Birds of prey have long been objects of respect among various peoples, including Armenians, as symbolized by the eagle on the Armenian national coat of arms.
Many legends, myths, and rituals surround these birds, reflecting their exceptional hunting skills, sharp eyesight, strength, grandeur, and nobility.
However, there are frequent cases of unintentional or deliberate harm toward these birds, such as taking eaglets from nests and keeping them in captivity. While some birds are eventually released back into the wild, many remain confined or even become objects of ridicule. In some cases, eaglets are taken for financial gain and sold on various platforms inside and outside Armenia, which negatively impacts population numbers and causes immense stress to breeding pairs.
Birds of prey play a crucial role in ecosystems and food chains, making their protection vital. They are also a national treasure, and everyone should actively contribute to their conservation by preventing interference with their natural breeding processes.
The FPAN “Rural Tourism Development” program collaborates with the Ministry of Environment of Armenia on the study and protection of birds of prey.
It is important to note that most birds of prey species are listed in Armenia’s Red Book of endangered species.
Everyone can help us achieve more effective conservation by working together to protect these magnificent birds.
