Collared pratincole: Red Data Book of Armenia

Coursers and pratincoles - Glareolidae

Status. A rare locally breeding species 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 D1.

Distribution. Southern Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs during migrations in the provinces of Shirak, Armavir, Ararat and Gegharkunik. The nesting sites are found in the Armavir (Taronik village), Ararat (Armash fish ponds) and Gegharkunik (Lake Sevan) provinces.

Habitats. Grasslands, clayey and salt lands.

Biological traits. A colonial species. In nesting sites occurs from April to September. Nestles on the ground nearby the water. Three (seldom 2 or 4) eggs are laid once a year in April–May. The brooding period is 17–19 days.

Population size and its trends. The regularly used nesting sites are known only from the Armash fish ponds. The size of the breeding colony is unknown.

Major threats. Small population size. Deterioration of suitable habitats resulting from human activities. Livestock grazing near the nesting sites. Poaching.

Conservation measures. Not specially protected. It is essential to fence off the nesting sites on the Armash fish ponds to prevent human and livestock access during the nesting season and to raise public awareness.