The purpose of the work. Elucidation of changes in the number and distribution of little bustard (Tetrax tetrax Linnaeus, 1758) on the territory of the Rostov Nature Reserve in the 20th-21st centuries and the reasons for their transformation. Place and methods of work. The reserve is located in the arid Eastern European steppes. The authors used their own observations from 1959 and publications on Tetrax tetrax L. The materials are collected using regular route methods and animal tracking at individual sites, as well as analysis of published information. Results. The little bustard is a characteristic steppe species that historically lived on the Don land. Since the mid-twentieth century, the steppes have experienced deep anthropogenic changes, which have had a great impact on this species. Currently, the little bustard in the steppe zone is a rare species. The creation of the reserve has had a positive impact on this species. In it, the little bustard is a small breeding species, and its number is constrained by a number of factors. The intensification of economic activity in the region and the aridization of the climate make it necessary to improve environmental protection work.