White–headed duck: Red Data Book of Armenia

Ducks, geese and swans — Anatidae

Status. A relict species. Listed in the Red Data Book of the former USSR. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Endangered EN A2bcde+4bcde. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN A2bcde+4bcde.

Distribution. The range encompasses the southern part of the Pyrenean Peninsula, Northwestern Africa, Russia, Turkey, Central Asia, Pakistan, Mongolia, Northwestern China, South Caucasus.

Distribution in Armenia. In the past, it nestled only in the Lake Sevan basin and was recorded during migrations in the Arax riverside. In 1928–1930, it was particularly widespread on the lakes Sevan (Shorzha) and Gilli, being among the commonnest nesting species. At present, the nesting grounds on the Lake Sevan are completely destroyed. Not recorded in the past years. The only suitable habitats and nesting grounds persist on the Armash fish ponds. The number of nesting pairs does not exceed 20–30.

Habitats. Fish ponds with dense reedbeds and open water surface. Nesting grounds are nearly all wiped out through the water subsidence and drainage of the Lake Gilli.

Biological traits. The nest is flat, made of reed, fledged with down and built in dense reedbeds on rotten plant residues. Eggs are pale white, 5–10/clutch, size 66–69.5 mm. The brooding period is 27–29 days. Having dried, hatchlings go to feed in the evening under their parents’ guidance.

Population size and its trends. Twenty to thirty pairs are recorded during the nesting season on the Armash fish ponds and in the Ararat Valley’s wetlands, with no trends of increase.

Major threats. Reed burning and rooting out, as well as poaching.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the CITES and in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. Personnel of the Armash fish ponds are involved in awareness–raising activities. It is essential to declare the Armash fish ponds an Important Bird Area, estimate population size throughout a year, strengthen anti–poaching activities and to restore the Lake Gilli.