The King of the Armenian Mountains

The Caucasus is home to many endangered species. But probably, the most beautiful, symbolic and threatened species is the Caucasian Leopard. Today, its protection is one of the hardest environmental challenges not only in Armenia, but also for the entire region. The species is listed in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red Book of Armenia.

What We Do

The effective implementation of Caucasian leopard conservation is interrelated with the monitoring of the leopard and its prey species in the wild. The main goal of the monitoring conducted by WWF-Armenia is to identify the dynamics and distribution of the target species: the Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat and Armenian mouflon in Southern Armenia. In addition, the monitoring system provides information on other mammals such as bears, lynx, wild boar, etc. Monitoring is carried out using camera traps that are installed on paths that are regularly used by the target animals. The camera photographs the animal as it moves past the trap. What’s more, the wildlife specialists of the WWF and partner organizations’ implement periodic field visits for monitoring Bezoar goats and Armenian mouflons, recording traces and collecting scats in order to conduct DNA analysis. In the monitoring process, the members of the newly created Leopard Caretakers’ Network, rangers of the protected areas, and others are actively involved.
WWF-Armenia emphasizes the importance of promoting young generations’ love of nature. WWF carried out numerous activities in schools across Yerevan and in many rural areas, such as organization of eco-camps, special classes, presentations and educational expeditions. We aim to involve young generations throughout the Yerevan, Ararat, Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions in the protection of the Caucasian Leopard. Educational events aim to present to the public the importance of the leopard for the wildlife of Armenia, as well as the main factors that cause the species to become endangered. These efforts involve our cooperation and coordination of efforts with educational institutions, private sector corporations and international organizations. Within the frame of these activities, exhibitions in public areas and various photo contests were organized to raise public awareness.
The conservation of the Caucasian leopard and its habitats is being implemented through the establishment of protected areas and the enhancement of their capacities. In the last decade, with the joint efforts of WWF-Armenia and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, new protected areas, such as Arevik National Park, Khustup and Zangezur sanctuaries, as well as the first community-based conservation area in the Caucasus - Gnishik, have been created in Southern Armenia, which encompass leopard habitats or its migration corridors. The total area of the newly created protected territories is more than 73,000 hectares. WWF-Armenia is also seeking to organise various trainings and workshops for the personnel managing the protected areas of the protected areas.

