Kazakstan
8 to 26 May, 2002
“Ornithology along the Silk road”
Introduction
Kazakhstan, the largest and certainly also the most diverse country in Central Asia, is located south-west of the endless Siberian Taiga-forests or north and west of the Himalayas – Hindukush – Tien-Shan – Altai mountain chains and extends towards the west to the Caspian sea, covering a total area of over 2.7 Mio km2. It is very thinly inhabited with a total human population hardly exceeding 18 Mio, resulting in a population cover of about 6 people / km2. Winters are cold when temperatures drop easily to below -20 oC, whereas in summer the thermometer can climb up to over 40 oC. A large part of the country is covered by rather dry plains receiving annual precipitation of about 300 mm. In arid and desert regions rain falls even less, reaching only about 100 mm and spells mainly during a short period in spring (March-May). Still, Kazakhstan offers an impressive variance in ecosystems including deserts, large wetlands with shallow lakes and extended marshes, forests, meadows, spread artificially irrigated agriculture fields, or typical alpine habitats encountered in the Tien-Shan and Altai mountains. However, the biggest part of the country is covered by semi-desert and endless steppes. Such variety of habitats evidently hosts an equal impressive wildlife diversity. In particular, about 480 bird species have been recorded in the country. This high count is aided by the fact that Kazakhstan is laying in the main migration corridor to-and-from the Siberian and Arctic reproduction grounds.
In May 2002 I guided a nearly three weeks trip, arranged by Liberty Bird (a Swiss undertaking organizing ornithological journeys), into Kazakhstan. It started with a short side-trip to the steppes and wetlands of the protected Tengiz reserve located in the center, but mainly concentrated on exploring the diverse ecosystems found in the south-eastern parts of the country. The weather, initially fairly cold and windy, improved during the time and number of rainy days endured were limited. However, the foregoing months March and April had been reported as very wet with much too low temperatures resulting in late arrival or still absence of otherwise regular observed bird species in their traditional breeding sites. Probably also for this reason the number of bird species encountered during the present tour had been slightly inferior to preceding years counts. Despite thorough quest, earlier observed flag-species including e.g. Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) or Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) couldn’t be encountered, whereas the usually common Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) or White-winged Lark (Melanocorypha leucoptera) appeared in few numbers and Caspian Plover (Charadrius asiaticus) on two occasions only. By the other hand, still, species like Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis), Corn Crake (Crex crex), Blue-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus) or White-tailed Rubythroat (Luscinia pectoralis), were more apparent and / or showed in larger numbers than previously observed.
Ornithological highlights during this present journey included certainly: – the impressive diversity of raptor sightings near a crest amongst Altyn Emel peaks, – feeding Penduline Tits (Remiz coronatus) and Azure Tits (Parus cyanus) near the Altyn Emel lodge, – to watch after prolonged search a Caspian Plover with 3 juveniles through our spotting-scopes in the semi-desert near Qanshenggel, – extended observation of various Blue-capped Redstarts in the side valleys above Zhalangash, calling Himalayan Snowcocks (Tetraogallus himalayensis) in the still partly snow covered rocky slopes below Almaty Pik – yet for sure, those moments watching the courting, dancing Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) in the blooming wild mustard plains, the great joy and beauty displayed by singing White-tailed Rubythroat males, or even more the skulking White-browed Tit Warbler (Leptopoecile sophiae) appearing for short on top-twigs of juniper which cover the slopes above AlmatySkoje, surpassed all the participants expectations.
Thanks to the delayed spring, the local flora was in full bloom throughout the visited regions and the botanist in the group but also the amateurs couldn’t at times get enough admiring the stunning beauty and color plays provided by a fantastic diversity of flowers: the delicate variety of color shades amongst the tulips in the Tengiz region, the endless plains of blood-red wild poppy near Qanshenggel, the deep yellow carpet of blooming wild mustard below Zhalangash or the meadows above AlmatySkoje painted white by crocus broken up with golden-yellow alpine tulips. Unfortunately only few mammal and reptile observations were recorded but still included rarities such as Kulan (Equus hermionus kulan), Goited Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), Horsfield’s Totoise (Testudo horsfieldi), Speedy Lizard (Eremias intermedia), the beautiful Frog-eyed Gecko (Teratoscincus scincus scincus) and attractive snakes like Halys Viper (Agkistrodon halys caracanus) or Whipsnake (Coluber jugularis).
Besides such convincing diversity in flora and fauna encountered, the visited regions by themsleves fascinated each in its own unique way with astonishing beauty. Endles expands of steppes, the interesting lake-system near Sorbulaq, the steep cliffed gorges or the nearby ‘Singing Dunes’ in the Altyn Emel, the grandiose Charyn Canyon or the snow-covered peaks and slopes around AlmatySkoje, triggering everlasting imprints. Main meals served on the tour were tasty and surprisingly diverse and people everywhere appeared very friendly and courteous, though direct communication was mostly very difficult or impossible due to language problems. Accommodation in most localities was rather or very simple and did not always meet the requirements of all group members, yet they were well located in or near the visited hot-spots and long shuttles to and from such latter places could therefore be avoided.
Itinerary and Weather
08.5. Zurich – Almaty : Via Amsterdam with KLM
09.5. Almaty – Astana : Morning rain, in the afternoon overcast, cold, ca. 16°C.
10.5. Astana – Karashar / Tengiz Reserve : Partly overcast, very windy, slightly warmer, ca. 20°C.
11.5. Tengiz Reserve – Astana – Almaty : Sunny and windy, up to ca. 24°C.
12.5. Almaty – Sorbulaq – Qanshenggel : Sunny, warm and windy, ca. 25°C.
13.5. Qanshenggel : Morning sunny, afternoon windy and later rain, ca. 18°C .
14.5. Qanshenggel – Topar Lakes – Aqkol – Baqanas : Morning overcast followed by wind and rain, afternoon overcast, ca. 18°C.
