Whooper swan: Red Data Book of Armenia

Ducks, geese and swans — Anatidae

Status. A rare species. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii)+2a.

Distribution. The range encompasses all Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Asia Minor, South Caucasus, Central Asia, Iran, China.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs during migrations, occasionally also in winter, in the Lake Sevan basin and on the Ararat Valley’s fish ponds.

Habitats. Water bodies with lush riparian vegetation and open water surface.

Biological traits. Nests are built in dry riparian sites, sometimes also in shallows, and made of twigs and plants. Eggs are white or creamy, usually 4–6/clutch (seldom up to 7), size 114–126 mm. The brooding period is 35–40 days. Hatchlings stay for long with their parents and fly together during the autumn migrations.

Population size and its trends. Occurs during the autumn and spring migrations in flocks of 4–50 individuals. Has always been rare in Armenia.

Major threats. Unknown, possibly, poaching.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. Protected in Sevan National Park. Local communities living in the Lake Sevan basin and personnel of the Armash fish ponds are involved in awareness–raising activities. It is essential to set stringent control over the swan occurrence sites in winter. The Armash fish ponds should be declared an Important Bird Area. It is also important to strengthen anti–poaching activities.