Endangered species show record growth in Armenia - environmentalist

A serious growth in endangered species has been observed in Armenia over the past years, the positive dynamics being largely due to international programs aimed at the protection natural habitats, an environmentalist attending a nature protection photo exhibition said today in Yerevan.

Speaking to reporters at the event, entitled “My Corner in Nature and I”, Hermine Hakobyan, a public relations officer at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Armneia, said they have observed a growth particularly in the number of Caucasian leopards (from 1 in 2015 to 7-8 in 2017) and wild goats.  

She added that the programs have helped reduce also illegal hunting.

The exhibition was organized in Yerevan’s Lover’s Park on the occasion World Environment Day. It is part of a larger-scale educational campaign aimed at raising awareness of environmental issue among the younger generation to ensure sustainable development and protection of endangered species.

“We received a great number of photos this year, as the enthusiasm was really great at the contest. The best [items] were put for exhibition,” Hakobyan said, adding that they are planning to send the best authors to a field camp and award the top three winners with special prizes.