Fauna of Armenia

The mouflon, ancestor of domesticated sheep

Fauna in Armenia is diverse given the country's relatively small geographic size, owing to the varied habitats created by the area's mountainous terrain.[1] Armenia is an important area for migratory animals; about 350 different bird species were recorded in the country. Many of the world's domesticated animals originated in the area Armenia is located in, and the mouflon, the ancestor of domesticated sheep, is present there. Research suggests that about a quarter of the animal species in Armenia are internationally endangered. The mouflons are suffering a great population decline due to poaching and habitat loss, and the Sevan trout, which made up thirty percent of the fish in Lake Sevan, have virtually disappeared.

Felidae

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Caucasian Lynx stamp of Armenia

Southern and south-western Armenia remain the last stronghold for survival of the Persian leopard 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, sub adults and cubs.[2] Special calculations were not carried out. By fragmentary data, the population in Armenia is accounted not more than 25 individuals.

Before being hunted to extinction in the Trans-Caucasus in the 10th century, the Asiatic lion used to occur in the region of Yerevan and the Araks River.[3]

Common animals

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Reserves

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Main article: List of protected areas of Armenia

Several reserves have been established in Armenia to preserve the fauna, flora and their ecosystems:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "DA Tours: Fauna". Archived from the original on 2006-10-08. Retrieved 2006-09-22.
  2. ^ Persian leopard research and conservation
  3. ^ Geptner, V. G., Sludskij, A. A. (1972). Mlekopitajuščie Sovetskogo Soiuza. Vysšaia Škola, Moskva. (In Russian; English translation: Heptner, V.G., Sludskii, A. A., Komarov, A., Komorov, N.; Hoffmann, R. S. (1992). Mammals of the Soviet Union. Vol III: Carnivores (Feloidea). Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation, Washington DC).

Further reading

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  • Adamian, Martin S. and Daniel Klem Jr. A Field Guide to Birds of Armenia. Oakland, CA : American University of Armenia, 1997.
  • Greppin, Mary E. H. "The Birds of the Hrazdan Gorge in Yerevan," Journal of Armenian Studies 2 (Spring/Summer 1985).
  • Krasnaya kniga Armyanskoi SSR, zhivotnye [The Red Book of Soviet Armenia: Fauna] Yerevan, Hayastan, 1987.
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