"BirdLinks Armenia" NGO together with Areviq National Park carried out a continuous study of a secret bird Turaji species (Francolinus francolinus), as it is registered in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010) as a data-deficient species.
The reassessment of its ecological status is very important for the further protection of this beautiful and rare bird.
A study conducted in 2003-2019 showed that this species is found in southeastern Armenia at 375-600m above sea level.
In 2003-2009, its population trend was stable, and in 2019, the population was estimated at 16-25 breeding pairs.
There is no serious danger that some poaching is taking place, there is a suspicion that stray dogs and cats are reducing their nesting sites.
However, it is proposed to change this status of "Endangered" in Armenia according to criterion D.
The following conservation measures are suggested to protect the species
● Officially adopt the type of range as the Emerald site,
● Develop a monitoring and management plan,
● Encourage more targeted bird-watching, which in turn will have a positive impact on the local economy.,
● Prolong poaching punishment,
● Promote public awareness of this species and investigate the impact of burning shrubs and other threats on the growth and stability of its number.
The article "assessment of the ecological state in Armenia of Turaji (Francolinus francolinus Linnaeus, 1766) was published in the journal Revista Catalana d'ornitologia.
The full article can be read here:
https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=8001837