Population: Common, though rare insome places. The global population is estimated at less than 600 thousandind ividuals. In Europe the population has declined by 30-49% over the past 13 years. Population trends in other regions are unknown. In Russia, the number is estimated at 100-100 000 breeding pairs and 50-10 000 migrating individuals.
Status: Non-endangered and non-game species but with ecological and cultural significance.
Habitat: Itbreeds in the reservoirs of eastern and south-eastern Kazakhstan, westto Pavlodar, Semipalatinsk, Karaganda and Kyzylorda, as well as in the valley of the middle and possibly lower reaches of the Urals. It is common on Tentek lake and the western shore of Alakol. During the migration period, it is found everywhere both on the plains and in the mountains (Lake Markakol, 1450 m abovesea level).
