White Storks Ciconia ciconia L. became Victims of Environmental Pollution of Ararat Plain of Armenia

Abstract

The novelty threat to White Storks Ciconia ciconia in Armenia was investigated in 33 villages of Ararat Plain in 2019-2021. The Storks were becoming smeared with the undetermined agent of plant oil and/or fish fat nature, which was impeding their flying abilities. In 2019 smeared Storks were found in five villages, with total number of 125 smeared nestlings and 84 smeared adult storks. In 2020 smeared Storks were found in 15 villages, in 95 nests, totaling to 285 smeared nestlings and 192 smeared adults. In 2021 smeared Storks were found in 28 villages, in 178 nests, totaling to 534 smeared nestlings and 356 smeared adults. Average percent of the polluted nestlings grew from 5% in 2019 to 21% in 2020 (t=3.62, df=32, p<0.001), and then to 58% in 2021 (t=7.17, df=32, p<0.05). The most likely causes of environmental pollution and Storks’ smearing are Sturgeon farms and producers of canned food. Current legislation provides with necessary tools to deal with possible polluters; however there is a need to enforce the laws. Therefore, a number of short-term and long-term measures are suggested to improve the situation.