Peregrine falcon: Red Data Book of Armenia

Falcons and caracaras – Falconidae

Status. A non–migratory species. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU D1.

Distribution. The subspecies occurs, in low numbers, in Central and Northwestern Europe, Syria and Lebanon.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in almost all parts of the country and inhabits rocky habitats.

Habitats. Lives in different habitats where rocks and cliffs are available.

Biological traits. Nestles on cliff brinks or in crevices. Eggs (2–4/clutch) are laid once a year. In 2007, 5 pairs bred at the EARAZA zoos have produced 7 offspring.

Population size and its trends. According to guesstimates, Armenia is inhabited by 60–70 pairs of peregrine falcons. In 2008, 48 individuals were kept at the zoos of the Eurasian Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

Major threats. Arabic countries are interested in peregrine falcons for their falconry what opens up a potential market in Armenia and stimulates poaching. The other negative factors are environmental contamination with wastes of mining industry and the use of toxic chemicals in agriculture and forest management.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix I of the CITES and in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. It is essential to strengthen control over poaching, promote protection of nesting sites, regulate the use of toxic chemicals and to substitute them with biological agents.