Ecology of the Eastern Caucusus Tur
Species involved: East Caucasian tur or Dagestan tur
Project partners: Russian Academy of Sciences: Caspian Institute of Biological Resources
Total SCIF Investment: $5,000
Year SCIF began involvement: 2017 (Project timeline: 2017-2018)
Project Objectives
- Study tur density, home range size, and space-use.
- Evaluate population demographics, including: sex-age structures, reproduction, and mortality rates.
- Study tur dietary habits and food availability.
- Raise awareness of local communities via workshops, lectures, and publications about the value and importance of Eastern Caucasian tur.
- Involve local communities and create anti-poaching teams to combat resource theft.
Anticipated Outcomes
This study will provide the first quantitative assessment of Caucasian tur populations in more than 20 years. These data will be used to support a long term, community-based conservation program that includes sustainable harvest. Information about population structure can show a true state of the species and provide data to support current hunting programs that contribute to tur conservation.
Since 2000, SCI Foundation has provided more than $80 million to promote science-based conservation through wildlife research, capacity building in governments, youth and teacher education, and humanitarian programs that show the importance of the hunting community in society around the world. Growth of SCI Foundation has continued to gain momentum through charitable donations from SCIF and SCI members. Throughout the world, SCI’s approximately 50,000 members and 190 chapters contribute time, talent, and financial support to local, national, and international projects.
