Population: The global population is estimated at between 4.4 million and 8.2 million individuals. There are approximately between 2.67 million and 3.98 million mature individuals in Europe. From 10 thousand to 1million pairs nest in Russia. There are numerous breeding migratory birds in Kazakhstan.
Status: Non-game species but with ecological and culturalsignificance.
Habitat: It breeds in Kazakhstan and commonly seen widely during migration periods,with the exception of arid areas. It inhabits flat lands and mountainous reservoirs such as lakes Markakol (1450 m above sea level), and Tuz Kul (2000 m above sea level).
