On June 27, 2025 the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic puts into circulation a series of 2024 Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamps: "Kyrgyz Republic Red Data Book (V). Birds".
The new issue of KEP postage stamps is dedicated to protected bird species listed in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz Republic. Birds are an adornment of the country’s fauna, and they require protection and conservation. KEP hopes that this issue will help raise awareness and promote efforts to conserve bird species threatened with extinction. Often, it is human activity that causes the catastrophic environmental changes that lead to the decline of biodiversity on Earth. And it is people who are both responsible for and capable of correcting their mistakes, thus preserving the unique nature of our planet, including the wonderful world of birds. The KEP stamps feature four red-listed bird species of Kyrgyzstan.
The Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) is a bird in the pheasant family, belonging to the order Galliformes. In Kyrgyzstan, it inhabits the spruce forests of Chon-Kemin and the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul basin. It prefers mountain spruce forests with an undergrowth of rowan, barberry, and other shrubs, interspersed with open glades. The black grouse feeds on insects, leaves and seeds of grasses, berries, and in winter, on spruce needles. The main limiting factors that seriously affect the black grouse population include livestock grazing in spruce forest zones and poaching. Main natural predators of the black grouse include wolves, foxes, golden eagles, goshawks and domestic dogs. Eggs and chicks are often destroyed by small predators, magpies and crows. The black grouse was included in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz SSR back in 1985. Currently, it is protected in the "Karakol" and "Chon-Kemin" state natural parks of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) is a small diving duck from the Anatidae family. Its name comes from the color of its eyes: in males, the iris of the eyes is yellowish-white (appearing white from a distance). In Kyrgyzstan, it is found during migration in the Chuy Valley, the Issyk-Kul region, and the high-altitude lakes of the Inner Tien Shan. It prefers lakes, reservoirs, and ponds rich in aquatic vegetation and populated by small aquatic animals. The Ferruginous Duck is a migratory species. In spring, the first birds arrive in Kyrgyzstan from early to mid-April. Autumn migration occurs in September-October. Its diet mainly consists of aquatic plant matter, as well as seeds of legumes, buckwheat and buttercup families. Occasionally, it also feeds on aquatic insects, mollusks, and small fish. The population of the ferruginous duck has been steadily declining due to habitat destruction, poaching, and unfavorable environmental conditions. Like many other species, it urgently requires human protection and conservation.
The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug ) is a very rare species of birds of prey from the falcon family. Its diet mainly consists of small mammals and birds. Since ancient times, people have highly valued saker falcons as hunting birds. In Kyrgyzstan, they nest exclusively in mountainous areas at elevations of at least 1300–1500 meters, but can reach altitudes of up to 3000 meters above sea level. During hunting, they may also appear in lower-lying regions. In the wild, the average lifespan of saker falcons is 18 to 20 years. Unfortunately, its population is rapidly declining worldwide, including in Kyrgyzstan. The saker falcon is now under threat of extinction, primarily due to human activity. However, people can take the necessary steps to save this beautiful and ecologically important bird. The species was included in the Red Data Book of the USSR in 1985 and is currently protected in several nature reserves across Kyrgyzstan.
The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is the smallest representative of the subfamily Gypaetinae, with a wingspan of about 165 cm. It is a scavenger, feeding mostly on carrion, as well as on waste and small animals. The Egyptian vulture has a bald head with folds and bright yellow skin. Adult plumage is white with long black feathers along the edges of the wings, which are especially visible in flight. Egyptian vultures are migratory, forming permanent pairs. Nests typically contain two eggs, with both parents incubating and raising the offspring. In Kyrgyzstan, it is found widely, though not at high altitudes, preferring arid foothills and mid-altitude areas. Scavengers like the Egyptian vulture play an essential role in ecosystems as natural sanitizers, cleaning up animal remains and preventing the spread of various diseases.
