Caspian snowcock: Red Data Book of Armenia

Pheasants - Phasianidae

Status. A vulnerable species of low numbers. Listed in the Red Data Book of the former USSR. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1a+2a; C2a(i); D1.

Distribution. The subspecies is distributed in Southern and Eastern Turkey, Lesser Caucasus and South Caucasus, Azerbaijan and Northwestern Iran.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in almost all upland landscapes with cliffs and rocks.

Habitats. Lives in high mountains, on steep slopes with rocky outcrops at 2500–3500 m above sea level.

Biological traits. Nestles on the ground, beneath the stones. Lays eggs once a year, 5–8/clutch. Feeds on plants, searching for them on slopes.

Population size and its trends. Available information is insufficient to judge about the population size. The population density is 0.05 individuals/ha on the Zangezur Ridge and twice as lower on the Vardenis, Pambak and Bazum ridges.

Major threats. Overgrazing, disturbance inflicted by plant gatherers and shepherd dogs, poaching.

Conservation measures. Habitats are partly protected in Khosrov Forest Reserve and Shikahogh Reserve. Listed in Appendix I of the CITES. It is essential to reconsider the approaches of livestock grazing in uplands, strengthen anti–poaching activities and to raise local awareness. It looks expedient to establish seasonal sanctuaries or temporary safety zones.