Eurasian oystercatcher: Red Data Book of Armenia

Oystercatchers — Haematopodidae

Status. A rare species of low numbers in Armenia. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii).

Distribution. Widespread across almost all parts of the world, but its abundance is not high.

Distribution in Armenia. In the 1930–1940s, it was common throughout Armenia. In the 1950s, singular individuals were recorded in the Lake Sevan basin and the Arax riverside. At present, it is a casual migrant in the Lake Sevan basin and the Arax riverside.

Habitats. Shallows of the lakes Sevan and Lichk (Martuni district).

Biological traits. The clutch consists of 2–4 eggs. The brooding period is 21–27 days. Does not nestle in Armenia.

Population size and its trends. Singular inividuals occur in the vicinities of the former Lake Gilli and the Lake Lichk.

Major threats. The population is affected by the drainage of wetlands in the Ararat Valley and the disappearance of shallows in the Lake Sevan resulting from its water subsidence.

Conservation measures. Protected in Sevan National Park. It is essential to estimate population size, determine current range and to apply efficient conservation measures.