Source: https://www.abcc-am.org/projects.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 00:18:48+00:00

Document:
European Breeding Bird Atlas 2 / National Atlas "The State of Breeding Birds of Armenia"
This project is a pan-European initiative of European Bird Census Council. The main aim of the project is to illustrate trends of changes in distribution and number of breeding species of Europe, during 30 years after publication of the first Atlas. Armenia joined this initiative in 2014, already having a scheme of monitoring and a developing net of birdwatchers. During implementation of the project the network of birders increased more than three times, the bird monitoring scheme was re-established a bird monitoring scheme into more sustainable way, and the data collection and analysis techniques have been significantly improved. The information, collected for European Atlas will serve as a basis for creation of National Atlas "State of Breeding Birds of Armenia", for assessment of Emerald Sites under Bern Convention and National Protected Areas, for assessment of industrial initiatives and sustainable management of natural ecosystems, and also for further development of birdwatching in Armenia and Caucasus.
See the contribution of Armenia in the European Breeding Bird Atlas at Observation.org.
Publications: First National Atlas of the Birds of Armenia.
Tracking bird distribution and population trends alarms about influence of climate change on the ecosystems, and helps in developing early mitigation measures; thus reducing costs of appropriate actions.
Also it helps understanding the influence of human activities on the natural habitats and changing the business practice before it is too late; thus it helps in increasing sustainability in use of terrestrial ecosystems.
More than 50 European countries, including European part of Russia and Caucasus united around this wide-scale initiative, to understand current state of the breeding birds.
After ratification of Bern Convention in 2008, Armenia was given a task to select Emerald Sites, based on species listed in Appendix II of the Convention, including 117 bird species. This important initiative is a first important step in habitat conservation. Our contribution to this program includes regular consultation of National Experts' Group of Bern Convention; suggestion of new territories as potential Emerald Sites; and assessment of the sites based on our own database on bird species. Our collaborative efforts in 2014 resulted in accepting of a new territory "Arevik"; in 2015 our efforts together with National Experts' Group and WWF Armenia allowed in identification and assessment of five new territories, including one of the most spectacular bird areas - Armash Fish Ponds.
Duration: 2013-2017. Publications: The "Emerald" Network in the Republic of Armenia.
Unlike Nature Reserves with strict protection regime, Emerald Sites suppose integrated land management where community and business can benefit as well as ecosystems, plants, and animals.
Identification of the sites, which are important for biodiversity conservation but do not have a protected status yet helps in beginning the process of sustainable management of natural habitats and prevents biodiversity loss.
In entire world, birds are known as sensitive and useful indicators of natural ecosystems, which can show both: degradation of the habitatс as well as their improvement. In Armenia, the system of bird monitoring in the Protected Areas is still under development. However, some PAs already understood the necessity of using the easy manageable tools, as an integral part of conservation planning. Lake Sevan National Park is the first one which started collaboration with ABCC in regards of bird monitoring. The project is aimed at continuous monitoring of birds at the terrestrial and aquatic habitats of the Lake Sevan NP and its close proximity, and at regular generation of indexes of the bird diversity. Reports are planned to be regularly published for public use.
Duration: 2016 - ongoing. Publications: Technical Report on the monitoring of Birds in Lake Sevan National Park; Technical Report on the monitoring of Birds in Lake Sevan National Park - 2016-2017.
Protected Areas of Armenia are still under development of the professional capacity. In conditions of continuous pressure of industry, it is vitally important to continue the monitoring efforts as the cost effective tool of control.
Forestry management in modern Armenia was inherited from 1950-s and is based on a consumer's approach. Such an attitude was strengthened by economic and energy crisis in the country in 1990-s, which caused wide-scale logging and partial deforestation of many regions. Later the industrial production of hardwood was rehabilitated, while there are slight trends towards changing of methodological approach towards forest management. In particular there is a need of setting up an early-warning monitoring system. The current project aims at identification of forest indicators among birds and butterflies, and introduction of their monitoring on practice through training of the staff of forestry enterprises and protected areas.
​The component is a part of larger UNDP-GEF Project “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land and Forest Management in Mountain Landscapes of North-eastern Armenia”.
Participants: K. Aghababyan, G. Khanamirian; Duration: 2016-2018.
In Armenia the monitoring of the biological diversity is not yet a common duty of Protected Areas, partly because of lack of understanding of its necessity and partly due to lack of capacity. The project is aimed at identification of several bird species which can serve as indicators of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of two high-mountain National Parks: Lake Arpi in Armenia and Javakheti in Georgia. With the next step the project aims to conduct training of NPs' personnel in species identification and data collection and storing. So far, such indicators as White Stork, Ruddy Shelduck, Marsh Harrier, Dalmatian Pelican and some others have been selected for tracking the freshwater ecosystems, while Montague's Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Quail and some others have been selected to represent the steppes and meadows of this area.
