Fauna of Karabakh and liberated territories and prospects of reintroduction of some largest mammals A.G. Eyvazov

Abstract

The article clarifies the fauna of Karabakh and the liberated territories and the reintroduction of some large mammals to historical sites on the basis of available literature. Based on the literature data, 56 species of insect fauna in Karabakh and the liberated territories are rare, endemic and endangered. Of the 53 species and subspecies of fish found in the water basins of the Azerbaijani part of the Lesser Caucasus, 7 species are included in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan (2013), and 4 species are included in the IUSN Red List. 4 out of 11 species of amphibians belonging to the batrachafauna of Azerbaijan and 35 out of 63 species of reptiles belonging to the herpetofauna are found in these areas. Of the 367 species of birds that existed in Azerbaijan before the occupation, 200 species were found in these areas (Currently, Azerbaijan's ornithofauna consists of 407 species of birds.). At present, 115 species of mammals have been registered in Azerbaijan. Before the occupation, 75 mammal species belonging to 6 orders were registered in the territory of Karabakh. Before the occupation, 24 species were included in the "Red Book" of Azerbaijan (2013). In the liberated areas, it is possible to begin the recovery of the population of some of the species of several largest mammals that have recently become extinct (Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa Guldenstaedt, 1778, Caucasian noble deer Cervus elaphus Ogilbu, 1870, Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra Linnaeus, 1758). Historical conditions have been created for the study of the liberated territories and the reintroduction of the listed populations to their historical areas: territories of Aghdam, Fizuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, where gazelle possibly exists, Caucasian red deer can be found in the territories of Kalbajar, Lachin, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, chamois in the Murovdag range.