Black stork: Red Data Book of Armenia

Storks — Ciconidae

Status. A species of low numbers and limited distribution. Listed in the Red Data Book of the former USSR. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU D1.

Distribution. Occurs is Western Europe, Russia, Asia Minor, Central Asia, South Africa.

Distribution in Armenia. Nestles in Northern Armenia.

Habitats. Nestles in woodlands and cliffy canyons nearby the rivers, forest swamps and lakes.

Biological traits. Nestles once a year, laying 3–6 eggs in a clutch. Captive breeding is known at the Kharkov Zoo where in 2007 a pair has produced 3 offspring.

Population size and its trends. According to guesstimates, Armenia is inhabited by 2–5 pairs. At least 5 individuals breed at the EARAZA zoos.

Major threats. Loss of nesting grounds ensuing from shrinkage and thinning out of forests, as well as disturbance during the nesting season.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the CITES and in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. It is essential to modify the practice of forest use and management and to prohibit access during the nesting season (April–July).