Number of bird professionals is always low in any country. In the case when there is a need of broad scale research, education, or conservation - the Citizens come to help. In Armenia there are two networks of Citizen Scientists: White Stork Nest-Heighbors and Armenian Birdwatching Association. While the first network helps us in identification of reproductive characteristics, population trends, and threats for White Storks, the members of the second network help in collection of the data for National Atlas: "The State of Breeding Birds of Armenia", and in other smaller projects. Maintenance of these networks helps us to be early warned about: (1) various disasters; thus in 2017 we have been alarmed about oil leaking in Ararat Plane, which was influencing White Storks and other water birds; (2) high mortality of the species; thus in 2017 we were informed about Long-legged Buzzards, which lead the following research of consequences, (3) cases of poaching; thus in 2017 we have been warned about illegal killing of Griffon Vultures, which lead to the following legal operations in collaboration with Ministry of Nature Protection. Many news that we learn, are bad but important; however, often the networks help to learn good news as well: (1) thus in 2017 we had over 30 cases of bird rescue by responsible people. The species include not only Common Swift, Hooded Crow, and House Sparrow, but also Long-eared Owl, Griffon Vulture, White Stork, and many others; (2) also in last three years the list of bird species of Armenia was expanded with 6 new species, recorded by Citizen Scientists.
Involvement of people in decision making, and making their voices heard for justice help to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, which is a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Creation of networks at various levels: citizen, family, club, association, or institution, helps in creation of local partnership, which in its turn assists in revitalizing the global partnerships.
Main focus of the project is to identify habitat preferences of globally threatened and little-studied forest specialist - Semi-collared Flycatcher. Having better understanding of required habitat characteristics it will be possible to create a tool for sustainable management of population of the species, which will become a foundation for forestry industry. It would become possible to model the planned forestry activities and to conduct monitoring of predicted consequences. In addition, the study will allow to estimate the population of the species in Armenia. Information collected during implementation of the project will be used for next edition of Red Book of Animals of Armenia, for assessment of Emerald Sites under Bern Convention, for improvement of planning of Protected Areas, and forestry management practices. Also the information will be provided to IUCN Species Survival Commission, as a contribution for the next assessment.
Publications: The state of Semi-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata Homeyer, 1885) in Armenia.
Understanding habitat requirements of sensitive species allows taking those into consideration while developing forest management plans, and therefore to prevent the loss of species diversity and a breaking balance in ecosystems.
Main focus of the project was to identify trends of distribution, abundance, breeding success, feeding peculiarities and threats for four species of so called Old World Vultures: Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Black Vulture and Griffon Vulture. Another components of the project were related to determination of possibly high mortality of Griffon Vultures in Armenia as it was recorded for other Gyps vultures in Indian sub-continent; and begin tracking of post-fledgling behavior of Griffon Vultures. The project helped in identification that changes in land use practice are the major threats for these species. On the basis of project results the map of prime territories for vulture protection was designed and recommendations have been presented to Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia. The collected data have been used during preparation of Red Book of Animals of Armenia and for assessment of Emerald Sites in frames of Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, K.Bildstein, D. Klem, M. McGrady, M. Maregasparyan, V. Hakobyan, H. Kazaryan, M. Manukyan, M. Ghasabyan, V. Ananyan. Duration: 2003-2004. Publications: Final Report. Bearded Vulture in Red Book of Animals of Armenia, Egyptian Vulture in Red Book, Griffon Vulture in Red Book, Assessment of the Conservation Status of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Armenia.
Vultures are one of the key components of biodiversity and one of the most vulnerable birds, which require special attention. Their conservation has been considered as one of big 2029 targets by BirdLife International.
