VIDEO: Neo the Wild Boar Captured Again by Camera Traps in the Caucasus Biodiversity Reserve

Neo the wild boar continues to be captured by camera traps in the Caucasus Biodiversity Reserve (CWR). This information was reported by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values.

The wild boar filmed by CWR ranger Manuk Manukyan is named Neo, who has been residing in the privately protected area of the Caucasus Biodiversity Reserve for quite some time. It is also noteworthy that in 2020, a female Caucasian wild boar named Nova was captured in the same area.

“The long-term presence of these two boars in the CWR is clear evidence of the effectiveness of the privately protected area model. CWR is the first privately protected area in the South Caucasus, managed by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values (FPWC). The concept of privately protected areas is widely implemented worldwide, and in Armenia, this role has been taken on by CWR, introducing a new approach to the conservation models previously utilized in the country.

It is important to note that at the end of 2020, a significant and encouraging event occurred; a new wild boar, which had not been previously captured, was photographed by the camera traps in the CWR area, which is likely a female. During the same period, Neo was also present in the area. The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values, along with its partner organizations, is hopeful that Neo and Nova have met.

Let us remember that the Caucasian wild boar is a rare species listed in the Red Book of Armenia, and its preservation is currently of utmost importance. The subspecies is categorized as ‘Endangered EN C2a(i)’ on the IUCN Red List (version 3.1) and the species is classified as ‘Near Threatened’. According to the criteria of the IUCN Red List, it is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR C2a(i); D). The fact that the animal's movement is being captured regularly indicates that there is a stable food base and all necessary conditions for a safe environment.

According to data from the Armenian Ministry of Education and Science, the species inhabits Southwestern and Southern Armenia, from the central and eastern regions of the Khosrov Forest Reserve to the Armenian-Iranian border, within the Geghama, Zangezur, Vayots Dzor, Bargushat, and Meghri mountain ranges. The main threats to the species are habitat fragmentation due to poaching and human economic activities,” the statement said.