The Bustard is a globally rare species and is protected not only in Russia but also worldwide. The eastern subspecies is included in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation, Republic of Buryatia, Chita Region, Transbaikal Territory, Irkutsk Region, Republic of Tyva. The species is included in the International Red Data Book of Asia, is on the Red List of globally threatened species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Appendix I of the European Union Wild Birds Directive, Appendix II of the Bern Convention, Appendix I of the Bonn Convention. In addition, the bustard is subject to the Russian-Japanese, Russian-Indian and Russian-North Korean Conventions on the Conservation of Migratory Birds.

South-Eastern Zabaikalye is home to more than 80% of the eastern subspecies bustards in Russia and more than 10% of the world population, with a world population of only about 2,000 individuals.
What contributed to the population decline?
Bustards have virtually no natural enemies, the greatest risk of becoming prey (as with many other species) is for eggs, chicks and young birds – they can fall prey to various predators (wolf, fox, eagles, etc.).
But the greatest threat to this species is man. Since the 19th century, the bustard’s numbers began to decline rapidly due to uncontrolled hunting. Another factor was the ploughing of virgin steppes, especially the mechanisation of agricultural processes. All negative processes also cause anxiety in birds, to which they are extremely sensitive: the number of laid eggs has decreased to two, although in the 1960-1970s clutches of up to 6 eggs were found.
In general, rapid population declines are caused by poaching, fires (both natural and deliberate fires), disturbance in the agro-landscape, death of clutches and young birds during agricultural work or when attacked by predators, some birds are killed by power lines or by the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
How were the headcounts conducted?
Burpriroda specialists assessed the number of bustard in the Borgoisky State Nature Reserve, a specially protected natural area of regional importance. The project included field trips to the Borgoisky Reserve in autumn and spring. Students of the Dorzhi Banzarov Buryat State University also took part in the work and gained experience in field expeditions.

Counts of bustard numbers were made using traditional methods of field ecology – counting birds encountered on motorised and walking routes, in some places a point count method was used, and counting of birds at moulting grounds using optical equipment (binoculars, telescope). At the same time, the sites of sightings, permanent spring moulting grounds and nesting sites were described.

The first surveys were conducted in October 2023. By that time, most of the population had already migrated to Mongolia – the main migrations of bustards took place in September, but specialists managed to spot individual pairs and individuals that were expected to stay for the winter. However, on later routes (December-January) it turned out that low snowfall, sometimes complete absence of snow cover, and strong winds prevented the birds from staying.

Spring and early summer surveys revealed the appearance of birds in their habitats in late March – early April. The first birds were observed in fields not far from their breeding grounds. At the end of April they moved to the regular moulting area of the Reserve. A total of 12 Bustards were recorded on and near moulting grounds: four Bustards were observed flying near Kamenny Klyuch Lake, but they immediately disappeared from view in a northerly direction; four Bustards were seen in the Urta-Bulag tract, but upon sighting they flew off and disappeared from view in an easterly direction; four individuals were seen near the Borgoi River between the two lakes Verkhnyaya Beloye and Nizhnyaya Beloye. Two nesting sites were identified, one near the Altagatyn-Uber tract in the southern part of the Borgoi Reserve and the other near Selger Ridge in the eastern part of the Borgoi Reserve.
What is the status of the bustard population?
On autumn surveys, herds of bustards numbered 3-4 individuals at most. According to a rough estimate, a dozen bustards were present in the Reserve in the second half of September and early October.
In general, according to experts’ calculations, there are about 20 birds on the territory of the Reserve. There are about 40-50 birds in the Borgoi Basin.
The total number of bustards in Buryatia can now be estimated at about 200-250 individuals. Nevertheless, it is still one of the most important bustard habitats on the planet.
What can be done to preserve this species?
The Bustard is protected in the Altacheisky (federal), Borgoisky and Tugnuisky wildlife sanctuaries in the Republic of Buryatia.
To preserve the complex of rare species (Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Steppe Kestrel, Eastern subspecies of Bustard, etc.) more than 20 years ago – in 2000 – the Key Ornithological Territory of Russia of international importance “Borgoi Basin” was created with the inclusion of the Borgoi Reserve.
Later, the Concept for the Development of the System of Protected Areas of Federal Significance was developed, for the implementation of which scientists proposed an ecological and geographical justification and a concept for the organisation of a steppe reserve in the Borgoi Basin.
In the course of the project it became clear that for a more complete picture it is necessary to cover the entire south of Buryatia with all protected reserves of bustard habitat (Altacheisky (federal) and Tugnuisky zakazniks) and intermountain basins of Southern Zabaikalye (within the Republic of Buryatia). It is also necessary to promote the brand image of the bustard as a symbol of steppe and agrarian ecosystems of the Southern Zabaikalye.
As of today, the situation of the Borgoi population and the Bustard in general in Buryatia remains critical. In order to preserve the birds, it is proposed to revisit the issue of creating a steppe reserve on the basis of the Borgoisky reserve or to organise an extensive network of seasonal micro-reserves and (or) natural monuments in the breeding, seasonal migration and wintering areas of bustards.
Little known facts about the bustard
- The bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds. The weight of an adult male can reach 16kg.
- Bustards do not have a coccygeal gland, which secretes a special lubricant for feathers, and therefore during rain the bustards get wet. If water gets on the plumage of bustards before frost, the feathers become icy and the bird becomes completely helpless.
- Although the bustard is a flying bird, it prefers to move on the ground whenever possible. It is distinguished from many other birds by its strong, un feathered legs, a sign that it is more adapted to walking on the ground. In this, bustards resemble ostriches. However, unlike them, bustards can still fly.
- Bustards moult twice a year. In autumn they change their entire plumage, and in spring, before the mating season, only the fine feathers change.
- Bustards need water to live a full life. They drink only clean water, so they prefer to settle not far from water bodies. In winter, bustards eat snow.
- Bustards are one of the most silent birds. The voice of males can be heard only during mating games and at close range, while females call chicks with their voices.
- Bustards are omnivorous. Their diet includes both plants and all kinds of small animals: insects, worms, chicks of small birds, mice, lizards, etc.
- Bustards do not have sweat glands. On hot days, the birds lie down on the ground, open their beak and spread their wings on the ground to cool down. This helps them avoid overheating.
More information about the bustard can be found in the publication Borgoy’s Dudak (Current status of the Borgoi population, ecology and conservation of the bustard). The publication was published this year and provides comprehensive information on the origin, phylogeny, ecology of the eastern subspecies of the Great Bustard, as well as conservation measures.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of Siberian Wellness, the corporate trustee of the World Around You Foundation, and the Need Help Foundation.