VivaCell-MTS and FPWC take part in testing-presentation of biodiversity survey equipment in Urtsadzor
VivaCell-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) took part in the testing-presentation of the remote monitoring modern equipment for biodiversity survey in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge in Urtsadzor community, Ararat marz.
As a result of continuing development of the program, the protected area in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge has expanded from 2000 hectares to 4000 hectares. New generation facilities have been acquired for the rangers’ technical base, including an astronomic binocular, high spectrum telescopes and a drone camera. These hi-tech tools helped reveal a number of endangered species in the area, such as Falcon nest, Armenian viper, Wild cat etc. (all listed in Red Book).
The results of the ongoing monitoring have been integrated into GIS map, which allows identifying possible animal locations, tracking the animals, and defining their preferred area. GIS mapping is a very important tool for data collection widely applied worldwide.
The event was attended by VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, FPWC Founder Director Ruben Khachatryan, Urtsadzor community head Rafik Andreasyan, community members.
Ruben Khachatryan announced the start of another long-term large scale project in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge. The endangered species reproduction and reintroduction project will be implemented in cooperation with the FPWC’s General Partner VivaCell-MTS and Yerevan Zoo.
“The Urtsadzor Eco Training Center has an important role in the protection and conservation of the local wildlife. It is with pleasure that we present to the Urtsadzor Eco Training Center state-of-the-art devices for monitoring the territory, and look forward to discoveries that will be made with the help of this equipment,” VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.