Purple swamphen: Red Data Book of Armenia

Rails - Rallidae

Status. A poorly studied species. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Data Deficient DD.

Distribution. The subspecies is distributed from Southern Europe and North Africa to Asia Minor, South Asia and Siberia.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs along the south–western shoreline of the Lake Sevan, on the Lake Arpi and in the Arax riverside within the districts of Ararat and Meghri.

Habitats. Inhabits dense reedbeds nearby the natural lakes and artificial fish ponds. Establishment of recreational zones, swimming areas, fish farms and agricultural practices lead to habitat loss.

Biological traits. Eggs (3–5/clutch) are laid once or twice a year. Eggs are laid anew if the first clutch is lost. The purple swamphen is known to breed at the zoos of Moscow, Baku and Minsk.

Population size and its trends. Available information is insufficient to judge about the population size. In 2008, 73 individuals were kept at the EARAZA zoos.

Major threats. The population has been disturbed on fish ponds and during the frequent fluctuations of water level. Poaching is also possible during the officially open season.

Conservation measures. It is essential to include this species to the plan of biodiversity monitoring, reconsider the land use policy in the species occurrence sites, establish temporary safety zones or sanctuaries, increase the rates of fines and to raise public awareness.