The Preliminary Results of 2021 and 2023 Egyptian Vulture Breeding Monitoring in Armenia

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is one of the four breeding vulture species in Armenia. The most recent information on the status of the Egyptian Vulture population in Armenia can be found in the latest edition of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Armenia (2010), which reports the presence of 40–60 breeding pairs, including 10 in protected areas of Armenia. Previously published studies conducted from 1973 to 1994 (particularly in 1975–1977 and 1981–1989) confirmed the presence of only 3 breeding pairs, but it was assumed that there should be 40–50 breeding pairs, mainly in the Bazum, Pambak, Areguni, Geghama, Vardenis and Zangezur mountain ranges. Additionally, 7 active nests were reported during the 1960–1995 field observations at Kapan, Byurakan, Garni, Noratoos, Vedi, Shamoot and near Yerevan. Although the reproductive success of the reported 40–60 breeding pairs has never been verified, this number of pairs was assumed to be accurate based on vulture abundance counts. The lack of up-todate data, as well as frequent sightings of abandoned nests during our sporadic observations in previous years, highlighted the need to assess the current population status of the Egyptian Vulture in Armenia in order to estimate the breeding success and population dynamics of the species, identify the main threats to the species, and develop appropriate conservation measures. Our research was conducted in 2021 and 2023 and aimed to estimate the current population status of the Egyptian Vulture in Armenia. The fieldwork was based on available data on breeding territories and maps of suitable nesting habitats produced using predictive modelling. Field studies were conducted from March to July 2021 and 2023 in Ararat (2021, 2023), Armavir (2021), Aragatsotn (2023), Kotayk (2021, 2023), Vayots Dzor (2023), Lori (2021, 2023), Shirak (2021), Gegharkunik (2023), Tavush (2021), and Syunik (2021) regions using a spotting scope, binoculars, and a drone. Preliminary results showed 6 active nests with 3 fledglings in the breeding territories checked in 2021 (1 nestling per nest in Lori, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor regions), and 3 active nests in the breeding territories checked in 2023, with 1 unsuccessful breeding in Vayots Dzor and 2 successful breedings in Vayots Dzor and Kotayk regions. A total of 12 abandoned nests were found, 5 in Tavush, Syunik, Lori, Ararat, and Vayots Dzor regions in 2021 and 7 in Lori, Vayots Dzor, Aragatsotn, Ararat, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik regions in 2023. In most of the cases, no adults were observed flying at the breeding territories with Lori, and Aragatsotn regions, 3 sightings of adults flying near abandoned nests were recorded. One of these nests was later confirmed to have had an unsuccessful breeding attempt. In addition, to study local and migratory movements, natal philopatry, and to identify the main threats to the species along its flyways, particularly in Armenia, we have started tagging Egyptian Vultures with Aquila satellite GPS/GSM transmitters in 2021. Until now we have successfully tagged 5 fledglings in Lori, Kotayk, and Vayots Dzor regions. In 2021, 1 individual was tagged in Lori region and migrated to Ethiopia (unfortunately, the connection with it was lost due to roaming termination in Ethiopia). In 2022, 2 siblings were tagged in Kotayk region. One of them crossed the Red Sea to Ethiopia (the connection with it was lost), and the other stayed in Yemen and is still being tracked. In 2023, 2 fledglings were tagged in Kotayk and Vayots Dzor regions. 1 case of fratricide was recorded in the nest in Lori region. We plan to monitor Egyptian Vulture nests regularly over the coming years to estimate population dynamics, breeding success, and to identify the main threats to the species so that specific conservation measures can be taken. The study was conducted as part of the “Birds of Prey Research and Conservation in Armenia” project, implemented by the Branch of the German Nature Protection Union (NABU) in the Republic of Armenia (NABU).