On the Study of the Steppe Eagle in the Altai Kray, Russia
Data on distribution, number, nesting biology, and limiting factors for the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) population in the Altai Kray, Russia, are presented. The results of monitoring of some nesting areas in 2013 are given also. Total 125 nesting areas of the Steppe Eagle were localized in the Altai Kray. The majority of it is situated in the steppe foothills of the Altai Mountains. Average distance between nearest active nests (n=85) is 2040±1214 meters (median is 1561 m). Most of nests (81.7 %) are situated on outcrops (stones, rock's ledges or tops). The clutches consisted of 1-3 eggs, on average 2.0±0.58 (n=19), the number of nestlings was also from 1 to 3, on average 1.65±0.74 (n=57). Main preys were the Siberian Zokor (Myospalax myospalax), the Red-cheeked Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus erythrogenys), and the raven species (Corvidae).