Mammalian Species Successfully Introduced to Azerbaijan: Biology and Adaptive Traits
Gunel Maharramova
Abstract. Introduction processes carried out in Azerbaijan have been implemented with the aim of enriching the biodiversity of our country, serving economic interests, and controlling other harmful rodent species. However, the lack of in-depth scientific research has led both to the introduction of harmful species and to the extinction of some introduced species. As a result, out of ten introduced mammal species, only three species have survived. The surviving species include the European rabbit, the raccoon, and the nutria. Due to the highly developed adaptive characteristics of these successfully acclimatized species, each of them has expanded its range. However, the excessive increase in the populations of these species, while serving economic interests, has also led them to play a harmful role in various aspects. This, in turn, results in noticeable changes within the ecosystem. Therefore, it is highly important that future introduction processes be carried out on a purposeful basis and grounded in thorough scientific research.
Keywords: european rabbit, nutria, raccoon, Azerbaijan, acclimatization