NEWS & STORIES

21 Jun 2021
A Pleasant Surprise for the Children of the Target Communities
Within the frames of WWF-Armenia’s “Leopard Conservation in Armenia” project about 400 children from the project’s target communities started 2021...
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29 Aug 2020
“Wiki Loves Earth” Photo Contest
On August 17, the online award ceremony of the “Wiki Loves Earth 2020” photo contest took place at the Wikimedia Armenia office. The participants...
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19 Aug 2020
A Leopard found its way into Tavush Region of Armenia
Camera traps of WWF Armenia captured a Leopard in Yenokavan village of Tavush region. Earlier, on November 19, 2019, news spread that a villager was attacked...
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19 Aug 2020
Presentation at the Yenokavan Secondary School
WWF Armenia continues its series of presentations in educational institutions within the framework of the Leopard Conservation Project in Armenia. On...
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19 Aug 2020
Eco Camp at Srbasar Forest School
WWF Armenia organized an eco-camp for about 50 schoolchildren from Noyemberyan and Koghb communities at Srbasar Forest School invited by Luso Arahet NGO....
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19 Aug 2020
New Training
From April 15-16th, 2019 a training was conducted in Vayots Dzor region within the frameworks of WWF Armenia’s Conservation of Caucasian Leopard...
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19 Aug 2020
Development of National Plan for Caucasian Leopard Conservation Project
On February 25-26, 2019 a workshop on “National Plan for the Conservation of Leopard” was held in Vayk town of Vayots Dzor region. The workshop...
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19 Aug 2020
Community Projects
On February 19, within the frames of the “Conservation of Caucasian Leopard In Southern Armenia” project implemented by WWF Armenia, the opening...
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19 Aug 2020
Junior Rangers Programme
WWF-Armenia, in partnership with Ayb School in Yerevan and Gnishik Protected Landscape have worked, since December, to introduce the Junior Rangers Programme...
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19 Aug 2020
“Junior Rangers” Exhibition at the “Yeritasardakan” Station
On January 14, WWF Armenia, Arpa Protected Landscape and Ayb School with the support of Yerevan Metro after Karen Demirchyan presented “Junior Rangers”...
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18 Jun 2018
Armenia Welcomes A New Caucasian Leopard
Exciting news, leopard lovers! A young male leopard has found his way to Armenia. We spoke to our very own wildlife expert, Alexander Malkhasyan, to get...
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10 Jan 2018
Junior Ranger Program Eco-Education Initiative
WWF-Armenia, Ayb School and Arpa Protected Landscape are launching the “Junior Ranger Program” initiative, which is being implemented in Armenia for...
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23 Dec 2017
Discussion on introduction of the 24-hour pilot protection system in the “Arevik” National Park
Within the Leopard Conservation Project, WWF-Armenia initiated a discussion on the introduction of the 24-hour pilot protection system in the “Arevik”...
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19 Dec 2017
Innovative Approaches for Biodiversity Conservation
From now on, employees of Arevik National Park, which is part of the Zangezur Biosphere Complex, will have an opportunity to control even the most remote...
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14 Dec 2017
Educational Projects by WWF-Armenia
WWF-Armenia continues its series of seminars and workshops in educational institutions as well as presentations for the students within Leopard conservation...
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08 Dec 2017
Better Protection in Arevik National Park
Seven road blocks and fifteen signboards have been installed by WWF-Armenia in the Arevik National Park with financial support of HSBC Bank Armenia and...
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10 Nov 2017
Joint Event of WWF-Armenia and HSBC Bank Armenia
On October 22, WWF-Armenia and HSBC Bank Armenia staff did volunteer work in the Caucasian Red Deer Breeding Center. In particular, the whole area of ​​the...
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06 Nov 2017
“Me and My Corner of Nature” Eco-Camp
On November 1-2, 2017 40 schoolchildren from Yerevan, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions participated in the eco-camp organised by WWF-Armenia and the United...
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20 Oct 2017
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
The Environmental protection and Mining Inspection body of Armenia and the WWF – Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding on 19th of October. Within...
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10 Oct 2017
The results of the contest “Take a picture with the Leopard” was summarized
On July 10, 2017, the results of the contest “Take a picture with the Leopard”, implemented in the framework of the Environmental Information...
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18 Sep 2017
Visit to the summer camp in Gugark
On July 28th, staff members of the WWF-Armenia visited Gugark summer camp. We made a presentation about the Caucasian Leopard, its prey species and habitat,...
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05 Jun 2017
Exhibition “Me and My Corner of Nature” was opened in Lovers’ Park
On June 5, on the occasion of the World Environment Day, the photo exhibition “Me and My Corner of Nature” initiated by WWF Armenia and UN Armenia...
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24 May 2017
“Take a Photo with the Leopard” environmental information campaign
Starting from May 16, WWF Armenia launches “Take a Photo with the Leopard” environmental information campaign. Within the campaign’s framework, it...
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11 May 2017
Eco Camp for UWC Dilijan School’s Students
From May 5 to May 6, 2017 the Eco-Camp was organized for students of the UWC Dilijan School in the Arpa Protected Landscape. The aim of the event was to...
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23 Mar 2017
Meeting with Ayb School
Last week Ayb School hosted WWF-Armenia representatives. The meetings, which were organized for two different age groups, were held within the framework...
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28 Feb 2017
Caucasian Leopard exhibition in “Yeritasardakan” Metro Station
From March 3, 2017 the WWF-Armenia, with the support of the Karen Demirchyan Yerevan Metro CJSC, presents “Caucasian Leopard – the King of Armenian...
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08 Dec 2016
WWF visited Dilijan Central School
On December 1, WWF-Armenia visited Dilijan Central School, which belongs to the Ayb family schools. The aim of the visit was to introduce the Armenian...
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25 Oct 2016
Leopard Conservation in the Southern Caucasus Presentations
WWF-Armenia continues its series of awareness raising presentations on Armenian biodiversity. This time Mr. Arsen Gasparyan, WWF-Armenia’s Leopard Conservation...
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30 Sep 2016
WWF-Armenia launches Leopard Caretakers Network Project
In the frameworks of Caucasian Leopard Conservation Project, WWF-Armenia launches Leopard Caretakers Network Project which aims to unite the society, international...
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30 May 2016
Leopards with amputated legs are found in the Caucasus
The Persian (Caucasus) Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor, Pocock, 1927 = P. p. cis-caucasica, Satunin, 1914) is a globally threatened subspecies classified...
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The Leopard

