VIDEO: The Camera Captured a Leopard; Nova Has Returned

A significant and symbolic event has taken place in connection with the 10th anniversary celebration of the Caucasian Biodiversity Sanctuary (CWR). In September 2021, camera traps installed in the CWR area captured a leopard named Nova, which has been continuously monitored in CWR territories for a year, reports the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

The presence of the new leopard in the same area confirms that the Caucasian Biodiversity Sanctuary is a safe and resource-rich habitat for this predatory leopard, indicating that it has established a permanent home in the CWR. This is a significant achievement for the preservation of the Armenian ecosystem and wildlife.

During the Soviet years, the Caucasian leopard faced persecution and was placed under protection only in 1987. Since then, despite hunting bans, the leopard population has continued to decline. Against the backdrop of recent unfortunate events, the importance of the Caucasian Biodiversity Sanctuary has been further highlighted, as it provides a safe living environment where nature's fragments can be protected.

The director of the foundation, Ruben Khachatryan, emphasized the painful observation of how critical ecosystems have been destroyed during the war; fortunately, the areas of the CWR have been preserved.

The Caucasian leopard is a rare species registered in the Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia, and its conservation is extremely important today. The subspecies is listed in the Red List of IUCN (version 3.1) as “Endangered EN C2a(i),” while the species itself holds a “Near Threatened” status. 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 movements are now frequently recorded indicates that there is a sufficient food base for the species and all conditions to provide a safe environment.

It is worth noting that the leopard named Nova was first filmed in the territory of CWR back in the autumn of 2020. For more details, watch the video.