15.5. Baqanas – Altyn Emel Nationalpark : Sunny and warm, ca. 25°C.
16.5. Altyn Emel Nationalpark : Sunny and warm, ca. 25°C.
17.5. Altyn Emel Nationalpark : Morning strong rain and wind with betterment towards afternoon, ca. 15-20°C.
18.5. Altyn Emel Nationalpark – Ashen Grove : Sunny and warm, ca. 18-25°C.
19.5. Ashen Grove – Charyn Canyon – Zhalangash : Sunny, afternoon overcast, ca. 25-17°C.
20.5. Zhalangash Side-valley : Morning sunny, afternoon overcast followed by rain, ca. 23-17°C.
21.5. Zhalangash – Almaty : Sunny and warm, ca. 23°C.
22.5. Almaty – AlmatySkoje : Morning sunny, afternoon partly cloudy, ca. 20-18°C.
23.5. AlmatySkoje : Rain, rain, rain (with average wind force), ca. max. 10°C.
24.5. AlmatySkoje – Almaty : Morning sunny and warm, afternoon overcast followed by rain, ca. 20-16°C.
25.5. Almaty : Sunny to slightly overcast, ca. 22-25°C.
26.5. Almaty – Zurich : via Amsterdam by KLM
Observed Species
Single accounts and endangered or particular rare species observed are listed below in actual numbers, otherwise the following abundance criteria is employed:
“rare” or “occasional” = less than (<) 10 individuals
“uncommon” = more than (>) 10 but less than 20 individuals
“fairly common” = more than 20 individuals
“common” = observed in good numbers at most places with appropriate habitat
“abundant” = observed everywhere and / or in big numbers
Males are listed as (m) and females as (f).
Birds:
Gavia arctica Black-throated Loon
10.5. 2 in Tengiz Reserve
24.5. 1 in AlmatySkoje reservoir
Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe
6.5. 1 in Sorbulaq
8.5. 1 in Topar Lakes
Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe
Fairly common in most wetlands
Podiceps aritus Slavonian Grebe
10.5. 8 in a lake in Tengiz Reserve
Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe
10.5. 1 in a lake in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. > 10 in Sorbulaq
Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe
10.5. > 5 in Tengiz Reserve
Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant
Fairly common in most wetlands – biggest concentration in Tengiz Reserve
Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican
9.5. 3 above Astana airport
10+11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon, in Sorbulaq
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican
10+11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
Botaurus stellaris Great Bittern
10+11.5. > 2 in Tengiz Reserve
Egretta alba Great Egret
Fairly common in most wetlands – biggest concentration in Tengiz Reserve
Ardea cinerea Grey Heron
Fairly common in most wetlands
Ciconia nigra Black Stork
19.5. 2 soar in and above the Charyn Canyon
Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo
11.5. > 100 in Tengiz Reserve
Cygnus olor Mute Swan
10+11.5. rare in Tengiz Reserve
Anser anser Greylag Goose
10+11.5. rare in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 1 in Sorbulaq
Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck
10-24.5. fairly common and almost daily throughout the trip (in Qanshenggel and AlmatySkoje with chicks)
Tadorna tadorna Common Shelduck
10+11.5. rare in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon in Sorbulaq
Anas penelope Eurasian Wigeon
10+11.5. 1 (m) in Tengiz Reserve
Anas strepera Gadwall
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. rare in Sorbulaq
14.5. rare in Topar Lakes
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. rare in Sorbulaq
14.5. rare in Topar Lakes
Anas acuta Northern Pintail
10+11.5. 1, resp. 2 (m) in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. > 4 in Sorbulaq
Anas crecca Common Teal
10+11.5. rare in Tengiz Reserve
Anas querquedula Garganey
10+11.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon in Sorbulaq
14.5. 1 in Topar Lakes
18.5. 1 at Ile River
Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler
10+11.5. uncommon im Tengiz Reserve
12.5. rare am Sorbulaq
Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. > 30 in Sorbulaq
14.5. fairly common in Topar Lakes
Aythya ferina Common Pochard
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. rare in Sorbulaq
Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck
14.5. total 8 (m) and 3 (f) in Topar Lakes
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck
10+11.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon in Sorbulaq
Mergullus albellus Smew
10+11.5. 9 in Tengiz Reserve
Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck
10+11.5. > 40 in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 1 in Sorbulaq
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Pernis ptilorhynchus Oriental Honey Buzzard
14.5. 1 soaring above the turanga forest at Aqkol
15.5. > 3 on the way to Altyn Emel Nationalpark
Milvus migrans Black Kite
Subspecies M.m.lienatus
Fairly common, almost daily except in the Tengiz region
Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier
18.5 1 in Altyn Emel
19.5. 1 after Charyn Canyon.
