Birdwatching

BIRDS OF STEPPES AND DESERTS.



The harsh environments of both steppes and desserts limit the number of species found in these areas and have seleced for hihly specific adaptations in those birds that make these biotopes their home.
Many species which occur in the steppes and deserts of Russia, Kazakhstan and other central Asian states are not found in other cases, steppes and deserts are inhabited by distinctive subspecies which are sometimes considered as separate species.

Steppes are only inhabied by ground breeders. Southern Russia and northern Kazakhstan have several endemic species like sociable plover and two lark species, Black and <white winged,
the latter being much less common in the desert, one would naturally look for the endemic Pander's Ground Jay
which inhabits two seprate areas.

The main breeding grounds are situated in the central part of the geat Kara Kum desert inTurkmenistan where it is fairly common.
The other area is the Sary Ishikotrau desert,south of the huge Balkhash in Kazakhstan. Here, the species is much scarcer.
two interesting Sparrow species inhabit the deserts of this area ,desert Sparrow is rare and usually found only at Repetek in the Kara Kum desert.



is much more common in various sand deserts in central Asia.
It usualy nests in tree holes or under buildng roofs whereas Desert Sparrow makes bulky nests on saxaul trees.


In total 40 species of birds can be called typical of the steppes and deserts of Russia and the central Asiatic republics.
Many are found in nature reserves created in these habitats at different times.
The main conservation problem is habitat destruction by overgrazing and cutting of saxaul growths, inevitaby leading to wind erosion and sand storms, making these areas unsuitable for both birds and humans.....