Main aim of the project was study of peculiarities of distribution and estimation of population of Golden Eagle in selected regions of Armenia via localization of breeding pairs, identification of nesting sites and distances between close neighbors, assessment of species requirements towards nesting habitat conditions and further extrapolation of the determined characteristics to the entire territory of Armenia. The data obtained through extrapolation were randomly tested. Results of the project have been presented to Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia. It can assist the sufficient Governmental bodies in better organization and planning of protection of the species in Armenia and also to consider the breeding ranges of the species during planning of economical activities. The obtained information served for preparation of Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia, and for assessment of Emerald Sites in frames of Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, S. Tumanyan; Duration: 2008. Publications: The distribution and number of Golden Eagles in Armenia [in Russian]. Golden Eagle in Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
Main focus of the project was aimed to identify the density of distribution and number of Lesser-Spotted Eagle in Armenia through registration of nesting and feeding territories of the species and preferred habitats; the next step included modeling of its distribution and population in Armenia. Results of project allow better understanding of consequences of reclamation of the forest and steppe habitats of Lesser-Spotted Eagles. The obtained results can be used at the stage of planning of economic activities, which will support better protection of the species. Gained information has been used in preparation of Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia, and for assessment of Emerald Sites in frames of Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, V. Ananyan, S. Tumanyan, Duration: 2007-2008. Publications: To the distribution and abundance of Lesser Spotted Eagle In Armenia [in Russian]. Lesser Spotted Eagle in Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
Project was aimed at study of distribution, abundance, breeding success, some peculiarities of ecology, and threats for Peregrine Falcon in thee provinces of Armenia. Identification of preferences of the species towards nesting habitat allowed us to estimate its population in the republic. ​Investigation of breeding success allowed making conclusions about effect of pesticides, applied in forestry industry, on Peregrines as raptor species at the top of food chains. The results of our study showed that after applying of pesticides at the forests, the number and breeding success of Peregrines in Meghri region of Armenia significantly declined. The obtained information was provided to the Ministry of Nature Protection and Ministry of Agriculture in Armenia, where it may be used in planning of environmentally friendly practices of pest control in the forest. The gained data serves for preparation of Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia, and for assessment of Emerald Sites in frames of Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, S. Tumanyan, L. Stepanyan, Duration: 2008-2009, Project was supported by Peregrine Fund Inc. and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association. Publications: On the breeding Peregrines Falco peregrinus brookei in some regions of Armenia; Peregrine Falcon in Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
Project was aimed to investigate distribution, number, nesting and migration behavior of Levant Sparrowhawk - extremely little-studied species of raptors. Identification of peculiarities of nesting and migration of the species allows improvement of knowledge about this secretive species and understanding of necessity of its protection both in and out of Armenia. Interestingly, during survey of Levant Sparrowhawk's nests we have discovered two breeding pairs of Shikra for first time in Armenia. The data, collected on Levant Sparrowhawk have been used during preparation of Red Book of Animals of Armenia and for assessment of Emerald Sites in frames of Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, V. Ananyan, G. Khanamirian, S. Tumanyan, K. Bildstein, M. McGrady; Duration: 2009-2015, Publications: Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes breeding populations in Yerevan and the Meghri region, Armenia. Levant Sparrowhawk in Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
Project was aimed to discover population density of Long-legged Buzzard on territory of Armenia and to identify habitat preferences and threats for this species. The project was based on involvement of local community members into the process of observation of the species and monitoring of its nests. Results of the project help in better understanding effect of pesticides, applied in agriculture on common species of raptors. Also during the project it was discovered that local inhabitants often keep the nestling of Long-legged Buzzards as pets; thus the project identified needs to carry out ecological education of locals in practice. Results of the project have been used during assessment of Emerald Sites for Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, M. Kochinyan, L. Stepanyan, T. Zakaryan, H. Torosyan, T. Hovhannesyan, G. Janoyan, M. Schäfer​; Duration: 2007-2009. Publications: Some habitat preferences of Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) in Armenia.
Main focus of the project is to develop mechanisms of sustainable management of wetland ecosystems using a flagship species - White Stork - both as an indicator of wetland ecosystem condition and as a model for ecological promotion. Project includes complete cycle of activities to estimate the condition of land and its remediation, to introduce ecologically-friendly practices of management, branding of ecologically clean production and ecological education in schools. Project is based on large-scale involvement of village communities into monitoring and protection of species and its biotopes.
The project was a component of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) initiative aimed at creation of International Action Plan for Spoonbill. It included identification of population dynamics and its distribution, overview of its ecological peculiarities and estimation of anthropogenic threats in 76 countries, including Armenia. The obtained information was used for assessment of Emerald Sites under Bern Convention.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, V. Ananyan; Duration: 2008, Publications: Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, AEWA International Single Species Action Plan.
Main focus of the project was aimed at identification of population density of Caspian Snowcock in two regions of Armenia and at identification of main characteristics of the habitat that influence its number, as well as estimation of anthropogenic threats for the species. Results of the project will allow better understanding of the needs of species protection and development of respective activities. Results show that population of Southern Armenia has twice as higher density than the population of Central Armenia. Collected data have been used during preparation of Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
Project team: K. Aghababyan; Duration: 2001-2002. Publications: Population of Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) in Zangezoor Mountains of Armenia. Caspian Snowcock in Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
The aim of the project was to determine the intensity of raptor migration in Eastern part of Pambak mountain range in Armenia. Such study can help in further development of long-term monitoring site, which then serves for following the dynamics of northern populations of number of migratory raptor species. Such initiative can also help in creation of a seasonal station for ecological education of pupils and students of Armenia. The pilot study of intensity of spring raptor migration and the migratory species composition has been carried out during 2 months and demonstrated quite an intensive migration during period from second half of March to beginning of May.
Project team: V. Ananyan, K. Aghababyan, M. Maregasparyan; Duration: 2000.
