Armenia: diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity
15 October 2013 | News story
The geographical location, geological complex structure and location of Armenia at the junction of major biogeographical zones have contributed to the evolution of rich biodiversity and different types of natural ecosystems in this country. Read the Country Focus on Armenia to learn about Armenian nature and conservation action.
Despite its small area, about 3,600 species of vascular flowering plants and more than 17,500 animal species (including 545 species of vertebrates) are found in Armenia. The rate of endemism is also very high: there are 125 endemic vascular plant species, which is about 3% of the total flora diversity of the country, and 339 endemic species of terrestrial fauna, including 316 invertebrates. 11% of the fish, 17% of the amphibians, 24% of the reptiles, 23% of the birds and 24% of the mammals in Armenia have been estimated to be rare and endangered and have been included in the Red Book of Armenia (1988). The Caucasian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), the Bezoar Goat (Capra aegagrus), the Syrian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos syriacus), the Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna) and the Common Otter (Lutra Lutra) are among the most threatened mammals.
There are two IUCN Members in the country: the Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds (ASPB), a BirdLife affiliate organization, and the Foundation for the Preservation of Widlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) which joined in 2011.
The Country Focus on Armenia presents projects by IUCN Members which aim to protect nature and its diversity. You can read about:
- The great discovery made in the Caucasus Widlife Refuge managed by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)
- The successful conservation efforts of the Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds (ASPB) concerning two birds species
- The successful actions led by the ENPI FLEG Project for improving governance in Armenian forests: raising awareness on the scale of illegal logging and giving voice to communities depending from forest resources.
Read the Country Focus here.