ACTIVITY ON CREATION OF ‘GNISHIK’ WILDLIFE RESERVE IN VAYOTS DZOR REGION, ARMENIA, TO START IN 2010
ArmInfo
2009-11-12 18:19:00
ArmInfo. Activity on creation of "Gnishik" reserve in Vayots Dzor
region, Armenia, will start in 2010.
Head of WWF-Armenia Karen Manvelyan told ArmInfo the area of the
reserve will total nearly 15,000 ha. There are 960 types of plants
in the reserve 60 of which are in the Red Book of Armenia and 24
are endemics (6 endemics in Vayots Dzor). In addition, there are 240
types of vertebral in the reserve including 49 were registered in the
Red Book of Armenia and 12 in the Red List of the IUCN. Among these
animals are leopard, moufflon, bezoar goat and grown bear. "Gnishik"
extends up to Noravank embracing gorges, Alpine and subalpine meadows.
There reserve is expected to have a center for moufflon breeding.
Starting the early next year, the area of the future wildlife reserve
will be planned. There are 6 populated areas nearby the reserve,
but the major area belongs to Gnishik community. K. Manvelyan said
a tractor, beehives and seeds have been provided to the village
of Gnishik.
Reserve Gnishik will be created as part of the 4-year program
implemented by the UNDP-GEF. WWF is a co-financier. The project costs
$950,000. WWF will invest nearly $500,000.