Paradoxes in the Distribution Areas of Some Duck Species in Northern Eurasia

The distributions and ecology of some species of ducks widespread in the steppe zone of Kazakhstan and Western Siberia ( Aythya fuligula , Anas acuta , and Anas penelope ) are considered. The absence of these ducks from the European steppes is accounted for by their disappearance in the historical past, caused by the plowing of the meadow–steppes in which these species usually nest, as well as the development of artificial forest plantations, the excessive hunting of waterfowl and near-water birds, and by number of other negative factors. The fate of these species in the steppes of Eastern Europe may be shared by the White-headed Duck ( Oxyura leucocephala ), the Ferruginous Duck ( Aythya nyroca ), and the Gadwall ( Anas strepera ) and Pochard ( Aythya ferina ), if no proper measures are taken to protect and restore their numbers.