Important Bird Area (IBA)

This Important Bird Area (IBA), set among breathtaking scenery, is an important biodiversity hotspot with open woodlands, steep vertical hillsides, caverns and abundant rocky outcrops. 

The IBA extends from the feet of Vayk mountains along the Arpa River, Gnishik River canyon, reaching out to Mount Harsnakar and the RA state border.
The climate and the area's altitude (1200 to 2700 meters) create nesting grounds for a variety of bird species, over 190 species of which are recorded in the area and a number of which are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Species of conservation concern supported at the site include Short-toed (Circaetus gallicus) and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), Bearded (Gypaetus barbatus) and Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Lanner (Falco biarmicus) and Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus), as well as Semi-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) and European Roller (Coracius garrulus).
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) are observed during migration.
 
What is an IBA?
IBAs are sites of international importance that hold a significant proportion of one or more species' total population. There are 11,000 IBAs in more than 200 countries.
IBAs include sites for breeding, wintering, and migrating birds. They vary in size from a few hectares to thousands of hectares, may include public or private lands, be they protected or unprotected. 
IBAs in Armenia are not protected in their own right. In some cases they are part of protected areas, but this does not mean habitat disturbances will not occur. It is therefore important that these areas be protected as IBAs so that they can continue to provide critical habitat for Armenia's birds.