The Caucasian or Persian Leopard (Pantera pardus tulliana) dwells in Armenia in the three southern provinces of the republic: Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Syunik. In the past, according to literary data, it was also observed in the north of the country. This leopard is a very versatile species, and in Armenia it inhabits areas from the subalpine meadows to the galleys (riparian thickets) of the Araks River valley. The best habitat for leopards are the juniper sparse forests with rocky outcrops, deep gorges, heavily dissected slopes and stone talus. The body length can reach 126-183 cm, the tail length 94-116 cm. The weight of adult males can sometimes reach up to 90 kg. Females usually weigh less than the males and their body length is shorter. Leopards are very flexible in their choice of inland areas, and the territory of the dominant, adult male can reach up to 15-30 thousand hectares. The habitat of an adult female with kittens can also reach a size of more than 10 thousand hectares. In the presence of many scrapes, so-called clusters, we can judge the state of the population and its viability.

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Habitats & Prey Species

Bezoar Goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus)

These goats get their name from bezoars – the indigestible mass found in their stomachs. The males have distinctive, enormous horns. Bezoar goats are listed as vulnerable in the Red Book of Armenia and are included on the IUCN Red List. According to the monitoring by WWF-Armenia, there are about 3000 Bezoar goats living in Armenia.

Armenian Mouflon (Ovis orientalis gmelini)

The Armenian mouflon is a type of wild sheep which can be found in the Armenian highlands. The preferred habitat of the mouflon is the dry steppe. They are listed in the Red Book of Armenia and in the IUCN Red List. According to the monitoring by WWF-Armenia there are about 300-400 mouflons in Armenia.

Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indica)

Indian porcupines are easily distinguished due to their unique appearance. They usually live in rocky grass areas or woodlands. They are listed in the Red Book of Armenia and in the IUCN Red List

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Roe deer is a quick and elegant animal usually found in forests and woodlands. Only the males have the majestic horns. The roe deer can also be found in Europe and Asia.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

The wild boar is the ancestor of the domesticated pig. It weighs around 100-150kg and the length of the body is approximately 170cm. The boar is omnivorous and mainly lives in mixed broadleaf forests. They are social animals led by a matriarch.

Badger (Meles meles)

The badger can be distinguished by its black and white striped head, grey fur and short legs. They live in excavated tunnels and burrows called setts. The animal is widespread in Armenia. During field studies badger remains were found in leopard scats.

Virtual Leopard

How It Works
Today, information technologies are an inseparable part of our lives and can also serve to raise awareness on threatened species and other nature conservation issues. Now, it is possible to enliven the Caucasian leopard and take a photo with him. You get a three-dimensional animated picture of the leopard by scanning the marker through ARLOOPA app. The initiative was jointly implemented with ARLOOPA (X-TECH) company.
1.
Download the ARLOOPA marker

 

2.
Print or Display the image on any surface
3.
Scan with ARLOOPA (Please follow detailed instruction written on the marker)
Partners

Leopard Caretakers

Our Leopard Caretaker Network consists of enthusiastic volunteers from local communities. Since 2016, WWF-Armenia has established a network of leopard caretakers, which is an innovative approach to nature conservation and is aimed to promote community involvement in the monitoring and conservation of the Caucasian leopard and its prey species. Currently, we have groups of leopard caretakers operating in a number of communities in Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces. Caretaker groups make regular visits to adjacent areas of the community and perform field research and observations, installing cameras and carrying out other activities.

Contact Us

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WWF-Armenia
11/1 Proshyan street, Yerevan 0019, the Republic of Armenia

Tel/Fax: (+374 10) 54 61 56
Tel/Fax: (+374 10) 58 89 83

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