THE AVIFAUNA OF MARSH BIRDS IN THE RESERVOIRS OF THE KARATAU MOUNTAIN SYSTEM

Abstract

The Karatau mountain range is a low-mountain system, does not have natural water sources in the form of lakes. Artificial water objects – water reservoirs – are the only large water bodies where most species of water birds are often found or locating during migration. One of the strategic important water bodies  for agriculture of the Karatau mountain range is the Koskorgan reservoir. In addition, the Syrdarya River, one of the largest rivers in Kazakhstan, is the most important waterway in the researched region. During the spring flood of the river, temporary water bodies form on a vast territory, which also contributes to an increase in the species diversity of the avifauna of the region. These two water objects served to research the fauna of water birds. We have researched the main species of avifauna, both nesting and found during migrations.