Common shelduck: Red Data Book of Armenia

Ducks, geese and swans — Anatidae

Status. A rare and threatened 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)+2ab(iii).

Distribution. British Isles, Mediterranean countries, Asia Minor, Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Scandinavia, Central Asia, Mongolia, China, Japan.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs during migrations in the Lake Sevan basin, on Lake Arpi and in wetlands of the Arax riverside.

Habitats. For nesting prefers the riparian uplands near the open waters. During migrations feeds on shallows and the Ararat valley’s wetlands. Fish ponds, lakes. Before the subsidence of the Lake Sevan, local shelducks nestled in dens and rock crevices. As the shoreline has moved away, no nesting is recorded here any more.

Biological traits. Nestles in May in tree hollows, fox and badger dens on slopes encircling a lake. The nest is a simple non–fledged hole. Eggs are pale white, 9–12/clutch, size 64–70 mm. Sometimes several females lay eggs in the same nest, giving a total clutch of up to 50 eggs. The brooding period is 27–29 days. Hatchlings are very agile and can follow their parents. Full development of hatchlings lasts ca. 2 months. Fledglings are very skilful in swimming and diving. Shelducks have a habit of fightingly taking away the other parents’ broods and gathering them around.

Population size and its trends. In recent years, 2–3 individuals were recorded on the Lake Sevan during migration. Fifty to hundred individuals are counted in the Ararat Valley. It does no longer nestle in the country. In winter 10–20 birds can be watched in the Arax riverside, but not every year.

Major threats. Nesting grounds in the Lake Sevan have disappeared because of water subsidence. Winter freezing of Sevan, fishing and poaching are serious threats.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. Protected in Sevan National Park and Lake Arpi National Park. Local communities living near the national parks and within the Arax riverside are involved in awareness–raising activities. It is essential to estimate population size throughout a year, identify suitable nesting sites and ensure their conservation, strengthen anti–poaching activities during migrations and wintering and to declare the Armash fish ponds an Important Bird Area.