Current status of the Great Bustard Otis tarda in Boukan, West Azerbaijan, Iran

The population status of the Great Bustard Otis tarda was assessed in threeregions of Boukan, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, from 2002 to 2008. Surveys wereundertaken in the Sootav, Yenggija-Albelaq and Qazlian plains. An increase in numberswas recorded at Sootav plain, while little change was observed in the Yenggija-Albelaqplain during this period. The Qazlian plain seems to be less important than the other twoareas. The mean maximum density per 10 square km was 2.26±0.41 (N=23) in Sootav,5.12±0.98 (N=18) in Yenggija-Albelaq and 4.08±1.43 (N=11) in Qazlian. Based on theseobservations, the current number of Great Bustards in these areas is estimated to be about 35–40 individuals, and shows a dramatic decline since the last decade. Without effective conservation measures, the species may face extinction in Iran.