Population: There is no population data available in Kazakhstan. The preliminary estimate of the global population is 3-5.8 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. A species that is not used for economic purposes, but has ecological, cultural and other value.
Distribution. 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 the republic, the northern border is defined by Lake Rybny Skryl, Lake Shalkar, the upper reaches of Irgiz, Naurzum, near Burabai and near Lake Selekty-Tengiz (lake. Ortakol). It migrates from the steppe zone to the desert zone for the winter. Occasionally, flying flocks are found on the Chokpak pass in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan.
