Kazakstan

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