The wetlands in the southeastern part of the Caspian Sea, which are part of Turkmenistan’s Khazar State Nature Reserve, are traditional wintering grounds for hundreds of bird species, including rare ones, Turkmenportal.tm reports.
The Khazar Reserve is home to more than 300 species of waterfowl. According to experts, over 70% of the birds listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Book inhabit this reserve.
At the beginning of February, in recognition of the historic adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, the World Wetlands Day is celebrated here.
The warm, mild climate and abundant food supply on Ogurchaly Island, which is part of the reserve, attract flocks of various bird species, particularly gulls, terns, and great egrets, which are fish-eating birds. Currently, hundreds of bird species are wintering in the Caspian Sea, including many pink flamingos, which are considered a symbol of the reserve, according to Turkmenistan: Golden Age.
Today, specialists at the reserve are carrying out large-scale efforts to preserve and conduct scientific studies on the wetlands, flora, and fauna of the Caspian Sea.
It is worth noting that Turkmenistan has been a party to the Ramsar Convention since 2008. The wetlands of the Turkmen part of the Caspian Sea are currently classified as key international conservation areas. These areas lie along migratory routes of birds from northern countries, and the Caspian coast is considered one of the most suitable wintering sites for them.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 10, 2025