Abstract
We evaluated progress towards animal biodiversity research in Georgia, a key area in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot. By reviewing recently (1990–2018) published articles in all areas of animal diversity research, we unmasked the trends in biodiversity inventory, ecological and biogeographical studies, and conservation issues in Georgia. We concluded that species inventory and biodiversity research in Georgia has significantly increased during the last ten years, however the rate and extent of investigation is far from satisfactory. Major gaps remain in all branches of animal diversity research in Georgia, and consequently existing knowledge is inadequate to address modern challenges related to species and ecosystem conservation. We urge local governmental authorities and international scientific societies to support development of stronger research facilities and cultivate interest in biodiversity inventory and research in Georgia as an important step towards maintaining globally important biodiversity in the Caucasus.
Highlights
Biodiversity is a broad concept that refers to natural variation across all levels life, important both scientifically and with the potential to capture human interest (Arbeláez-Cortés 2013)
We evaluated progress towards animal biodiversity research in Georgia, a key area in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot
The Caucasus ecoregion extends over the territories of six countries (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Turkey and Iran), four of which were a part of the former Soviet Union (Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia)
Summary
Biodiversity is a broad concept that refers to natural variation across all levels life, important both scientifically and with the potential to capture human interest (Arbeláez-Cortés 2013). Concepts like “biodiversity hotspots” have been proposed as ways to identify areas of extraordinary biodiversity and extraordinary threat, and target them for research and conservation activity (Myers et al 2000; Mittermeier et al 2011). Myers et al (2000) identified 25 biodiversity hotspots—later increased to 35 (CEPF 2018)—most of them concentrated in the world’s tropical regions. The list of hotspots includes a few regions in temperate zone, such as biodiversity hotspots in the Caucasus ecoregion of southeastern Europe. Compared with other biodiversity hotspots, the Caucasus has supposedly received comparatively less scientific study and potentially less widespread recognition, mainly due to a tenuous political situation in the last few decades. Biodiversity knowledge remains generally limited and receives limited research (NBISAP 2014)
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