Massive bird kill spotted in Caspian

By Murat Sultangaliyev

Stock photo

Last week a large number of dead birds was discovered at the Shalyga island located within Ak Zhaik wildlife sanctuary in the Caspian Sea.

The regional nature protection prosecutorate confirmed the case. For the moment the reasons are unclear and investigation is under way. 

The oblast's veterinary control department said carcasses have been sent to Astana for studies.

Veterinarians say some birds were seen dead in water, some on the ground.

The island of Shalyga is located in a buffer zone of Ak Zhaik public natural reserve, between the city of Atyrau and Kashagan field, which is currently actively preparing for industrial crude production.