Employees of the Plant diversity and applied research center of the Institute of Botany PLE under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted an expedition in Zagatala district and surrounding areas.

 

The main purpose of the expedition, conducted according to the thematic plan, was to study plant diversity, carry out phenological observations, collect seasonal plant samples, monitor species included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, as well as to enrich the Herbarium fund and Seed bank of the Institute of Botany PLE.

 

The research was conducted in the areas of the Zaqatala State Nature Reserve, Gabizdere, Mazix, the vicinity of the Katex river, and the villages of Car, Ashagi Tala, Aliabad, Zayam, Tarixler, Keleloba, and Akhakhdere. Plant diversity was studied in the forest and foothill ecosystems of the region, and monitoring was carried out on various plant species.

 

During the expedition, taking into account the hot weather conditions and seasonal characteristics, the distribution status of rare, endemic, and specially protected plant species included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan was studied. Monitoring was carried out on these species, the GPS coordinates of the observation points were recorded, and their population status was assessed.