21.5. 1 above Khrebt Toraygyr
24.5. > 1 in AlmatySkoje
Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture
18.5. 1 east of Altyn Emel near the Chinese border
Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture
13-20.5. daily up to 3 individuals (except the Tengiz Region and AlmatySkoje)
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Gyps fulvus Eurasian Griffon
14.5. 1 on the way to Baqanas
15-17.5. 3, >6 and 16 in Altyn Emel
19.5. 1 above Khrebt Toraygyr
22.5. 1 above AlmatySkoje
Gyps himalayensis Himalayan Griffon
16.5. 1 in Altyn Emel
20.5. 2 in side-valley above Zhalangash
Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier
9.5. 1 at Astana airport
10-11.5. uncommon, in the Tengiz Region
12.5. 1 in Sorbulaq
Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier
9.5. rare at Astana airport
10-11.5. uncommon, in the Tengiz Region
13.5. 1 in Qanshenggel (or Pallid Harrier? – far sighting in bad light)
15.5. 2 on the way between Baqanas to Altyn Emel
Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier
10-11.5. uncommon, in the Tengiz Region
Accipiter badius Shikra
13.5. 1 at a waterhole in Qanshenggel
14.5. > 3 in Topar Lakes
Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Up to 3 at all visted localities except Ashen Grove
Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk
14.5. 1 in the Aqkol Region
Buteo buteo Common Buzzard
Subspecies B.b.vulpinus
9.5. > 7 above Astana airport
20.5. 3 in the side-valley above Zhalangash
22+24.5. 1 each day in AlmatySkoje
Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard
11-21.5. up to 4 at all visited locations except in AlmatySkoje (one pair near their nest in the steppe outside Baqanas containing four chicks)
Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle
12.5. > 2 in Sorbulaq
16+17.5. 4 resp. 8 along the lake-shore at Altyn Emel Nationalpark
The species is listed as nearly threatened (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle
12.5. 1 at Sorbulaq
Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle
14.5. 1 at Topar Lakes
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle
16.5. > 2 in Altyn Emel
19+21.5. 1, resp. > 1 above Khrebt Toraygyr
20.5. 1 in the side-valley above Zhalangash
23+24.5. 1 each in the mountains above AlmatySkoje
Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle
19.5. 1 on the way to Zhalangash
Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel
16.5. > 4 in Altyn Emel
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel
Fairly common, almost daily at all locations visited
Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon
9.5. > 3 at Astana airport
11.5. > 3 in Tengiz Region
15.5. 1 (f) on the way to Altyn Emel
Falco columbarius Merlin
10+11.5. 3 resp. > 4 in Tengiz Region
Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby
14.5. 2 at Topar Lakes, 1 in the turanga forest near Aqkol
18.5. 5 in Altyn Emel
19.5. 1 in Ashen Grove
20+21.5. 2 each in the side valley above Zhalangash
22.5. 1 below AlmatySkoje
Falco cherrug Saker Falcon
16+17.5. 1 resp. 2 in Altyn Emel
Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse
23+24.5. 1 heard in AlmatySkoje
Tetraogallus himalayensis Himalayan Snowcock
22.5. > 10 around and below the research-station ‘Almaty Pik’.
23+24.5. rare and heard opposite AlmatySkoje
Alectoris chukar Chukar
16+17.5. rare in Altyn Emel
19+21.5. 2, resp. > 4 above Khrebt Toraygyr
24.5. 2 above AlmatySkoje
Coturnix coturnix Common Quail
10-21.5. occasional, though regularly heard or flushed almost daily, except in AlmatySkoje
Phasianus colchicus Common Pheasant
Subspecies Ph.c.mongolicus
14.5. 2 (m) near Topar Lakes
16-18.5. uncommon, also heard, in the Altyn Emel region
19.5. uncommon, heard
20.5. 2 heard in the side-valley above Zhalangash
Rallus aquaticus Water Rail
11.5. 1 heard in Tengiz Reserve
Crex crex Corn Crake
20.5. 1, plus 5 heard in the side-valley above Zhalangash
21.5. 2 heard at stops on the way to Almaty
24.5. 1 heard near AlmatySkoje
Gallinula chloropus Moorhen
14.5. 2 in Topar Lakes
Fulica atra Common Coot
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. fairly common at Sorbulaq
14.5. uncommon in Topar Lakes
Grus grus Common Crane
9.5. > 5 above Astana airport
10+11.5. 4 resp. 8 in the steppes of Tengiz Reserve
Anthropoides virgo Demoiselle Crane
9.5. 2 above Astana airport
10+11.5. > 10 resp. > 30 in the steppes of Tengiz Reserve
12.5. common, (> 110) on the way to Qanshenggel
13.5. > 7 around Qanshenggel
19.5. 2 in the plains below Zhalangash
Chlamydotis undulata Houbara Bustard
Subspecies C.(u.)macqueeni (Macqueen’s Bustard)
13.5. 5 in the semi-desert around Qanshenggel
Haematopus haematopus Oystercatcher
Subspecies H.h.longipes
11.5. 1 in Tengiz Reserve
14.5. 1 on a sandbank in the Ile-River
Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt
10.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon at Sorbulaq
13.5. uncommon around Qanshenggel
18.5. uncommon at the Ile-River
Recurvirostra avosetta Pied Avocet
10.6. > 7 in Tengiz Reserve
12.6. > 10 at Sorbulaq
Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole
12.5. uncommon at Sorbulaq
Glareola nordmanni Black-winged Pratincole
9.5. > 10 above Astana airport
10+11.5. > 10 in Tengiz Reserve
12.7. > 2 at Sorbulaq
The species is listed as nearly threatened (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover
10-18.5. rare, though almost daily (except in the Zhalangash region and AlmatySkoje)
Charadrius hiaticula Great Ringed Plover
11.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover
11.5. > 2 in Tengiz Reserve
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover
Subspecies C.l. crassirostris
13+14.5. > 20, resp. > 10 in the steppes around Qanshenggel
21.5. 1 (f) with 1 chick direcly along the road in the plains after Khrebt Toraygyr
Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover
13.5. probably 1 in the semi-desert around Qanshenggel
14.5. 1 (m) with 3 chicks in the semi-desert around Qanshenggel
Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover
18.5. 2 in the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
Vanellus vanellus Nothern Lapwing
10+11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon, at Sorbulaq
15.5. 1 on the way to Altyn Emel
Calidris minuta Little Stint
11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
Calidris temminckii Temminck`s Stint
12.5. > 20 at Sorbulaq
13.5. > 13 in Qanshenggel
18.5. 1 in the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
Calidris alpina Dunlin
11.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
Philomachus pugnax Ruff
10+11.5. abundant (thousands) along the road from Astana to and in Tengiz Reserve
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit
10+11.5. common along the road from Astana to and in Tengiz Reserve
Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew
10.5. 3 heard in Tengiz Reserve
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel
10+11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank
10.5. 2 in Tengiz Reserve.
