Ornithologists at Turkmenistan's Khazar State Nature Reserve have completed their annual waterfowl census in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea. The study, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of the international census, yielded impressive results comparable to those from 20 years ago, reports Turkmenportal.com.
In total, specialists counted 405,595 birds of 43 different species. The main sensation of the season was the number of pink flamingos:
- 2026: 33,373 individuals (an all-time record);
- For comparison (2007): only 313 birds.
The coot remains the most common species (approximately 180,000), followed by the red-crested pochard (87,000) and the mallard, whose numbers have increased sevenfold since 2007.
Despite the positive statistics, experts are sounding the alarm over the falling Caspian Sea level. Experienced ornithologist Alexander Shcherbina notes that entire bays (Tarta, Keski) are disappearing due to shallowing, reducing the "biological capacity" of these wetlands. In some places, the receding sea prevents scientists from even approaching the coastline for monitoring.
"We are losing water areas; this is a global process. Nevertheless, the condition of Turkmenistan's wetlands remains favorable for wintering Eurasian birds," Shcherbina emphasized.
The monitoring data will form the basis for strengthening the protected status of these areas under the Ramsar Convention.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 2, 2026