The first flock of gazelles were reintroduced into the territory of the Gobustan-Jangichay State Natural Reserve

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva watched reintroduction of the first flock of gazelle to Gobustan-Jengichay State Nature Reserve near Pirakushkul settlement, Absheron district, December 24.

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyngulu Baghyrov informed Heydar Aliyev Foundation continues supporting project ‘Protection, reintroduction and restoration of historical habitats of gazelles within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan’, which is of great importance for protection of ecology and balance of natural environment, ecologic history and biological diversity. Covering 2010-11, the project aims at lifting the number of gazelles at Gobustan-Jengichay State Nature Reserve. According to the project, which has been designed for Ajynohur-Saryja plains, Bozdagh Range, Mil Plain and Gobustan-Jengichay territory, gazelles are brought to these habitats from Shirvan National Park. Gobustan-Jengichay territory that has a large gazelle population historically has rich vegetation for gazelles. All necessary measures are being taken towards reintroduction and existence of gazelles here.   

President Ilham Aliyev was informed of historical habitats of gazelles and works underway.

He saw stands showing historical habitats of gazelles in the country. Established by order of July 5, 2003 of national leader Heydar Aliyev, Shirvan National Park has been provided with ecotourism center, ecotourism town, museum, latest equipments and contributed to the rise of the number of gazelles. As result of creation of this park that is considered the gazelle breeding and raising base and protection measures taken, the number of these unique animals has reached 9000 for the shortest time, which brought to their reintroduction to the historical areas. For this reason, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources implements project ‘Protection, reintroduction and restoration of historical habitats of gazelles within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan’ with the support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Gobustan-Jengichay territory, one of the historical areas of gazelles, will receive 150 gazelles within the project. To study and settle problems, assure water and feed supply, strengthen gazelle population, the intensive works have been done to set up and equip quick anti-poacher groups, hold monitoring within the project territory, take necessary biotechnical measures, provide ecological enlightenment to population in the territory and around. 

Strengthening of protection of gazelle will stimulate expansion of areas and restoration of the natural habitat that has existed for centuries. Creation of Gobustan-Jengichay State Nature Reserve in Gobustan-Jengichay low mountainous valley will contribute to the protection of gazelles to be reintroduced here and vegetation.

President Ilham Aliyev saw the map of habitat and reintroduction of gazelles within the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He was informed of the past and present habitats of gazelles, migration corridors. In accordance with project ‘Protection, reintroduction and restoration of historical habitats of gazelles within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan’, corresponding works are underway in Gobustan-Jengichay territory and Shirvan National Park. Up to 9000 gazelles are preserved in the Park that covers over 65.000 hectares. This is the largest gazelle population in Europe. Reintroduction of gazelles is successfully continued also at the 18.000-hectare Aghgol National Park in Beylagan district. Korchay State Nature Preserve in Goranboy district preserves 300 gazelles, while 3 flocks of gazelle have been reintroduced to Ajynohur-Saryja plains in Gakh district.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva let a gazelle with a special satellite signal collar to Gobustan-Jengichay territory.

President Ilham Aliyev was acquainted with equipments used during performance of the project. For safety of gazelles, enlightenment works are carried out among population of villages and settlements near the reintroduction areas, information boards, which contain information on prohibition of gazelle hunting, placed along roads and near habitats.