12.5. > 2 at Sorbulaq
18.5. 2 swim in the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
Tringa totanus Common Redshank
10+11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon, at Sorbulaq
14.5. 1 heard at Topar Lakes
18.5. > 4 in the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper
10+11.5. 2 in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 1 at Sorbulaq
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank
12.5. 1 at Sorbulaq
14.5. 1 at Topar Lakes
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper
11.5. 1 in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 1 at Sorbulaq
14.5. 1 at Topar Lakes
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper
13.5. 1 at the water hole in Qanshenggel
Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper
11.5. 2 in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 1 at Sorbulaq
18.5. 2 in the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper
Occasional, though regularly along wetlands of most visited locations
Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope
10+11.5. > 30, resp. > 50 in Tengiz Reserve
Larus ichthyaetus Pallas’s Gull
9.5. 1 above Astana airport
10+11.5. uncommon, in Tengiz Reserve
Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull
9.5. uncommon, above Astana airport
10+11.5. common, in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. fairly common at Sorbulaq
14.5. 2 at Topar Lakes
Larus genei Slender-billed Gull
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
Larus canus Common Gull
11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
Larus cachinnans Yellow-legged Gull
(Sub)species L.(c.) barabensis
9.5. uncommon, above Astana airport
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.6. fairly common at Sorbulaq
16+17.5. uncommon, along the lake shore in Altyn Emel
18.5. 2 in the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
(Sub)species L.(c.) armenicus
10+11.5. > 3, resp. > 2 in Tengiz Reserve
Sterna caspia Caspian Tern
10+11.5. 3, resp. 6 in Tengiz Reserve
Sterna hirundo Common Tern
10+11.5. fairly common in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. uncommon at Sorbulaq
14.5. uncommon at Topar Lakes
18.5. uncommon along the flooded fields after the Ile-River bridge
Sterna albifrons Little Tern
12.5. > 2 at Sorbulaq
Chlidonias niger Black Tern
14.5. > 7 at Topar Lakes
17.5. 2 along the lake shore in Altyn Emel
Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern
10+11.5. common in Tengiz Reserve
12.6. uncommon at Sorbulaq
14.6. uncommon at Topar Lakes
Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse
12.5. 1 pair in the Sorbulaq region
13+14.5. > 50, resp. > 7 in the Qanshenggel region
16-18.5. uncommon in Altyn Emel
19+21.5. 3, resp. 1 pair in the plains above Charyn Canyon
Syrrhaptes paradoxus Pallas’s Sandgrouse
17+18.5. 1, resp. 4 in Altyn Emel
Columba livia Rock Pigeon
Form C.l.domestica
Common, daily in all urban regions – except in AlmatySkoje
Subspecies C.l.neglecta
12.5. > 5 on the way to Qanshenggel
13.5. > 4 in Qanshenggel
14.5. 3 after leaving the Qanshenggel region
Columba eversmanni Eastern Stock Dove
14.5. > 2 in the turanga forest near Aqkol
18.5. 1 after the bridge crossing the Ile-River
The species is listed as vulnerable (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon
10.5. 2 on the way to Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 1 on the way to Qanshenggel
18.5. > 10 on the way to Ashen Grove
20+21.5. uncommon in the region and side-valleys above Zhalangash
Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove
14.5. > 5 on the way to Aqkol and Baqanas
Streptopelia orientalis Rufous Turtle Dove
Subspecies S.o.meena
Occasional, though almost daily and in all visited locations except the Qanshenggel region, where it appeared as common, on 13.5. we counted > 50
Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove
12.5. > 5 near Qanshenggel
18.5. 1 on the way to Ashen Grove
20.5. 1 in the side-valley above Zhalangash
21.5. 5 on the way to Almaty
Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo
Occasional, basically at all visited locations
Otus scops Scops Owl
18.5. 1 heard in the woods around Ashen Grove.
Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl
10.5. 1 in Tengiz Reserve (the local warden suggests Long-eared Owl, though habitat and roost-location of flushed bird are typical for short-eared Owl)
Caprimulgus europaeus Eurasian Nightjar
16.5. 1 pair above the lodge in Altyn Emel
17.5. 2 in the ‘Singing Dunes’ in Altyn Emel
18.5. 1 heard in Ashen Grove
21.5. 1 (f) dead at Khrebt Toraygyr
Apus apus Common Swift
9.5. 3 above Astana airport
15-18.5. uncommon in Altyn Emel
19.5. rare above Charyn Canyon
21.5. rare on the way to Almaty
Apus melba Alpine Swift
16.5. > 3 in Altyn Emel
Alcedo atthis Common Kingfischer
12.5. 1 each at Sorbulaq and at the lodge in Qanshenggel
13.5. 1 at the lodge in Qanshenggel
14.5. 2 at Topar Lakes
18+19.5. 2, resp. 1 at the river at Ashen Grove
Merops apiaster European Bee-eater
12-14.5. uncommon on the way to and around Qanshenggel
15.5. fairly common on the way to Altyn Emel
16+17.5. 1, resp 1 heard in Altyn Emel
21.5. uncommon and heard on the way to Almaty
Coracias garrulus European Roller
12-21.5. fairly common in the deserts, semi-deserts up to the dry steppe-plateau below Zhalangash (strange enough no observation in the Astana and Tengiz region)
Upupa epops Hoopoe
10-22.5. rare to uncommon though daily in all visited areas
Dendrocopus leucopterus White-winged Woodpecker
14.5. > 5 in the turanga forest near Aqkol
18.5. 2 after the bridge of the Ile River
19.5. 1 (m) in the woods in Ashen Grove
The species is listed as nearly threatened (BirdLife International, Birds to Watch 2).
