Marbled teal: Red Data Book of Armenia

Ducks, geese and swans — Anatidae

Status. An endangered nesting and migratory species of 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 Vulnerable VU A2cd+3cd+4cd. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN D.
Distribution. Distributed in Mediterranean countries, India, Volga delta, southern part of the Caspian Sea, South Caucasus, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, North Africa.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in wetlands of the Ararat Valley, especially on the Armash fish ponds.

Habitats. Lakes and swamps with lush riparian vegetation, as well as ephemeral salt marshes.
Biological traits. The nest is built in dry sites, beneath the shrubs or grasses, near the lakelets or on islets. It represents a hole fledged with feathers over dry grasses. Eggs are brown–and–white, 7–14/clutch, size 42–50 mm. The brooding period is 25–27 days. Hatchlings are cared by their mother.

Population size and its trends. The Armash fish ponds and ambient wetlands are inhabited by 5–30 breeding pairs. In the past, some individuals used to be recorded during migrations on the Lake Sevan. At present, 30–50 individuals occur during migrations only in the Arax riverside.

Major threats. Reed burning, as well as disturbance and poaching during the nesting season.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. Fish farmers and local communities 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 and to strengthen anti–poaching activities.