The aim of the project was to conduct a comparative analysis of ecological peculiarities of four species of wheatears, occurring in Armenia: Northern (Oenanthe oenanthe), Finsch's (Oe. finschii), Black-eared (Oe. hispanica), Persian (Oe. xanthoprymna) as a least studied group of birds in Armenia. Such data would allow to better understand and model their distribution and abundance, to model their populations and to estimate an influence of various potential threats, and therefore to obtain a better instrument for their protection and consideration of their distribution at the stage of planning of economical activities. Data about Oe.xanthoprymna were used in preparation of Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
Project team: K. Aghababyan; Duration: 1996-1998, Publications: Some peculiarities of ecology of four species of Armenian wheatears; Oenanthe xanthoprymna in Red Book of Animals of Armenia.
The main aim of the project was to determine indicators of forests' state, specifically - those bird species, which are most sensitive towards changes in forest ecosystem. A monitoring scheme of certain indicator species can then be introduced into forest management practice as an early warning system of habitat degradation. In addition the project included development of monitoring scheme and training system for forestry stuff. Several species have been identified as dependents of general forest conditions, while others could serve as indicators of some particular characteristics, e.g. amount of dead trees in the forest. In addition some non-forest birds can serve as indicators of beginning of aridization and desertification of the forest, when such species occupy the forest areas. The results of the project can help the forestry enterprises and governmental agencies to save expenses on broad-scale forest monitoring and to reallocate the budget to the other areas of urgent needs.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, V. Ananyan, G. Khanamirian, Duration: 2010-2011. Publications: Chapter: Indicators of deciduous forests at South-eastern Armenia, in: "Analysis of forest pests and pestholes exacerbated by climate change and climate variability in Syunik Marz of Armenia and to identification of the most applicable prevention measures".
The main focus of the project was to contribute to development of wildlife tourism, and birdwatching in particular, in National Park Arpi, through design of routes, information infrastructure, including web-resources, training of potential guides among local population and demonstration of potential of National Park to tour operators, with the aim of including it into package tours.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, V. Ananyan, G. Khanamirian, N. Sahakyan, A. Sargsyan, Duration: 2010 –2011.
Within the framework of first Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, implemented by Foundation for Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets, our specialists developed and implemented an eco-education program for high-school students, aiming to give basic knowledge about birds and their potential threats. The received knowledge helped students in further development of ideas for short environmental movies, to be presented during the mentioned Festival.
Project team: K. Aghababyan T. Zakaryan, M. Kochinyan, H. Torosyan; Duration: 2006.
A large-scale bird monitoring in country is only possible when there is a community of birdwatchers. Therefore, in 2003 we launched an initiative of bird identification training and testing of acquired skills in field. The project continued for six years and contributed to training of about 400 birdwatchers in Armenia, many of them are now the core of social group Birding Armenia. The course's methodology was very efficient, as a result it is successfully reproduced by number of organizations in Armenia and Caucasus: Peace Corps Armenia, Batumi Raptor Count, Foundation for Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets and others.
Project team: K. Aghababyan, M. Kochinyan, S. Tumanyan, H. Haroutyunyan; Duration: 2003-2008. Publications: ​Education through birdwatching.
There was a long-term gap after publishing of the first edition of Red Book of Animals of Armenia (1987). With initiative of Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia, works on the second edition have been started, and we joined this very important initiative in 2009.
Estimation of conservation status, including analysis of distribution and abundance, analysis of the population trends, development of recommendations for conservation and eventually preparation of accounts on each of 63 threatened species have been carried out. The Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia was published in 2010.
Participants: the team responsible for birds include K. Aghababyan, V. Ananyan, S. Tumanyan, A. Khachatryan, L. Stepanyan, M. Kochinyan; Duration: 2009-2010. Publication: The Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia.
The initiative of raptor count during migration through the most active corridor in the region was started in 2008 by an initiative group. The group later turned into NGO. Our input into this program was the design and implementation of training aimed at identification of raptors in flight, as well as training in data collection during raptor count. Annually 20-30 volunteers, participating in the raptor count, take these training course. In addition, we have also developed programs of ecological education for schoolchildren in Adjara region.
Participants: K. Aghababyan, S. Tumanyan, L. Stepanyan, T. Zakaryan, H. Torosyan, G. Janoyan, T. Hovanessyan, H. Ter-Voskanyan; Duration: 2008-2014.
The initiative of Wetlands International implemented in partnership with Birdlife International is aimed at annual count of waterbirds at wintering sites. The main objectives of this wide-scale study is identification of population trends and determination of dynamics of wintering site locations for waterbird species and their communities. There are three sites that are covered by IWC in Armenia. Our contribution in this initiative was participation in regular midwinter counts and also formalization of results.
Participants: K. Aghababyan, S. ; Duration: 2007-2009. Publication: Midwinter Waterbird Counts in Armenia. Results for 2003-–2007.

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