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.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation under the grant #217086. This article is dedicated to the memory of our friend and colleague Javier Maldonado-Ocampo who’s efforts to document biodiversity in Colombia provided ideas for this article and inspiration for similar research in Georgia.
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Mumladze, L., Japoshvili, B. & Anderson, E.P. Faunal biodiversity research in the Republic of Georgia: a short review of trends, gaps, and needs in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot. Biologia 75, 1385–1397 (2020). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-019-00398-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-019-00398-6