Melanocorypha bimaculata Bimaculated Lark
16.5. 1 in Altyn Emel
21.5. 1 in a semi-desert on the way back to Almaty
Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark
12-21.5. occasional, but daily near all visited places up to below Zhalangash
Melanocorypha leucoptera White-winged Lark
11.5. > 20 in the eastern steppes of the Tengiz Region
Melanocorypha yeltoniensis Black Lark
10+11.5. common in Tengiz Reserve
Calandrella brachydactyla Short-toed Lark
11-18.5. uncommon, daily in all visited lower regions
Galerida cristata Crested Lark
12.5. uncommon on the way to Qanshenggel
13.5. > 3 around Qanshenggel
21.5. 1 in the semi desert on the way back to Almaty
Alauda arvensis Eurasian Skylark
Subspecies A.a. dulcivox
10+11.5. common in Tengiz Reserve
12+13.5. uncommon on the way to and around Qanshenggel
14.5. uncommon on the way to Baqanas
15.5. fairly common on the way to Altyn Emel
19.5. uncommon on the way to Zhalangash
21.5. common in the plateau covered by blooming wild mustard below Zhalangash
Eremophila alpestris Shore Lark
19.5. > 4 around the Charyn Canyon
Riparia riparia Sand Martin
10+11.5. abundant in Tengiz Reserve especially around the lodge in Karashar (on migration)
12.5. fairly common on the way to Qanshenggel
18.5. > 1 on the way to Ashen Grove
Ptyonoprogne rupestris Crag Martin
15+16.5. uncommon in Altyn Emel
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow
9-21.5. uncommon to fairly common in all visited locations
Delichon urbica House Martin
12-24.5. occasional to uncommon around almost all visited places up to AlmatySkoje, where a small colony established its nesting site at the reservoir water-tower
Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit
10+11.5. rare in Tengiz Reserve
15-17.5. rare in Altyn Emel
19+21.5. 2, resp. 5 in the semi-desert near Zhalangash
Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit
Subspecies A.t.haringtoni
12.5. 1 on the way to Qanshenggel
19+20.5. rare around and in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
22-24.5. uncommon in the surrounding of AlmatySkoje
Anthus spinoletta Water Pipit
22.5. rare above AlmatySkoje
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail
21.5. 1 on the way to Almaty
Subspecies M.f.beema
9.5. 1 at Astana airport
10+11.5. common in Tengiz Reserve
Subspecies M.f.thunbergi
10+11.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
Subspecies M.f.feldegg
12+13.5. rare on the way to and 1 in Qanshenggel
Motacilla citreola Citrine Wagtail
Subspecies M.c.werae
10+11.5. rare in Tengiz Reserve
Subspecies M.c.citreola
10+11.5. common in Tengiz Reserve
18.5. > 5 on the way to Ashen Grove
Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail
Rare to uncommon, though daily along rivers at all visited places
Motacilla alba White Wagtail
Subspecies M.a.personata
9-21.5. occasional, though at all visited locations
Cinclus cinclus White-throated Dipper
Subspecies C.c.leucogaster
20.5. rare in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
22-24.5. rare in the brooks around AlmatySkoje
Cinclus pallasii Brown Dipper
23+24.5. 1 pair, resp. 1 in the main river above the delta of AlmatySkoje reservoir
Troglodytes troglodytes Winter Wren
20.5. > 5 in the side-valley above Zhalangash
22-24.6. occasional around AlmatySkoje
Prunella fulvescens Brown Accentor
22-24.7. uncommon above and around AlmatySkoje
Prunella atrogularis Black-throated Accentor
20.6. 4 in the side valley above Zhalangash
22-24.8. occasional around AlmatySkoje
Prunella himalayana Altai Accentor
22.5. > 3 around the research station at Almaty Pik at 3300 m
Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
14.5. 1 in the bushes outside the cemetery near Aqkol
Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale
Subspecies L.m.hafizi
11-21.5. occasional but mostly uncommon, in all visited locations
Luscinia svecica Bluethroat
Subspecies L.s.tienshanica (L.s.pallidogularis)
10.5. 3 (f) + 1 (m) in Tengiz Reserve
13+14.5. 1 (m) behind the lodge in Qanshenggel
Luscinia pectoralis White-tailed Rubythroat
Subspecies L.p.pectoralis
22-24.5. uncommon in the juniper set slopes above the tree-line between AlmatySkoje to Almaty Pik
Phoenicurus erythronotus Eversmann’s Redstart
22-24.5. rare around and below AlmatySkoje
Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus Blue-headed Redstart
20.5. 4 (m) and 4 (f) in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
24.5. 2 (m) around AlmatySkoje
Phoenicurus erythrogaster White-winged Redstart
22.5. 1 pair in the compound of the research station at Almaty Pik
Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common Redstart
11.5. 2 (m) in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 3 on the way to Qanshenggel
13+14.5. 3, resp. 1 in Qanshenggel
18.5. 1 (m) at Mynbulak eastern Altyn Emel
Saxicola torquata Common Stonechat
Subspecies S.t.maura
10.5. > 10 in Tengiz Reserve
20.5. uncommon in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
