All of these endangered animals have been spotted in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) – FPWC’s privately protected area. Trap cameras in the refuge are used to assess population numbers in wildlife. Images of injured animals can also indicate poaching, in which case security can be increased in the specific area.

The trap cameras used by the experienced rangers of Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, give us a chance to see the king of Armenian mountains – Persian leopard.

The leopard has become a permanent resident of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, which testifies to the efficiency of the work done.

Besides, the photo of the Caucasian leopard, captured by the ranger of Caucasus Wildlife Refuge Boris Vanyan, was chosen by the Ministry of Environment and Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia as the reverse side of “Year of the Caucasian Leopard” silver coin released by CB of RA.

The CWR is protected by FPWC since Y2011. The outcome of hard work and dedication is the return of Caucasian leopard in Vayots Dzor region.  This showcases once again the effectiveness of privately protected areas established in hotspots of biodiversities.

In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1), Persian leopard is categorized as Near Threatened NT and the subspecies as Endangered EN C2a(i). According to IUCN criteria categorized as Critically Endangered CR C2a(i); D.