European roller: Red Data Book of Armenia

Rollers - Coraciidae

Status. A rare oligotopic species. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii).

Distribution. The subspecies is distributed from North Africa and Europe eastwards to Asia Minor, Iran, Southwestern Siberia.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in semi–deserts and mountain grasslands.

Habitats. Lives in semi–desert and mountain grassland zones, inhabiting quite steep slopes with arid vegetation and rocky outcrops.

Biological traits. Eggs (3–6/clutch) are laid once a year. Feeds mainly on insects.

Population size and its trends. Available information is insufficient to judge about the population size. In the Meghri district, the population density is 0.22 individuals/ha.

Major threats. The population has been affected by the encroachment of semi–deserts for agricultural use and the use of toxic chemicals in dealing with vermin.

Conservation measures. The population is partially protected in Khosrov Forest Reserve. Taking into accound the lack of information on the population size, it is essential to include this species into the plan of biodiversity monitoring for annual census in late April – early May. Limited habitat selectivity and loss of suitable landscapes make it important to reconsider the land use policies in semi–deserts and to proceed with the establishment of sanctuaries. It is also crucial to transform the use of toxic chemicals into an environmentally friendly approach.