Photo credit: Lior Kisslev
The Sociable Lapwing, Vanellus gregarius, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. It breeds in Russia and Kazakhstan and winters in Israel, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan and north-west India. It may also be found in Pakistan, the Persian Gulf and Oman during the winter.
The Social Lapwing is suffering a severe range reduction and its numbers are dwindling. Reasons for this decline in numbers are poorly understood. The main problem appears to be loss of short-grass steppe following the reduction of Soviet-subsidised cattle-farming in Kazakhstan, although hunting during migration is currently thought to pose the greatest threat.
This species has legal protection in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, but this is generally not enforced. Better management of its grassland habitats, effective management of colonies during the nesting season, and protection against hunting in Syria (and elsewhere on its migration routes), will help to prevent the extinction of the Sociable Lapwing.
To learn more about the Social Lapwing, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
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