Paper Details

Abstract

In global environmental policy, particular attention is paid to the conservation of rare and endangered species. This issue has become particularly important in the context of global climate change and increasing anthropogenic impacts. Forest ecosystems in Georgia are harbor to numerous rare and vulnerable tree species that play significant ecological role and require carry out of additional research and implementing of conservation measures. Among these species is the Caucasian wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Poir.) Spach.), listed in the Red List of Georgia are under threat in the context of global climate change. As a result of the inventory conducted across Georgia, Caucasian wingnut were found in both western and eastern part of the country. According to the findings, the target species has a restricted distribution in Western Georgia and several populations are located within protected areas. The situation differs in Eastern Georgia, where pure and mixed stands of Caucasian wingnut are relatively well presented Lopota, Bursa, Stori, Intsoba, Chelti and Alazani valleys. Although Caucasian wingnut is listed in the Red List of Georgia and is a strictly protected species and remain vulnerable due to substantial anthropogenic pressure from adjacent settlements. The study confirmed that well-developed stands of Caucasian wingnut occur in the Lopota River Valley. In this area, the target species is primarily distributed within 80 m of the riverbank, where it forms well-developed stands. According to the research findings, this range is proposed for in-situ conservation as a protected forest (Category II according to the Forestry Code of Georgia). This territory can serve as a potential protected area, facilitating the expansion of the national network of protected areas in accordance with Georgia’s obligations under international agreements. As part of the study, a database was created for each study population of the Caucasian wingnut. Condition of species, mother trees, density of trees and natural regeneration is described in detail on locations. From 39 sample plots, 21 can be used as seed plots, 5 of them are in the Western Georgia and the remaining 16 locations are in the Eastern Georgia. Seeds were processed and stored in the seed bank of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

To Cite This Article