A comprehensive survey of wintering waterbirds has been carried out across water bodies in the eastern regions of Turkmenistan. At present, numerous bird species migrating from Russia and Kazakhstan continue to overwinter in southern and southeastern parts of Turkmenistan, as well as in the northwestern regions, including areas belonging to the Amudarya and Kelif State Nature Reserves.

According to information released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the majority of wintering birds inhabit water bodies of various sizes, ranging from small lakes to large reservoirs. Smaller groups have also been observed along the Amudarya River, the Garagum River, irrigation canals, and agricultural lands throughout Turkmenistan.

During the second ten-day period of January, researchers conducted integrated monitoring of migratory and wintering waterbirds in the Lebap region of Turkmenistan. Field studies covered the Amudarya River, the Garagum River, and several key water bodies, including Soltansanjar, Goshabulak, Seydi, Ketdeshor, Ramankol, Yerajy, and Shorkol. The research team included scientists A. Sadykov and Y. Agryzkov, along with photojournalist A. Tangrygulyev from the “Diyar” magazine. These scientific expeditions were supported by a joint project of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme.

The results of the study confirmed the presence of six major ecological categories of birds within the middle reaches of the Amudarya River in Turkmenistan, including resident species, migratory arrivals, wintering birds, summer visitors, transit species, and irregular visitors.

Long-term scientific research conducted by specialists of the Amudarya Nature Reserve has documented 21 bird species listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. These include several rare species of birds of prey and falcons that require special protection to preserve Turkmenistan’s biodiversity.

The nationwide bird census was conducted across Turkmenistan as part of the International Waterbird Census coordinated under the auspices of the international organization Wetlands International.