Little bustard: Red Data Book of Armenia

Bustards - Otididae

Status. A vulnerable species. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B2ab(iii); Ca(i); D1.

Distribution. Distributed in some places in Western, Southern and Southeastern Europe and further eastwards to Central Siberia.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs only during migrations, mainly in the country’s west.

Habitats. During migrations occurs in semi–deserts and moutain grasslands.

Biological traits. Eggs (3–4/clutch) are laid once a year.

Population size and its trends. Available information is insufficient to judge about the population size. In 2008, 17 individuals were kept at the EARAZA zoos.

Major threats. During migrations little bustards are affected by poaching.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the CITES and in Appendix II of the Berne Convention. It is essential to strengthen anti–poaching activities, increase the rates of fines and to raise public awareness.