Lesser spotted eagle: Red Data Book of Armenia

Hawks and eagles — Accipitridae

Status. A threatened species of low numbers. Listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. 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. The species range is concentrated in Central Europe, occurs also in Southeastern Europe, Caucasus and Northern Iran.

Distribution in Armenia. Distributed almost everywhere, except the treeless western and south–western areas.

Habitats. Broadleaf deciduous and mixed forests.

Biological traits. Nestles in forests, both large tracts and small parcels. Preys in open landscapes. During migrations occurs throughout the country in dufferent habitats. Eggs are laid once a year, 2/clutch, but only one nestling survives.

Population size and its trends. Recent surveys show that Armenia is inhabited by 48–52 pairs. In 2008, 2 individuals were kept at the Yerevan Zoo and 14 at the EARAZA zoos.

Major threats. Direct persecution, poaching, aerie destruction, possibly, also lack of control over the use of toxic chemicals. Another threat is rapid development of the falconry market in the Middle East.

Conservation measures. One pair breeds in each of Khosrov Forest Reserve and Shikahogh Reserve and 2 pairs – in each of Sevan National Park and Dilijan National Park. Listed in Appendix II of the CITES, Appendix II of the Berne Convention and in appendix of the agreement "On protection of migratory birds" signed between Russia and India. It is essential to set measures to protect eagle habitats, raise public awareness and to increase the rates of fines for poaching, nestling removal and aerie destruction.