Ecology and number dynamics of bezoar goats (Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777) in the Mrav Mountain range of Nagorno Karabakh Republic

Abstract

The mammal fauna of Nagorno Karabakh has 6 orders and 101 species. The three-dimensional location, geographical location and temperate climate characteristic of the mountainous country contributed to the formation of such diversity. For the first time this paper presents the distribution and dynamics of the number of bezoar goats (Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777), an ancient inhabitant of the northern, central and southern parts of Nagorno Karabakh, which is an important component of mountain ecosystems, in the Mrav mountain range. As a result of our long-term observations, we have found out the distribution areas of these animals in the Mrav mountain range, the reasons for their distribution in the mountains and their seasonality. We have found out that male and Bemale bezoar goats have their own preferences for slope curvatures, so females prefer to stay at 47 curvatures in winter, while males prefer to stay at 5055 slopes. Meanwhile, the opposite phenomenon is recorded in summer. We have also studied the distribution of different sexes in the southern, eastern and northern slopes in winter and summer. We have registered the specifics of distribution above the sea level with vertical zoning. As a result of our observations, we have found out the changes and dynamics of the number of bezoar goats in the Mrav mountains, identified some reasons that negatively affect the growth and development of these animals.