Center for the restoration of the Caucasian red deer

Since 2013, the International Wildlife Fund in Armenia has been implementing a program to restore the population of the Caucasian red deer (Cervus elaphus maral), which is carried out in the “Caucasian Reindeer Herding Center” built in the Dilijan National Park, by releasing deer born in the nursery (up to 20 individuals imported) .

Red deer, absent from the highlands of Armenia for many years, returned to Armenia in 2018. Eight people were transported from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia as part of the Caucasian deer relocation program. The deer were taken to Dilijan National Park, where a reindeer herding complex had previously been built.

Before the relocation of the deer in 2012, WWF conducted a field study to assess the feasibility of relocating the species to Dilijan National Park and Shikaokh Nature Reserve. As a result of this work, a favorable place was chosen for the animal to settle.

Speaking about real work, it should be noted that a free territory of 10 hectares has been created on the territory of the Dilijan National Park for breeding red deer. A cottage was built without a foundation for the nursery office. Furnished and equipped with appropriate equipment. A haystack, barns and road (without harming the ecosystem) were built from the Clear Lake road to the breeding center. The center has been supplied with water and blood panels have been installed to supply power to the nursery. The center has a security system installed to prevent poaching and other crimes. A souvenir salon has been built in the center, where any visitor can support the program by making a purchase. The enclosures have electric fencing to protect the deer from predators.