The Present Ecological Condition of Successfully Introduced Mammalian Species in Azerbaijan
Sabina Bunyatova1* 
, Gunel Meherremova2
Abstract. The distribution areas of the European rabbit, nutria, and raccoon, which are the main objects of the study, as well as their population density and ecological conditions, were determined. The research was carried out based on route and survey methods. Considering the activity patterns of the species, the studies were conducted in the spring and autumn seasons of 2025. To identify the species, their morphological characteristics, tracks, burrows, and excrements were examined. The European rabbit was studied on Gil and Khara Zira islands, nutria in the floodplains around the Kura River, the South Mughan Canal, and the Goychay Reservoir, while the raccoon was studied in several districts of the Greater Caucasus and Lankaran natural regions. During the research, it was found that these species show a high level of adaptability in Azerbaijan. Moreover, although the raccoon population remains stable, it has expanded its range. However, the lack of proper monitoring and the absence of systematic control over these species make it difficult to investigate their impacts on Azerbaijan’s biodiversity, agricultural lands, farm areas, and other effects. Therefore, the conducted research indicates that it is necessary to study these species in the future both from an ecological perspective and as potentially harmful species.
Keywords: mammals, introduction, Azerbaijan, ecology, adaptation