Great 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 Vulnerable VU A2c+3c+4c. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU A2c+3c+4c.

Distribution. The species range is spread from the Pyrenean Peninsula, Morocco, Turkey, Southern and Southeastern Europe 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 mountain grasslands.

Biological traits. Eggs (1–4, usually 2–3) are laid once a year.

Population size and its trends. Available information is insufficient to judge about the population size. Occurrence during migrations is quite regular. In 2008, 36 individuals were kept at the EARAZA zoos.

Major threats. The population is affected by poaching.

Conservation measures. Listed in Appendix II of the CITES and in Appendix I of the Berne Convention. It is essential to enforce control over bird captures and poaching, increase the rates of fines and to raise public awareness.