Steppe eagle: Red Data Book of Armenia

Hawks and eagles — Accipitridae

Status. A vulnerable species of low numbers, in Armenia occurs mostly during migrations. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU C2a(i); D1.

Distribution. Occurs from Eastern Europe to East Asia, India.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in mountain grasslands during migrations and (juveniles) the nesting season.

Habitats. Mountain grasslands, agricultural lands.

Biological traits. Does not nestle in Armenia. In 2007, 21 individuals bred at the EARAZA zoos have produced 9 offspring.

Population size and its trends. No reliable information is available. In 1995, about 764 individuals were counted during migration. In 2008, about 190 individuals were kept at the EARAZA zoos.

Major threats. During migrations, poaching for preparation of stuffed specimens and their sales. Use of toxic chemicals in agriculture.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the CITES and in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. It is essential to focus efforts on raising local awareness and to increase the rates of fines for eagle poaching and captures.