A Study of the Factors affecting the Breeding Success of Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) as an Umbrella Species in Aji-gol, Ala-gol and Alma-gol International Wetlands of Turkmen Steppe

This study was conducted to evaluate the problems and threats of Aji-gol , Ala-gol and Alma-gol
international wetlands of Turkmen steppe in Golestan province, taking the Marsh harrier (Circus
aeruginosus) as an umbrella species. Monitored were 31 nests. 131 eggs, 62 nestli ngs and 28 j uve niles durin g two bree ding periods, from late winter 1997 to late spring 1999. Factors affecting the nests and the nestlings were also regularl y monitored. The thre e areas considered together, the breeding success of Marsh harrier was estimated to be about 2 1.37 %, a proport ion much lower than that norm ally observe d in Europe. Flooding of breeding habitats through construction of dams in the north-west of Ala-gel, and on the contrary, drying up of these habitats through drainage for aqu aculture activities ill the northern part and as well impact of livestock grazing are resp onsible for this breedin g failu re and consequ ent ly, the most important threats for the wetlands and their wildlife. In total, the current overexploitation of the areas with no due con sideration of the seasonal need s of wildlife represents the principle thr eat to the biodi versity of the wetlands.