Population: There is no population data availablein Kazakhstan. The global population is estimated to be between 3 million and 5.8 million mature individuals, although this estimate requires further validation. In China, the population is estimated at about 100-10,000 breeding pairs and less than 50 wintering individuals.
Status: Non-endangered and non-game species but withecological and cultural significance.
Habitat: It breeds almost everywhere, from the Volga-Ural interfluve and coastal islands near Mangyshlak to the east to the Zaisan and Alakol basins; the middle reaches of the Ile River and Lake Bijlikol. It is distributed sporadically in the steppe zone. In Kazakhstan, the northern border of its range isdefined by Lake Rybny Skryl, Lake Shalkar, the upper reaches of Irgiz, Naurzum,near Burabai, and near Lake Selekty-Tengiz (lake. Ortakol). It migrates fromthe steppe zone to the desert areas for the winter. Occasionally, flocks are found on the Chokpak pass in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan.
