Noble Deer Reintroduction Project

Within the framework of the noble deer reintroduction project, on November 11, a release ceremony of the first specimens of this species into the wild took place at the Ismayilli branch of the Shahdag National Park, with the participation of the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Association, Leyla Aliyeva.

According to the reintroduction project implemented by IDEA in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, noble deer first undergo an adaptation period in a specially designated area within the Shahdag National Park, and then they are reintroduced into the wild in their original habitats in various regions of the country. The first released deer were provided by the Baku Zoo as part of the cooperation with the IDEA Public Association for the reproduction of rare and endangered species of fauna in Azerbaijan.

Noble deer, listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, used to inhabit the riparian forests of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, as well as the Talysh Mountains, and the banks of the Kura and Araz rivers. The last deer in the Talysh forests was shot 100 years ago, in 1922. Currently, viable populations of noble deer are only found in the Greater Caucasus. Considering the potential role of this valuable species in the development of forest ecosystems, the restoration of its population is of paramount importance for our nature.

Recently, projects for reintroduction are being implemented with the aim of ensuring the natural recovery of populations of endangered species of fauna in their historical habitats in various parts of our country, including the territories liberated from occupation. Thus, during 2022-2023, reintroduction into their historical habitats is planned for rare species of fauna such as the goitered gazelle, bezoar goat, Dagestan tur, and noble deer, as well as various species of fish and birds of prey.