Nature Association
BirdLife International
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

The Caucasian Black Grouse is endemic to Caucasian region. The species has the smallest distribution of all Eurasian grouse species. Estimates of total population size are vague and vary between 10-100.000 birds. It is therefore crucial to start producing an accurate picture of the species current threat status, population size, distribution and habitat requirements to be able to develop realistic strategies for the conservation of this species.

The conservation status of the Caucasian Black Grouse is insufficiently known. Up-to-date information on distribution, abundance, and population trends are lacking. Some local naturalists believe that the species is rapidly declining and threatened by extinction. The species probably has been declining at least since the 1980s and has disappeared from parts of its range. Habitat degradation due to cattle grazing and shepherding, predation by feral and shepherd dogs and illegal hunting are assumed to be major threats to the species.

The project, which is designed to improve conservation status of black grouse in Turkey, will be executed by Nature Association, BirdLife International and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Nature Association is the organization to conserve nature and biodiversity as a whole in Turkey and elsewhere and raise awareness among the public. The Society supports living in harmony with nature and works to offer solutions to problems caused by destruction of our world's nature day by day. In order to achieve its goal Nature Association is executing projects on Important Bird Areas and priority species such as Bald Ibis and Great Bustard together with the local people. Moreover, Nature Association is producing site protection policies in a higher level as well as environmental education activities in a wider perspective. The Society has holistic, local, hopeful and friendly approaches as its principles. Nature Association will execute the following two projects and will be leading the consortium of BirdLife International and Royal Society for the Profection of Birds.

BirdLife International is a partnership of independent conservation organizations with a special focus on birds, working in more than 100 countries. BirdLife is the leading authority on the status of birds, their habitats and the issues and problems affecting bird life around the world. BirdLife International Partnership works on shared priorities and programmes for conservation action, exchanging skills, achievements and information and promotes sustainable living as a means of conserving birds and other forms of biodiversity.

The RSPB works for wildlife and the environment across the UK. It is one of the Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity with more than a million members. The RSPS works for a healthy environment rich in birds and wildlife. The RSPB:

The Project will establish a solid system for researching, monitoring and managing the conservation requirements of the Caucasian Black Grouse in Turkey. This will significantly contribute to secure the long-term conservation of this species in the country.