Transcaucasian racerunner: Red Data Book of Armenia

Lacertids — Lacertidae

Status. A species of limited distribution and decreasing population. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Critically Endangered CR A2c. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Critically Endangered CR B2ab (ii, iii).

Distribution. Distributed in Eastern Turkey, Northwestern Iran and the eastern part of the South Caucasus.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs on the western bank of the Arax River from the western part of the Ejmiadzin district to the southern foothills of the Meghri Ridge.

Habitats. Inhabits firm sands covered with calligonum, milk vetch, wormwoods and, sometimes, cereals. Infrequently recorded in rocky wormwood and salt–marsh semi–deserts. Short burrows (10–15 cm) dug underneath the scrubs serve as shelters.

Biological traits. The hibernation period lasts from September–October to mid–April. Feeds on ants, small beetles, hymenopterans, flies, larvae and spiders. Mating occurs from April to mid–June. Three to four eggs are laid from June to early August. The youngs–of–the–year are active from mid–July to late September.

Population size and its trends. In the past 10–15 years, abundance has plummeted and a number of populations from the Arax basin have disappeared. Almost completely gone from the Ararat Valley.

Major threats. Habitat encroachment for agricultural production, overgrazing and landscape deterioration.

Conservation measures. Protected in Khosrov Forest Reserve, Goravan Sands Sanctuary and Arevik National Park. It is essential to fence off the lands of Goravan Sands Sanctuary.