21.5. occasionally on the way to Almaty
Saxicola rubetra Whinchat
11.5. 1 pair in Tengiz Reserve
Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear
10+11.5. uncommon in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. occasionally on the way between Sorbulaq and Qanshenggel
14.5. 1 on the way to Baqanas
23+24.5. 1 above, resp. 3 around AlmatySkoje
Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear
10.5. 1 in Tengiz Reserve
14.5. 4 on the way between Qanshenggel and Baqanas
15.5. > 10 on the way to and in Altyn Emel
16+17.5. fairly common in Altyn Emel
18.5. uncommon on the way to Ashen Grove
19.5. occasionally around Charyn Canyon and on the way to Zhalangash
21.5. occasionally in the semi-desert after Zhalangash and on the way to Almaty
Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear
18.5. > 8 in semi-desert habitat in central and eastern part of Altyn Emel
19.5. 2 above Charyn Canyon
21.6. 1 in semi-desert habitat after Zhalangash on the way to Almaty
Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear
12-21.5. uncommon to fairly common, daily in steppes and semi-deserts, common around Charyn Canyon and Khrebt Toraygyr
Monticola saxatilis Roufous-tailed Rock Thrush
13.5. 1 (m) in the semi-desert near Qanshenggel
19.5. 1 (m) at Khrebt Toraygyr
Monticola solitarius Blue Rock Trush
15.5. > 5 on the way to Altyn Emel
16+17.5. occasionally in Altyn Emel
Myophonus caeruleus Blue Whistling Thrush
25.5. 4 below AlmatySkoje
Turdus merula Blackbird
Subspecies T.m.intermedius
9.5. fairly common in Almaty
19-24.5. fairly common around Zhalangash and its side-valleys, Almaty and AlmatySkoje
Turdus viscivorus Mistle Trush
9.5. 1 heard at Astana airport
20+21.5. uncommon near and in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
23+24.5. uncommon around AlmatySkoje
Turdus pilaris Fieldfare
22.5. 1 heard at AlmatySkoje
Cettia cetti Cetti`s Warbler
14.5. 4 heard at Topar Lakes
Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler
19.5. 1 at Ashen Grove
20+21.5. rare near and in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
24.5. 2 on the way from AlmatySkoje to Almaty
Locustella luscinoides Savi’s Warbler
10.5. 1 near the lodge in Tengiz Reserve
11.5. 1 in the reed-bed near Astana
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler
11.5. 1 in the reed-bed near Astana
Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler
11.5. 1 in Tengiz Reserve
Acrocephalus dumetorum Blyth’s Reed Warbler
13.5. probably? 1 in Qanshenggel
15.5. 3 , plus some heard on the way from Baqanas to Altyn Emel
16.5. rare in Altyn Emel
21.5. 1 on our return to Almaty
Acrocephalus agricola Paddyfield Warbler
10.5. 2 in Tengiz Reserve
Hippolais caligata Booted Warbler
13-19.5. > 1 daily in Qanshenggel, on the way to Baqanas, in Altyn Emel and Ashen Grove
Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler
18.5. 1 around Ashen Grove
Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler
12.5. 2 (f) on the way to Qanshenggel
14.5. 1 near Aqkol
15.5. 1 outside Bakans
18.5. 1 in Ashen Grove
Sylvia hortensis Orphean Warbler
11.5. 1 (m) on our return to Astana
12.5. 1 (m) on the way to Qanshenggel
Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat
Subspecies mainly S.c.halimodendri, plus S.c.altaea in Qanshenggel
10-21.5. occasionally, but daily in all visited regions
Sylvia communis Common Whitethroat
21.5. 2 during lunch-stop after Khrebt Toraygyr on the way to Almaty
Sylvia nana Desert Warbler
17.5. 3 at the ‘Singing Dunes’ in Altyn Emel
18.5. 1 outside Altyn Emel
19.5. 1 on the way to Zhalangash
Phylloscopus trochiloides Greenish Warbler
12-24.5. occasionally to uncommon, but daily in all visited regions
Phylloscopus (trochiloides) plumbeitarsus Two-barred Warbler
13+14.5. 1 at the lodge in Qanshenggel
17.5. > 2 in a small forest near the ‘Singing Dunes’ Altyn Emel
Phylloscopus humei Hume’s Warbler
13.5. > 1 at the lodge Qanshenggel
15.5. rare on the way to Altyn Emel
16-18.5. rare in Altyn Emel
19.5. 1 heard in Ashen Grove
20.5. uncommon in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
23+24.5. rare around AlmatySkoje
Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff
10.5. 2 in Tengiz Reserve
12.5. 4 on the way towards Qanshenggel
13.5. uncommon in Qanschenggel
15+17.5. 2, resp. 1 in Altyn Emel
Phylloscopus griseolus Sulphur-bellied Warbler
13.5. 1 at the lodge in Qanshenggel
22+24.5. 2, resp. 4 below AlmatySkoje
Regulus regulus Goldcrest
20.5. 3 in in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
24.5. > 5 below AlmatySkoje
Leptopoecile sophiae White-browed Tit-Warbler
22.5. 1 pair between Almaty Pik and the observatory
24.5. > 5 behind the observatory above AlmatySkoje
Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher
10.5. 1 in Tengiz Reserve
13-18.5. occasional – uncommon, daily in Qanshenggel, on the way to Baqanas and in Altyn Emel
Panurus biarmicus Bearded Parrotbill
10+11.5. > 20, resp. 1 heard, in Tengiz Reserve
Parus montanus Willow Tit
