
The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is a widely distributed species, found across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Western Indo-Himalayan regions. In Kazakhstan, this bird is a summer migrant that breeds during the warmer months. Notably, the country represents the northernmost point of its global range, where the vulture’s nesting distribution is split into two distinct areas, separated by approximately 1,000 km, with different biotopes. One region spans the desert plateaus of the Aral-Caspian, while the other covers the semi-desert mountains in southern and southeastern Kazakhstan.

Distribution and abundance of Egyptian Vultures in Kazakhstan
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive summary of available literature on the distribution of the Egyptian Vulture in Kazakhstan, analyzing data from databases and photo websites, and mapping the information to visualize the distribution. They also provide a preliminary estimate of the Egyptian Vulture abundance in Kazakhstan from 2000 to 2021. The researchers employed the Random Forest image classification method in Google Earth Engine to model the Egyptian Vulture distribution.
The study identified 185 sites where these vultures have been recorded, including 163 breeding territories. These territories are mainly clustered in three regions:
- Aral-Caspian region (33 territories)
- Karatau and nearby areas (91 territories)
- Southeast Kazakhstan (39 territories)

On average, each Egyptian Vulture breeding territory in Kazakhstan spans about 325.33 km² (based on 122 territories), with a range from 18.24 to 2,630.35 km², according to the division of count plots into Thiessen polygons. The size of these territories varies significantly between regions. In the Aral-Caspian region, the average territory size is 901.89 km² (n = 33), with a range from 103.25 to 2,630.35 km², reflecting the vast desert plateaus. In Karatau, the average territory size is 243.13 km² (for data from 2010), and in Southeast Kazakhstan, the average is 181.64 km² (n = 31), with a range from 36.89 to 588.27 km².
These vultures typically nest on high, sheer cliffs—often made of chalk or shell rock—located in remote areas, such as the Mangyshlak Peninsula, Ustyurt Plateau, and the Kaplankyr region near the border with Turkmenistan.
Breeding behaviour and habitat preferences
Egyptian Vultures in Kazakhstan tend to nest in isolated spots, often separated by distances ranging from 2 to 16 kilometres between neighbouring nests. In the Karatau Mountains, they typically nest near rocky outcrops along watercourses at altitudes of up to 1,600 meters. Interestingly, vultures show little preference for the height or size of cliffs but avoid agricultural areas, even when suitable nesting sites are available.
The researchers also observed changes in the distribution of Egyptian Vultures in the Karatau Mountains between 2017 and 2022. The birds began to nest closer to farms and distance themselves from Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), resulting in a decrease in the number of distances between nearest neighbours ranging from 6–8 km and an increase in nesting group density (Karyakin et al. 2022).

Population estimates and trends
The exact number of Egyptian Vultures in Kazakhstan has been a subject of debate. Early estimates suggested that the country might host around 100 pairs, but more recent studies suggest the population is much higher, likely between 418 and 502 breeding pairs. This number is significant, given that reliable data on vulture populations across Asia is scarce. The widespread decline of Egyptian Vultures in other parts of their range, such as Turkey, the Balkans, and India, raises concerns about the species’ future in Kazakhstan and the broader region.
While regular monitoring of vulture populations is standard practice in Europe, the vast and sparsely populated landscapes of Kazakhstan make this difficult. As a result, population estimates are often based on limited data, highlighting the need for more extensive surveys and routine monitoring efforts.
Threats to the Egyptian Vulture in Kazakhstan
Understanding and mitigating threats is crucial for the survival of the Egyptian Vulture in Kazakhstan.
Electrocution on power lines is one of the primary concerns. Targeted surveys in the Karatau region, where the highest density of Egyptian Vulture nests is found, revealed that corvids are the most frequent victims, with a rate of 3.53 individuals per kilometre in the most hazardous areas. Remarkably, after surveying 386.17 km of power lines in detail, no dead Egyptian Vultures were found. Of the 117 registered Egyptian Vultures, only three deaths were attributed to high-voltage power lines.
Another significant threat is mining activity, particularly in the Aral-Caspian region. Although the literature on this impact is limited, two relevant publications highlight the dangers. In the Karatau region, mining expansion by the Kazphosphate Corporation has already forced the Egyptian Vultures to abandon three breeding territories. Out of the 41 breeding territories occupied in 2022, geological exploration took place in eight (19.5%), resulting in the construction of temporary roads and the destruction of cliffs. This activity displaced about half of the breeding pairs, as their old nests fell within the geologists’ working zones. Furthermore, future mining expansions threaten at least 12 additional nesting sites.
Other potential risks include collisions with wind farms, poisoning, and habitat loss. Unfortunately, understanding of these threats remains limited, with most studies focused on electrocution and habitat destruction. It is vital to thoroughly assess these risks and address them through targeted conservation efforts to secure the future of the Egyptian Vulture population in Kazakhstan.

Conservation efforts and the way forward
To preserve the Egyptian Vulture in Kazakhstan, it is essential to establish reliable population estimates and monitor breeding colonies regularly. However, the challenges posed by Kazakhstan’s vast, unpopulated areas and the lack of ornithologists in the region cannot be overlooked. Addressing these issues is critical for future conservation efforts.
Estimates show that approximately 500 pairs of Egyptian Vultures are nesting in Kazakhstan today. However, the species faces numerous threats, and without targeted conservation actions, its future remains uncertain. Safeguarding this population will require collaborative efforts to monitor, mitigate threats, and develop a comprehensive conservation plan.
By enhancing our understanding of these magnificent birds and addressing the key challenges they face, we can help ensure that the Egyptian Vulture continues to thrive in Kazakhstan and beyond.
About the study
Karyakin, Igor V., et al. “Egyptian Vulture in Kazakhstan.” Acta Zoologica Bulgarica, vol. Supplement 17, Dec. 2023, pp. 19-50. https://www.acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/2023/Suppl_17_09.
A group of researchers from Kazakhstan and Russia worked on the project:
- Karyakin I.V., Nikolenko E.G., Knizhov K.I., Pulikova G.I.,Kaptyonkina A.G., Ongarbaev N.K.
- Sibecocenter Ltd. / Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (RRRCN) (Russia)
- Biodiversity Research and Conservation Centre Community Trust (BRCC) (Kazakhstan)
Field work in 2022 was carried out with support from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and partner organization The Altai Project (USA) as part of the “Endangered Raptors Conservation on the Indo-Palearctic Migration Flyway” project.
The information in this article was presented at the European Vulture Conference 2023, held from 14 to 17 November in Cáceres, Spain. The event brought together vulture conservationists, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world to exchange insights, foster collaborations, and explore the latest advances in vulture conservation. Stay tuned as we continue to share more presentations from the conference.