Preliminary raptor surveys in western Mongolia
Journal of Raptor Research
Abstracts of presentations made at the annual meeting of the raptor research foundation, inc., held at Flagstaff, Aizona, on 2-6 Nvember 1994
By: D. H. Ellis, Merlin H. Ellis, and Pu Tsengeg
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Abstract
Raptors were observed on a 5200 km expedition from Ulaan Baatar through the Hangay Mountains to the Russian Altay Mountains with return through the Gobi Altay Mountains. The focus of the expedition was on nesting ecology of the Saker (Falco cherrug) and Altay falcons (F. altaicus) (25 eyries were located), but nests were also found for seven other species including more than 30 nests found of the upland buzzard (Buteo hemilasius). We conducted 21 day-long counts and 10 more formal raptor road counts. Raptors were concentrated in areas where perches were common and where food was most abundant. Western Mongolia remains a vast undeveloped land where camel trains and yak carts are normal. No developed highway network exists. Raptor work in the interior must be supported by four-wheel drive vehicles traveling cross country. Food and fuel for a research team are difficult to procure, but raptor populations are largely unexploited. Raptors frequently nest on the ground or on very low cliffs and tress, and often nest in close proximity of pairs of their own and other species. Several areas of special significance to raptors are discussed including the Taleen Ulaan (Red Steppe) areas of granite dells which we recommend for status as an international reserve.
Suggested Citation
Ellis, D.H., Ellis, M.H., Tsengeg, P., 1995, Preliminary raptor surveys in western Mongolia: Journal of Raptor Research, v. 29, no. 1.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Preliminary raptor surveys in western Mongolia |
| Series title | Journal of Raptor Research |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1995 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 55 (abstract) |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Raptor Research |
| First page | 55 (abs) |