Saker falcon: Red Data Book of Armenia

Falcons and caracaras – Falconidae

Status. A threatened species. Listed in the Red Data Book of the former USSR. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Endangered EN A2bcd+3cd+4bcd. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN A2bcd+3cd+4bcd.

Distribution. Grasslands and forest–steppes from Eastern Europe to the North Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Western Siberia, Altai Mts., Tuva, Lake Baikal region.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in the vicinities of Yerevan and the districts of Gavar, Vayk, Ararat, Vardenis, Chambarak, Stepanavan, Talin and Ejmiadzin. Possibly, in Armenia it is a non–migratory and nesting species.

Habitats. Possibly, cliffy areas of the Akhurian riverside surrounded by treeless semi–deserts. At present, these habitats have been intensively used as pasture grounds.

Biological traits. The aerie is usually placed on a cliff brink or in a crevice. Nest–building on trees is also known. Eggs are laid in April, 1–6 (usually 3–4)/clutch. Both parents are involved in brooding which lasts 30 days. The egg–laying period is 40–45 days, juveniles are recorded in early July. Preys on mid–sized mammals and birds.

Population size and its trends. Unknown.

Major threats. Unknown.

Conservation measures. Protected in Khosrov Forest Reserve and Sevan National Park. It is essential to estimate population size, identify and strictly protect the nesting sites of the saker falcon throughout Armenia.