In Armenia, some taxonomic groups are much better studied than others. The most extensive research has been done on bacteria and other micro-organisms, as a result of their role in the food industry, and other sectors of the economy. In addition, mushrooms and flowering plants are relatively well studied. The best studied animals include amphibians, reptiles and waterfowl. A number of endemic species and sub-species are recorded in Armenia (Table 2.2).

Endemic species and sub-species represent 3% of vascular plants in Armenia (as compared to 1.5% more widely across the Caucasus). Furthermore, of the animal species represented in Armenia, 30% of fish, 12% of reptiles and 7% of mammals are endemic. The overall species richness in Armenia is relatively high, given the size of the country, particularly with respect to lower plants and some animal groups (Table 2.3).

Table 2.2 The number of species, and endemic forms,

from different taxonomic groups, represented in Armenia

Table 2.3 The relative species density (species per 1000km2) in Armenia,

compared with global estimates.

Collection of wild plants

A wide range of plant species are collected in Armenia:

· Over 200 species of edible plants are collected in Armenia, and are used fresh, cooked, pickled or dried. Commonly used plants include longleaf (Falcaria), asparagus (Asparagus), and chervil (Chaerophyllum).
· Around 120 species of wild berries and nuts are collected, including walnut (Juglans), hazelnut (Corylus), pear (Pyrus), apple (Malus), dogwood (Cornus), blackberry and raspberry (Rubus), and currant (Ribes).
· A great variety of plants are used for animal fodder (around 2,000 species), including clover (Trifolium), sainfoin (Onobrychis), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
· Around 10% of plants found in Armenia have some medicinal use, and species of hawthorn (Crataegus), buckthorn (Rhamnus), juniper (Juniperus), barberry (Berberis), rose (Rosa), and St John's wort (Hypericum) are collected for traditional remedies.
· Around 150 species of plants are known to produce essential oils, mainly species of thyme (Thymus), helichrysum (Helichrysum), and wormwood (Artemisia).
· Plants used in producing dyes (120 species) include spurge (Euphorbia), buckthorn (Rhamnus), elder (Sambucus), and madder (Rubia).
· A number of plants (c. 350 species) have an important role in attracting bees, including representatives of aster (Acer), sainfoin (Onobrychis), alfalfa (Medicago), lime (Tilia) and clover (Trifolium).
· A number of species are also used for their vitamin, tannin or resin contents.

Fisheries

Commercial fishing of Lake Sevan is extensive, with annual catches of around 2000 tons (90% of national catch) in some years. However, changes in the ecology of the lake have resulted in declines in the species of previous commercial importance (Sevan trout, Salmo ischchan and kura kogak, Varicorhinus capoeta sevangi), and an increase in the catches of whitefish or Sevan sig (Coregonus lavaretus sevanicus) and carp, (Carassius auratus). Amateur fishing is open in all water bodies, expect those in protected areas.

Hunting

A number of birds and animals were traditionally hunted in Armenia, including quail (Coturnix couturnix), partridge (Alectoris graeca), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), rock dove (Columba livia), fox (Vulpes vulpes), wolf (Canis lupus), deer (Cervus spp.), wild pig (Sus scrofa), wild sheep (Ovis musimon). The populations of many game animals declined dramatically, and hunting of many of the mammals mentioned is now prohibited. In addition, snakes including the Russian and bluntnose vipers (Vipera raddei and V. lebetina) are collected for use in traditional medicines.

Armenia is an important centre for agrobiodiversity. Agriculture and horticulture have been conducted in Armenia for many thousands of years, and some of the earliest farming developed in this region. The rich agrobiodiversity of the country includes wild relatives of crop plants, wild-growing edible plants, and a wide range of plant varieties and animal breeds.

The diversity of wild relatives of crop plants found in Armenia (22 species, and 218 sub-species) has been used to develop new varieties through selection. A wide range of species are currently grown in Armenia - including six species of cereals, 366 fodder plants, 62 berry species, and 65 types of vegetable. In total these 521 plant species represent 16% of those found in Armenia. Sites such as Erebuni have particular significance for agrobiodiversity - this reserve was set up to protect the genetic diversity present in wild relatives of crops, and supports three species, and 100 sub-species of wheat.

Armenia is an ancient centre for the breeding of livestock, and also supports wild relatives of domestic breeds. Endemic breeds of sheep were recognised as early as the 9th Century BC, which had been selected from their wild ancestors, the Armenian mouflon. Today, mouflon are still found in the southern parts of the country, particularly in Khosrov reserve, although their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. As well as sheep, endemic races of goats and horses also originated from the Armenian Plateau, and the genetic variety in livestock in Armenia has resulted in successful breeding of valuable varieties of cows, sheep, pigs, hens, and rabbits over the last 50-60 years.