Subspecies P.m.songarus (Songar Tit)
23+24.5. 1 heard, resp. 1 observed below AlmatySkoje
Parus ater Coal Tit
20.5. uncommon in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
22-24.5. uncommon around AlmatySkoje
Parus major Great Tit
9.5. uncommon in Almaty
12.5. 2 in Almaty
18-24.5. occasional, though daily in Ashen Grove, in and around Zhalangash and around AlmatySkoje
Parus bokharensis Turkestan Tit
14.5. uncommon in the turanga forest near Aqkol
18.5. 1 in Ashen Grove
Parus cyanus Azur Tit
14.5. 2 in the turanga forest near Aqkol
15+16.5. > 1 pair near the lodge in Altyn Emel (bred in a vertical metalic pipe)
18.5. occasional on the way at the lunch-stop site and around Ashen Grove
19.5. uncommon in Ashen Grove
20.5. > 4 in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed Tit
18+19.5. uncommon in Ashen Grove
Remiz pendulinus Penduline Tit
Subspecies not identified
12.5. 1 heard at Karoi near Almaty
19.5. 2 heard in Ashen Grove
Subspecies R.(p.) coronatus (White-crowned Penduline Tit)
15+16.5. 1 pair (feeding chicks in nest), resp. plus 2 near the lodge in Altyn Emel
Sitta tephornota Eastern Rock Nuthatch
16.5. 1 pair above the lodge in Altyn Emel (feeding chicks in the nest located in a rock slit)
Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike
12.5. uncommon on the way to Qanshenggel
13.5. 1 at Qanshenggel
15-18.5. occasional, daily in Altyn Emel (including > 3 nesting pairs)
19.5. 1 on the way to Charyn Canyon
21.5. rare on the way to Almaty (including > 1 nesting pair)
Lanius isabellinus Isabelline Shrike
Subspecies L.i.isabellinus
10.5. > 2 in Tengiz Reserve
Subspecies L.i.phoenicuroides
12-21.5. occasional – uncommon, daily in all visited places, almost common in Altyn Emel
Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike
10.5. > 8 in Tengiz Reserve
15.5. 2 outside Baqanas on the way to Altyn Emel
Lanius schach Long-tailed Shrike
12.5. 2 on the way to Qanshenggel
Pica pica Black-billed Magpie
9-24..5. occasional – uncommon, though almost daily around all visited places
Nucifraga caryocatactes Spotted Nutcracker
20.5. rare, heard and observed in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
22-24.5. rare, around and below AlmatySkoje
Pyrrhocorax graculus Alpine Chough
22.5. > 5 at Almaty Pik
24.5. 1 above AlmatySkoje
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Red-billed Chough
22.5. 8 at Almaty Pik
Corvus monedula Eurasian Jackdaw
Subspecies C.m. soemmeringii
10-21.5. uncommon, though almost daily around all visited places
Corvus frugilegus Rook
10-15.5. fairly common, though daily around all visited places
20-21.5. fairly common around Zhalangash and its side-valleys
Corvus corone Carrion Crow
Subspecies C.c.corone
9-24.5. fairly common – common, daily around all visited places except Qanshenggel
Subspecies C.c.cornix
9-11.5. fairly common around Astana, common in Tengiz Reserve
12+13.5. uncommon in Qanshenggel
15.5. 1 on the way to Altyn Emel
21.5. > 1 on the way back to Almaty
Corvus corax Common Raven
19.5. 1 in the Charyn Canyon
20.5. 2 in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
22.5. > 2 on the way to AlmatySkoje
13.5. 1 bird soaring above Qanshenggel could have been Corvus ruficollis (Brown-necked Raven)
Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling
Subspecies not individually identified included S.v.vulgaris & S.v.poltoratszky (migrating), S.v.porphyranotus (breeding)
9-21.5. occasional to common, daily around all visited places
Sturnus roseus Rosy Starling
10-21.5. uncommon – common, daily around all visited places except in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
Oriolus oriolus Eurasian Golden Oriole
11.5. 1 (m) in Tengiz Reserve
13.5. 2 (f) in Qanshenggel
15-18.5. occasional, daily in Altyn Emel mainly around and above the lodge
21.5. > 6 along the main road on the way back to Almaty
Acridotheres tristis Common Myna
9-22.5. uncommon – common, daily around all visited places except in Tengiz Reserve
Passer domesticus House Sparrow
Subspecies P.d.domesticus and P.d.bactrianus (also called P.d.indicus)
9-22.5. uncommon – common, daily at all visited places, while P.d.bactrianus was observed chiefly on the way to and around Karoi and in Qanschenggel
Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow
12.5. uncommon on the way bevore Qanschenggel
15.5. 1 outside Baqanas on the way to Altyn Emel
21.5. > 3 in a semi-desert on the way back to Almaty
Passer montanus Tree Sparrow
10-21.5. uncommon, though almost daily around all visited places
Passer ammodendri Saxaul Sparrow
14.5. > 15 around the cemetery near Ush Zarma in the Aqkol region
Petronia petronia Rock Sparrow
16.5. 3 in Altyn Emel
19.5. 2 pairs, feeding chicks in their nest located in a rock-slit at the Alassy pass on the way to Zhalangash
Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch
17+18.5. 1 (m) and (f), resp 1 (m) at the night-stop in eastern Altyn Emel
Serinus pusillus Red-fronted Serin
20.5. uncommon, in the side-valleys above Zhalangash
