Black woodpecker: Red Data Book of Armenia

Woodpeckers - Picidae

Status. A rare species of limited distribution. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU D1.

Distribution. Europe, Asia.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in the Lori, Tavush, Gegharkunik and Syunik provinces.

Habitats. Lives in broadleaf forests with an essential presence of tall trees.

Biological traits. Non–migratory. Nestles in pecked tree hollows. Eggs (1–9, usually 4–6/clutch) are laid once a year in early April. The brooding period is 12–14 days.

Population size and its trends. The population has decreased, possibly because of intensive felling of tall trees in the past decade.

Major threats. Deforestation which causes habitat fragmentation and destroys trees suitable for nesting.

Conservation measures. Protected in Shikahogh Reserve, Dilijan National Park and sanctuaries in the Tavush Province. The species demands for urgent protection. It is essential to establish new sanctuaries specifically to preserve tall trees.