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The Structure of the Programme

Several projects targeted at the conservation of P. persicus are covered with this programme. Currently the programme is on the development stage, and list of the projects should be changed as far, as it will be necessary.

Current projects are listed here:

Scientific Projects:

1.Conservation of the Endangered Persian Sun-Watcher Lizard: Step 1.

The project is realized in 2005-2006 under financial support of Armenian National Science and education Fund (ANSEF). Within the project's framework the spatial distribution, habitat requirements, and mean abundance of P. persicus were clarified within the Goravan Sands Sanctuary and Geographical Information System for This site were developed. The Goravan Sands sanctuary is the only protected area supporting P. persicus in Armenia. For details see the following links:

www.herp-am.narod.ru/Projects/Pro_1_2005.htm

www.herpconbio.org

2. Determining Conservation Status and Predictive Modelling of Distribution Range of the Persian Toad-Headed Lizard in Armenia.

The project is in development stage. The main goals of this project are as follows:
1) To determine current conservation status of P. persicus in Armenia, and to develop grounds for further cost effective monitoring of conservation status.
2) To analyze details of distribution and habitat requirements of P. persicus throughout the distribution range in Armenia, with the following predictive habitat modelling and development of GIS based maps.

Results of the project will be presented to the Government of Armenia and to relevant regional and local municipalities.

3.Determining sub-populations of priority importance for conservation of genetic diversity of Phrynocephalus persicus through multivariate comparative study of sub-populations at morphological, biochemical and molecular levels. This project will be include 2-3 subprojects, and currenlty on the stage of proposal development.

4.Developing of a cost-effective system for monitoring the relative abundance of Phrynocephalus persicus with voluntary participation of local children. This project will be include 2 subprojects, and currenlty on the stage of proposal development.