Mass Death of Swans Recorded at Issyk-Kul
Preliminary information suggests that poaching may have caused the mass death of swans.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, experts and veterinarians have arrived at the scene and are investigating the cause of the birds’ mass death. A comprehensive examination of the lake and its environment will also be conducted. Additionally, samples from the dead birds are being collected for laboratory analysis.
Initial reports indicate that poaching could be the cause, as fragments of fishing nets and hooks were found on some of the dead swans. Experts are also exploring other potential reasons behind the incident.
— “Swans migrate to Issyk-Kul at the end of October or early November for wintering, staying until March or April. Most of these birds come from Siberia and Kazakhstan. Swans are wild birds that feed on algae and plant roots in shallow waters. They cannot find food in deeper parts of the lake. If humans approach them too closely, the birds become frightened and swim to deeper waters, where they are unable to access their food. After long flights, the birds can become weak and may starve to death in such situations,” said ornithologist Seyitkazy Sagynbayev.
The Ministry will take additional measures based on the results of the investigation.
