Wwf Continues Leopard Protection Project In Syunik

[MosJan]

WWF CONTINUES LEOPARD PROTECTION PROJECT IN SYUNIK

 

KAPAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS: Traces of three out of 10-12 leopards believed to live in Armenian forests are recorded in the southern province of Syunik. The total number of leopards in the South Caucasus is 20-24, with another 10-12 in Azerbaijan. The number of leopards in the conflict zone of the district of Artsax is estimated as 5-7 leopards according to the data provided by hunters.

Another habitat of the leopard in Armenia is Khosrov Reserve located in the central part of Armenia. This is a small territory and traces of leopard viability are the evidence for the extinction of this group, but still being remained at the expense of high number of bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus) in some of the gorges and relatively lower presence of man in the mountains. The leopard is included in the Red Data Book of Rare and Endangered Species (Red Book) in all countries of this region and in the UNEP-WCMC Database on Threatened Animals of the World.

It has been three years since the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) started a special project for protection of leopards in Armenia. The leopard was thought to have disappeared from the region in the 1960s, but absence of special surveys until the end of 20th century did not allow to exactly evaluate the leopard condition in the Ecoregion.

Recent rapid investigation conducted through WWF initial support in 2001 has shown that about 20 individuals of leopard has survived in the Southern Caucasus Nevertheless, situation with the leopard population in the Caucasus is critical, which is caused by the continuation of over hunting of ungulates (bezoar goat, roe deer, wild boar, etc.) - primary prey species, and poaching of the leopard itself. The long-term goal of this project is conservation of the Caucasus leopard in its historical range in the Ecoregion. As a result valuable leopard habitat and protected migratory routes were set up.

As part of this project Shikahogh preserve in Syunik was given two four-wheel cars to watch the animals, special anti-poaching groups of local residents were established and cameras were set up at different parts of the preserve to take pictures.

[MosJan]

http://www.persianleopard.com/

 

http://www.persianleopard.com/images/zombi-1.jpg

 

Panthera pardus saxicolor - Persian leopard

Today, southern and south-western Armenia remains the last stronghold for survival of this cat in the whole Caucasus, in part due to its connectivity with Iran where the main portion of the Persian leopard population exists. The total population size in Armenia numbers no more than 10-20 individuals, including adults, subadults and cubs.

[MosJan]

http://www.persianleopard.com/images/bezoar-1.jpg

 

In Khosrov Reserve, the leopards feed principally on the bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus) which provides plentiful prey resource for these carnivores. Its occurrence in leopard feces (scats) and contribution to total relative biomass consumed make over 90% what has allowed us to identify this herbivore species as a staple prey item. Female goats are most frequently taken and positively selected by the leopards. Goat kids are not selected at all, whereas the males are selected only in north-westernmost Khosrov Reserve where one adult male leopard lives.

 

No feeding competition exists between the leopards and other co-existing large predators in this protected area – brown bear (Ursus arctos), gray wolf (Canis lupus) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). This is caused by absolute separation in prey selection and habitat use.

 

According to numerous evidence, the bezoar goat is the principal prey for the leopards throughout their range in Armenia. This ungulate is more or less common, but appears to become rare (or just elusive?) in areas of high human persecution or habitat destruction by people and livestock. It is essential to conduct field surveys in order to estimate the goat numbers, population structure and distribution.

 

Outside of Khosrov Reserve, the leopard feeds also on wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) and European hare (Lepus europaeus) are taken opportunistically.

 

 

Graphics and web design made by Nelly Vardanyan nev

[MosJan]

As it often happens with large predators living in small and densely populated developing countries, the leopard in Armenia is suffering from factors which are strongly correlated with human densities: disturbance, poaching and wild fire. We have recorded and published information which shows that the leopard distribution and human settlements are mutually exclusive. It is yet unclear whether abundance of staple ungulate prey species [bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus) and, to a lesser extent, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)] affects the leopard and how. So, now the leopard conservation activities must be aimed at changing human behaviour and improving governmental policy in relation to this and all other predator species in the country.

 

Here is the list of essential measures to be taken by local people and the government for saving the leopard from imminent extinction in Armenia:

 

What local people can and should do?

 

1. Do not shoot the leopard upon encounter, but to observe its stealthy behaviour which is really unforgettable!

2. Keep silence to get a chance to see wildlife!

3. Do not leave litter and carefully quench the fire!

4. Share information about this animal with people around!

 

What the national government can and should do?

 

1. Expand the existing network of protected areas and forest farms within the leopard range and improve its effectiveness.

2. Ensure protection regime in the linkages between the key areas.

3. Organize advanced training for the personnel of protected areas and forest farms.

4. Provide technical assistance to protected areas and forest farms.

5. Raise environmental awareness among local people, conservation staff, personnel and soldiers at the state border facilities.

6. Involve local authorities in wildlife conservation.

 

The Government of Armenia represented in nature (particularly, wildlife) conservation by the Ministry of Nature Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture is not yet rich enough to afford conservation on its own. So, support by international donors is still essential.

 

Recently, we have taken the vital steps in promoting conservation of the leopard, bezoar goat and Armenian mouflon (Ovis orientalis gmelinii) by means of:

 

* Providing technical assistance to the key conservation body in southern Armenia, Meghri Forest Farm. We have donated an off-road vehicle to strengthen patrolling and mounted seven roadblocks to prevent trespassing.

* Raising public awareness among rural people, the state border military, conservation authorities and other parties across the leopard range in the country.

 

For more information about this project which was supported by The Whitley Awards, you can download its final report from References.

[phantom22]

In the face of rampant industrialization, hopefully Armenia will try to strike a balance.

[MosJan]

roadblock ???

most of the hunters don;t even use cars or the roads - most 90% of the hunters wolk in - as for the rest 10% who gets the 90% of the kill - cars and Helicopters are used -

this is for the Aftaritets and their friends who have money and no dignity at all to shut a leopard, goat & Maral

 

http://www.persianleopard.com/images/roadblock.jpg

 

The roadblock installed by us in a key leopard habitat in southern Armenia.