Egyptian Vulture Survey in Vayots Dzor: A Step Towards Conservation

ArAves NGO is pleased to report on an important conservation initiative recently conducted by our partner, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), once a common sight across Armenian landscapes, is now facing serious threats both nationally and internationally. With populations declining in much of its breeding range, this remarkable bird is approaching a critical conservation status. In Armenia, habitat degradation, human disturbance, direct persecution, agricultural pesticide use, and diminishing food sources have all contributed to its decline.

Responding to this urgent situation, FPWC launched a vital monitoring project with support from BirdLife International under the RENATE II project. Working collaboratively with BirdLife partners from Bulgaria (Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds – BSPB) and Georgia (Society for Nature Conservation – SABUKO), the team set out to conduct a comprehensive survey of Egyptian vulture populations in the Yeghegis Valley and surrounding areas.

The field work was strategically scheduled for late July, when Egyptian vulture pairs are actively feeding their young and remain closely tied to their nesting sites. Using both viewpoint observations and transect methods, FPWC researchers meticulously documented vulture sightings, potential nesting locations, and active nests throughout the RENATE project site, focusing primarily on the Yeghegis Valley. Despite time limitations, they also extended their survey to include the Noravank Important Bird Area (IBA).

Their efforts yielded significant results: over five intensive days of fieldwork, approximately 30 nests were identified, including those of Egyptian vultures. This discovery is particularly encouraging as it confirms that despite the challenges facing this species, breeding pairs remain active in the region.

The survey also documented the presence of other notable raptor species, including Bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), Steppe buzzards (Buteo buteo vulpinus), Long-legged buzzards (Buteo rufinus), Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo), and Ravens (Corvus corax). The diversity of these apex predators highlights the ecological importance of the region.

ArAves NGO commends FPWC for their dedicated fieldwork and valuable contribution to vulture conservation in Armenia. The data collected during this survey will provide crucial baseline information for developing targeted conservation strategies to protect this endangered species and its habitat.

We remain committed to supporting FPWC and collaborating with all stakeholders to safeguard Armenia’s rich biodiversity and ensure the survival of the Egyptian vulture for generations to come.