TWO NEW FOREST RESERVES TO OPEN IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, MARCH 29.ARMINFO. “Arevik” new forest reserve will open
in Armenia for protection of bio-diversity of Zangezour, Meghri
and Bargoushat mountain ridges. Karen Manvelian, representative of
Caucasian Office of World Wildlife Fund.

He informed that it is envisaged to open “Arevik” forest reserve in
the South of Armenia. The scientists proved that these area is quite
suitable for habitation of pre-Asian leopards. At the same time, they
stated that the number of the Armenian moufflon and Bezoaryan goat
included in the Red Book has reduced. Manvelian said that there are
about 300 moufflons and 600 Besoaryan goats, as well as 10-12 leopards
in Armenia. The new forest reserve will help stop annihilation of these
animals. Besides, there are European otters, South Caucasus bears,
porcupines, forest cats, lynxes, black grouses, snowcocks, golden
eagles, vultures and several other species of animals included in the
Armenian Red Book in the area envisaged for the forest reserve. The
botanists registered that there are over 40 species of endemic plants
also included in the Armenian Red Book. The very ecological system of
the forest reserve’s territory is unique, as such mixture of climate
zones doesn’t occur in any other place of Europe.

It’s worth mentioning that the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
allocated about $150 thousand for establishment of the forest
preserve. Manvelian stated that the same fund will also finance
establishment of another “Zangezour” forest preserve in the region
bordering on Nakhijevan.

Manvelian also said that the CEPF investments also include program
for alternative profit sources for the local villages neighboring
Shikahogh and the new forest reserves.