Wildlife of Armenia

Armenian rock lizard

The wildlife of Armenia includes wild boars, porcupines, various lizards, snakes and numerous species of birds. Endangered species living in Armenia are the Caucasian bear, Caucasian bearded goat, the Armenian mouflon (sheep) and the leopard.

Fauna

Main article: Fauna of Armenia

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 or near Armenia, 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 mouflon is suffering a great population decline due to poaching and habitat loss, and the Sevan trout, which once made up thirty percent of the fish in Lake Sevan, have virtually disappeared.

The mouflon, ancestor of domesticated sheep
Armenian Gull

Southern and south-western Armenia remains the last stronghold for survival of the Persian leopard in the whole Caucasus, in part due to its connectivity with Iran where the main 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, but by fragmentary data, their population in Armenia is not more than 25 individuals.

Common wildlife:

Flora

An Armenian oak leaf

References

  • "Krasnaya kniga Armyanskoi SSR, zhivotnye." 1987. Yerevan, Hayastan.
  • Kurkjian R. 1999. "Out of Stone. Armenia. Artsakh." Stone Garden Productions, Washington, DC.
  1. ↑ DA Tours: Fauna
  2. ↑ Persian leopard research and conservation


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