on power lines creates a problem for the power infrastructure. Nests on high voltage poles can hinder the operation, as there is a probability of line breaks and malfunctions. Besides, the nests and birds also create difficulties during repair and maintenance of electric poles. According to Elzada Sargashkaeva, head of the press service of “National Electrical Networks of Kyrgyzstan”, power engineers install special devices on electric power lines to protect from birds, and equipment to prevent from power outages.
“We have also cooperated with the Ministry of Emergency in the installation of artificial power transmission line poles. However, despite our installation of them next to our poles, they refused to build their nests on them. This year, we are planning to install 467 units of special equipment and 370 protection covers,” Sargashkaeva said.
During the count of storks, NABU officers have reported cases of electric shock caused to the birds.
“The number of storks in the world is diminishing due to anthropogenic factors. The excessive dispersion of chemicals on arable crops leads to the reduction in their number because their diet consists of frogs and snakes living in swamps and rice fields. The drainage of swamps and degradation of their nesting places will lead to their extinction. Artificial poles for nesting should be installed and special artificial ponds should be created for their food supply for further increase in their number,” Zhyrgal Sagyndykov said.
According to specialists, storks play an important role in the ecosystem stability and in the conservation of biodiversity. The wetlands in their habitats are considered undisturbed ecosystem.
“These birds mainly eat insects and consume pests. They maintain the balance. In biology, these processes are closely related to each other like in a circle. If something goes wrong, the ecosystem begins to deteriorate. Insects are needed as well, but not in great numbers. Everyone has its own place in nature. Therefore, we need to consider the conditions of return of these birds in spring. If the places where they migrate to have rice fields in the first year, and other crops the following year, the storks will not return. […] We need to contribute to their return in great numbers,” said Adinai Akhmatova, head of the Ornithological Association of Kyrgyzstan responsible for the conservation of biodiversity.
The storks were taken under protection in 1975, and 10 years later this specie was put on the Red List. In Kyrgyzstan, stork hunting, their habitat destruction, failure to observe protection measures are fined up to 30 thousand som (about 343 dollars). These measures are aimed at the conservation of the population of these birds and at ensuring their future sustainability.