22-24.5. fairly common around and above AlmatySkoje
Carduelis chloris Greenfinch
9.5. 1 heard at Astana airport
19-21.5. rare – uncommon in and around Zhalangash
22.5. 3 on the way to AlmatySkoje
Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch
Subspecies C.c.caniceps
16.5. 1 in Altyn Emel
20+21.5. uncommon around Zhalangash and in its side-valleys
23+24.5. > 5 around AlmatySkoje
Carduelis cannabina Eurasian Linnet
18.5. 3 (m) at a check-post towards the Chinese border
20+21.5. rare around Zhalangash and in its side-valleys
Loxia curvirostra Common Crossbill
20.5. > 1 heard in a side-valley above Zhalangash
22+24.5. 1, resp. 5 around and below AlmatySkoje
Bucanetes mongolicus Mongolian Finch
19.5. > 10 in the Charyn Canyon
12.5. 3 in flight at the Sorbulaq lakes (their identity, however, could not be cleary defined – considering location and surrounding habitat the birds could have rather been Desert Finches Rhodospiza obsoleta)
Rhodospiza obsoleta Desert Finch
12.5. see above
Leucosticte nemoricola Plain Mountain Finch
22-24.5. occasional – uncommon around AlmatySkoje
Carpodacus erythrinus Common Rosefinch
12-24.5. occasional – uncommon, almost daily except the region around Ashen Grove
Carpodacus rhodochlamys Red-mantled Rosefinch
24.5. 2 (m) and 2 (f) behind the observatory above AlmatySkoje
Mycerobas carnipes White-winged Grosbeak
22-24.5. rare – uncommon, around AlmatySkoje and further up to the observatory
Emberiza bruniceps Red-headed Bunting
12-21.5. uncommon, though almost daily at all visited locations except around Ashen Grove and Zhalangash
Emberiza stewarti White-capped Bunting
15+16.5. 1 (m), resp. 2 (m) and 1 (f) in Altyn Emel
21.5. 2 on the way above Khrebt Toraygyr
Emberiza leucocephala Pine Bunting
20.5. > 2 in the side-valleys above Zhalanash
Emberiza cia Rock Bunting
20+21.5. > 4, resp. > 5 around Zhalangash and its side-valleys
Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting
13.5. 2 near Qanshenggel.
15.5. 1 on the way near Altyn Emel
Emberiza buchanani Grey-necked Bunting
15-17.5. rare – uncommon in Altyn Emel (plus a flock of >30 near the ‘Singing Dunes’)
19.5. uncommon at Alassy pass
21.5. uncommon at Alassy pass on the way back to Almaty
Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting
10.5. > 20 in the reeds along the shallow lakes in the Tengiz Reserve
Miliaria calandra Corn Bunting
20.5. 1 in a side-valley above Zhalangash
Mammals:
Gazella subgutturosa Goitered Gazelle
17+18.5. > 12, resp. > 20 in Altyn Emel (extreamly shy due to apparent hunting)
Capreolus capreolus Roe deer
23+24.5. 3 observed, resp. 2 heard calling around AlmatySkoje
Capra ibex sibirica Siberian Ibex
15+16.5. uncommon in Altyn Emel
Equus hermionus kulan Kulan / Central Asian Wild Ass
18.5. > 130 in Altyn Emel
Vulpes vulpes Red Fox
20.5. 1 in a side-valley above Zhalangash
Vulpes corsac Desert Fox
14.5. 1 in Qanshenggel
Marmota bobac Bobac / Steppe Marmot
11.5. > 10 in Tengiz Reserve
Marmota baibacina Altai Marmot
22-24.5. fairly common, around and above AlmatySkoje up to Almaty Pik.
Sciurus vulgaris Eurasian Red Squirrel
23+24.5. 1 around AlmatySkoje
Citellus pygmaeus Pygmy Ground Squirrel
12.5. rare, on the way to Qanshenggel
Citellus fulvus Gopher
14+15.5. rare, in the turanga forest near Aqkol and outside Baqanas on the way to Altyn Emel
Citellus major Russet Ground Squirrel
10.5. rare , on the way towards Tengiz Reserve
21.5. rare, on the way after Zhalangash returning towards Almaty (this ID was questioned)
Rhomomys opimus Grey Gerbil
15-19.5. fairly common, daily, mainly around Baqanas, Altyn Emel, Ashen Grove and Charyn Canyon
Lepus (capensis) europaeus European / Brown Hare
10.5. 3 in Tengiz Reserve
Lepus (capensis) tolai Tolai / Cape Hare
12-19.5. 1-4 daily, around Qanshenggel, Baqanas, Altyn Emel and Ashen Grove
Ochotoma pusilla Steppe Pika
24.5. 2 below AlmatySkoje
Hemiechinus auritus Longeared Hedgehog
14.5. 1 dead on the road in the Topar lake system
Reptils and Amphibias:
Testudo horsfieldi Horsfield’s Tortoise
12.5. 1 on the way into the Sorbulaq lakes
15.5. 3 on the way between Baqanas and Altyn Emel
Agama sanguinolenta Steppe Agama
13.5. 1 in Qanshenggel
Phrynocephalus Sp. Toad-headed Lizard
13.5. 1 in Qanshenggel
15+18.5. 1 in Altyn Emel
Lacerta agilis exigua Sand Lizard
18.5. > 10 on the way after Ashen Grove
19.5. uncommon, in dry stony habitat in Charyn Canyons and Khrebt Toraygyr
Eremias intermedia / E.velox Speedy Lizard
15.5. 1 after Baqanas (intermedia)
18.5. 1 in eastern Altyn Emel (velox)
Teratoscincus scincus scincus Frog-eyed Gecko
12.5. > 6 during the night excursion at Qanshenggel
Vipera ursinii Meadow Viper
15.5. 1 on the way towards Altyn Emel
Agkistrodon halys caracanus Halys Viper
12.5. 1 on the road towards the Sorbulaq lakes
20.5. 1 in a side-valley above Zhalangash
Coluber jugularis Whipsnake
21.5. 2 near Khrebt Toraygyr
Buffo viridis European Green Toad
17.5. 1 in eastern Altyn Emel during the night excursion
Otto Pfister