Estimation of number and density of mammals in the mountains

On December 5, 2013, scientific research was conducted to determine the number and density of mammals populating  Kazbegi and Khevsureti highland Areas. The research utilized aerial photography and shooting film from a helicopter.

The similar type of research was carried out in Lagodekhi Protected Areas on December 1 and the populations of tur, deer, bear and roe deer were sighted, in comparison to the mentioned areas where only small number of turs and chamois were spotted. The decreased number of mammals in the mentioned regions is a result of last decades’ uncontrolled hunting and poaching activities.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection and Ilia State University professors initiated the research. Zurab Gurielidze and Lekso Gavashelishvili conducted the initial study. The event was also attended by Rati Japaridze, Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas.

The acquired materials will be processed at the laboratory of Ilia State University and the results will be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection for further analysis.