Published on 09/10/2024
The EAZA 2024 conference in Leipzig brought together ex-situ conservationists from across Europe to collaborate on wildlife preservation. Organized by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), this significant event provided a platform for sharing knowledge, developing strategies, and strengthening partnerships in conservation. Ruben Khachatryan, Founder and Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), played a pivotal role as the EEP Closed Session Coordinator, where he highlighted FPWC’s ongoing brown bear conservation initiatives in Armenia.
During the Bear TAG session, bear EEP coordinators shared updates on the status of bears under their care. Ruben Khachatryan, as vice coordinator for EAZA’s new EEP program for Ursus arctos syriacus and studbook keeper for this subspecies, emphasized the collaborative efforts between EAZA zoos and FPWC to support in-situ conservation. He outlined FPWC’s work in mitigating human-bear conflict, rehabilitating orphaned bears, and protecting vital habitats in Armenia.
Established by FPWC in 2010, the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) is the first privately protected area in the South Caucasus, covering over 30,000 hectares. It is home to endangered species like the Persian leopard and Armenian mouflon, with a strong focus on brown bear conservation. Key activities include population monitoring, conflict surveys, and habitat restoration.
FPWC is addressing the growing human-bear conflict in southern Armenia, where climate change and habitat loss drive bears into human settlements. In response, FPWC has set up a Rapid Response group, provided electric fences, and introduced supplemental feeding programs to deter bears from approaching communities. Collaboration with local and international partners, including the IUCN Bear Specialist Group and Bears In Mind, supports these efforts by enhancing habitat restoration, raising community awareness, and providing training for farmers.
Since 2016, FPWC’s Wildlife Rescue Center has rescued and rehabilitated over 45 Syrian brown bears, contributing to EAZA’s ex-situ conservation efforts. FPWC works closely with EAZA, the IUCN, and other organizations to improve the conservation status of the Syrian brown bear through research, habitat conservation, and educational outreach. Additionally, by supplying genetically diverse bears to EAZA member zoos, FPWC supports the establishment of a strong insurance population for the species.
FPWC’s integrated approach—combining habitat restoration, conflict mitigation, research, and community outreach—enhances the prospects for brown bear survival. International partnerships, such as those with EAZA, are crucial for success. In the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, the initiatives discussed at EAZA 2024 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our shared natural world, one species at a time.
The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets invites you to join the mission of protecting Armenia’s incredible wildlife. Whether through supporting conservation projects, raising awareness, or volunteering, your involvement can make a significant impact.
