One Bezoar Goat Registered in the Red Book Killed in Yeghegis

On February 4, employees of the Territorial Division of the Environmental and Mining Inspectorate of Vayots Dzor and the Yeghignadzor Division of the Police immediately went to the vicinity of the "Siranuysh" campsite in the administrative area of the Yeghegis community, Vayots Dzor region, following operational information that led to the registration of a poaching incident. One individual of the bezoar goat, a species listed in the Republic of Armenia's Red Book, was killed.

Three citizens were detained by the Yeghignadzor Police from the scene. This information was reported by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.

"Any encroachment on species registered in Armenia's 'Red Book' is unacceptable. The Ministry of Environment condemns such behavior towards animals. Biodiversity is a natural heritage that must be preserved and passed on to future generations, especially considering its vital importance and the ecosystem services it provides. We urge the public to refrain from illegal activities and to protect Armenia's wildlife," the ministry stated.

According to Armenia's laws on compensation for damage caused to fauna and flora due to environmental violations, the compensation rate for the hunting and/or destruction of a bezoar goat is set at 3 million AMD for each unit (regardless of age). If substantial damage is caused as a result of the violation, the offender is subject to criminal liability under Article 294, part 1, point 4 of the relevant code, which stipulates a fine ranging from four hundred to six hundred times the minimum wage, or imprisonment for a period of 4 to 6 months.