Justification This species has suffered rapid population reductions across most of its range owing to the loss and fragmentation of its habitat. Although populations in its Iberian stronghold have stabilised and possibly increased, future land-use changes in eastern Europe, Russia and central Asia may have a significant impact on this species's population and the extent of its remaining habitat, such that it is likely to undergo a rapid population reduction over the next three generations. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable.

Family/Sub-family Otididae

Species name author Linnaeus, 1758

Taxonomic source(s) AERC TAC (2003), Cramp and Simmons (1977-1994), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 75-105 cm. Large, grey-and-brown bustard. Grey head and neck, brown barred black above. White underparts with reddish-brown breast-band, developing with age in males. Males significantly larger than females and develop a gular pouch and long white whiskers during the breeding season. Upright stance and deliberate walk. In flight, powerful regular wing beats resemble an eagle, but does not glide. Voice Displaying males make hollow umb sound. Alarm call a short, nasal bark. Young birds have a soft, trilling call.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

45,000

decreasing

2,350,000 km²

No

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It occurs in open, flat or somewhat rolling landscapes, usually with a mixture of steppic grassland, crops (cereals, oilseeds, fodder plants) and bare ground⁶. Areas with little or no disturbance and abundant supply of insects are required for successful breeding²

Threats Key threats are increased habitat fragmentation and habitat loss due to agricultural intensification, which has the potential to increase following land privatisation in eastern Europe⁵ and is occurring in China⁴. Habitat loss and fragmentation continues as a result of ploughing of grasslands, intensive grazing, afforestation and increasing development of irrigation schemes, roads, power-lines, fencing and ditches. Mechanisation, chemical fertilisers and pesticides, fire and predation all contribute to high mortality in eggs, chicks and juveniles. Hunting is a major threat in Morocco, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine and China^2,4,6 and collision with overhead power lines is another significant threat⁸.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix I and II, CMS Appendix I and II and CMS MoU in place since 2002. EU Wild Birds Directive Annex I, Bern Convention Annex II, Bonn Convention Annex I^5,6. A European action plan was published in 1996 and an action plan for east Asian populations in 1998.

Conservation measures proposed Research limiting factors. Protect and manage breeding and wintering areas. Upgrade existing and establish new protected areas in east Asia. Implement agri-environment measures for low-intensity farming. Prevent steppe fires, illegal hunting and collision with power-lines. Raise public awareness.

References Kollar (1996). 1. Alonso et al. (2003). 2. Y. Andryucshenko in litt. (1999). 3. A. Antonchikov in litt. (1999). 4. Chan and Goroshko (1998). 5. S. Nagy in litt. (1999, 2007). 6. P. Goriup in litt. (2007). 7. Alonso et al. (2005). 8. J. C. Alonso in litt. (2007).

Further web sources of information

Action Plan for the Great Bustard in Europe

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding and Conservation Plan

Detailed species account from Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status (BirdLife International 2004)

Fully detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001), together with new information collated since the publication of the Red Data Book

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), David Capper (BirdLife International), Matt Harding (BirdLife International), Nic Peet (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Contributors Juan Carlos Alonso (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales), Y Andryucshenko, A Antonchikov, Paul Goriup (Fieldfare International Ecological Development plc), Szabolcs Nagy (BirdLife International - European Division)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2010) Species factsheet: Otis tarda. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 30/7/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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