News
A historic restoration effort is underway in Georgia, where a new initiative seeks to revive endangered Red List species, specifically the iconic noble deer.
As part of the National Species Recovery Plan, initiated by the National Wildlife Agency under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, a breeding facility for the noble deer (Cervus elaphus maral) has been established in Algeti National Park.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Shalva Papuashvili, and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili.
“This is truly a historic step toward the protection of Georgia’s biodiversity. The long-term goal of the noble deer restoration program is to establish viable and sustainable populations nationwide. It is our responsibility to preserve the natural wealth that has shaped Georgia’s unique ecosystem for centuries, and to pass it on to future generations,” said Mr. David Songulashvili.
The breeding facility, the largest facility in the Caucasus region, spans 60 hectares. The entire area is securely fenced and equipped with modern monitoring systems, including camera traps and satellite collars.
“For the first time since Georgia’s independence, we are undertaking the restoration of the Caucasian red deer, a species listed in the national Red List. This is part of a broader species recovery initiative that has been gaining momentum in Georgia in recent years,” said Mr. Shalva Papuashvili.
According to Mr. Revaz Bezhashvili, head of the National Wildlife Agency, the facility provides optimal conditions for the deer to breed and gradually adapt to their natural environment.
“In this specially designed environment, we can closely study the behaviour, social dynamics, and stages of adaptation of the deer. This information will enable us to effectively manage the process of reintroducing the species into the wild,” said Mr. Bezhashvili.
As part of the event, seven noble deer—five females and two males—bred at Tbilisi Zoo were released into a protected forest area within Algeti National Park. During the first phase of the program, the number of deer will increase to 15. Once a stable and growing population is established, the gradual release of individuals into the wild will begin.
Algeti National Park was specifically chosen for this program—it is located in the heart of the Caucasus, where natural habitats, ecological corridors, and a high level of protection provide optimal conditions both for population recovery and long-term conservation.