Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Gazelle species are out of danger in Azerbaijan, Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Huseyngulu Baghirov said at a press conference at ADA University on June 5.

Bagirov said that earlier in Agjabedi, Mingachevir and Shirvan regions of the country there were only twelve gazelles, but now their number has reached one hundred.

“It is a symbolic figure so far, however, it is important for the prospects,” he added.

Despite this increase, gazelles are still on the list of endangered species due to increased hunting activities, he stressed.

Gazelles live in arid and semiarid regions of the world and Azerbaijan is lucky to have such a beauty at home.

Graceful gazelles are considered as one of the most beautiful animals in the world and are beloved animals in Azerbaijan. The image of the gazelle has widely entered the culture and literature of the country. The unusual beauty of their eyes has inspired poets and singers.

Jeyran, the Azerbaijani word for gazelle, is a symbol in the country of natural beauty, grace and purity. The gazelle is a protected species in Azerbaijan.

Today Jeyran is a mascot of the inaugural European Games Baku 2015 along with another symbol - Pomegranate or Nar. Both of the mascots reflect the country’s proud history and promising future.

Many pictures on the rocks of Gobustan - the famous refuge of ancient humans - also feature gazelles and therefore point to the role that the animal played in the life of ancient people.

Less than a century ago, numerous herds of gazelles were grazing in the valleys and foothills of the Southern Caucasus, however humans hunting and a large number of wolves have drastically decreased the number of these charming animals.

Today, the "Reintroduction of gazelles to their historical habitat areas in Caucasus" project launched in 2010, is implementing measures to increase the number of this animal.

The project is implemented by the Azerbaijan's Ministry Ecology and Natural Resources and co-organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation, International Dialogue for Environmental Action IDEA and the Azerbaijan office of the World Wildlife Fund.

Some 150 gazelles were returned to their historical territories in the four years activity of the project.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

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