Atamyrat is a Turkmen ornithologist and documents the wildlife in Turkmenistan. In mid-September 2025 he visited the Tallymerjen area to assess the number of Sociable Lapwings famously staging there.

The Tallymerjen region in eastern Turkmenistan represents an important migratory hub for a number of steppe bird species, including the Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius), which is classified as Critically Endangered, according to the IUCN. According to current estimates, the global population of the species does not exceed 16,000–17,000 individuals.

The main breeding grounds of the Sociable Lapwing are located in the steppes of Kazakhstan and Russia. However, during migration, a significant part of the population passes through eastern Turkmenistan and southwestern Uzbekistan. The landscape of the area is vast semi-desert: plains and undulating foothills with saline-clay patches and sparse vegetation. These open spaces serve as optimal foraging and resting grounds for the lapwings during migration.

Of particular importance is the Tallymerjen Reservoir (spelled Talimarzhan Reservoir in Uzbekistan, it sits basically on the border), where up to 6,000 individuals can gather at the same time. Birds rest there and fly to adjacent bare hills and plains for feeding, including areas within Turkmenistan. Such concentrations represent a substantial share of the global population. Mass gatherings are observed in August–September during autumn migration, whereas the spring migration is brief and less noticeable, taking place in March–April.

Within the Tallimerjen area (Turkmenistan), our counts have previously recorded up to 5,200 individuals simultaneously, in 2022. Now in 2025, preliminary data suggest similar numbers may again be reached, with surveys still ongoing. The results indicate a positive trend in the species’ population in the region. In addition to this species, other rare migratory raptors have been recorded in the area: Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis, Endangered), Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus, Near Threatened), and Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus, Endangered). Their occurrence, as confirmed by our observations, underscores the high conservation value of the region.

Among mammals, aside from typical semi-desert species, the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac), both well-adapted to open steppe habitats, were repeatedly encountered.

To reduce anthropogenic pressure, the establishment of the Tallymerjen Nature Reserve is planned. This would help preserve key natural complexes and stopover sites for the Sociable Lapwing and other rare species. In this area, the importance of every observation is strongly felt. Records of large flocks of lapwings and encounters with rare raptors remind us of the urgent need to ensure their protection and long-term conservation.

Atamyrat Veyisov