Laboratory of Terrestrial Vertebrate

Systematic research in the field of terrestrial vertebrate zoology in our republic began in 1932 with the establishment of the zoology department. One of the oldest laboratories of the Institute, Laboratory of Theology and Herpetology, was called the Laboratory of Terrestrial Vertebrates Zoology up to 1971. In 1971, Teriology, Herpetology, Ornithology Laboratories, and Zoological Museum were created attached to the Terrestrial Vertebrates Zoology. Since 1993, the laboratory has been chaired by Doctor of Biological Sciences G.N. Guliyev. Ornithology Laboratory was established in 1971 as part of the Department of Terrestrial Vertebrates. Herpetology Laboratory was separated from the Theriology Laboratory in 1985 and began operating independently. Teriology, Ornithology, and Herpetology laboratories are merged on the basis of the decision of the Presidium of ANAS dated 15.02.2017 №2 / 11. At present, the laboratories of Theology, Ornithology, and Herpetology are united under the name of the Terrestrial Vertebrates Laboratory. Giyas N. Guliyev was elected as the head of the laboratory on a competitive basis.

Study of the distribution of the rare, endangered species of herpetofauna, ornithofauna, teriofauna of Azerbaijan as well as numerous species of economic importance and, biological ((morphological, cytogenetic, ethological, etc.), ecological features, numerical dynamics and, factors affecting these species;

Rehabilitation of endangered and rare species in historical areas, identification of effective ways of protection.

In the south-western territories of the republic 61 species of mammals were registered and their numbers in different habitats, the ecological feature and distribution of numerous species were studied and predicted about future changes of theriofauna under the influence of anthropogenic factors. The dynamics of species variability of mammals from 1942 to the present have been determined, their habitats have been clarified, the names of some of them removed from our fauna have been changed, new species have been added. Thus, 115 mammal species have been identified in our fauna. As a result of recent cytogenetic studies, the Hirkan mole-Talpa talyschensis Vereschagin, 1945 species, was introduced into the fauna. The sympathetic distribution of the Crocidura gueldenstaedti Pallas, 1811 and the Crocidura leucodon Hermann, 1780 species have been confirmed. At present, 14 species of insects belonging to 3 families and 7 orders have been found in Azerbaijan. There are 4 families, 18 orders, and 34 species of bats in our modern fauna. As a result of the application of cytogenetic methods, the role of chromosomes mutations in the sequencing processes in separate groups of the rodent group (Murinae, Gerbilinae, Microtinae, and others) was studied and the cladogram was based on it. Complex methods, including differential coloring methods of chromosome (C-, G- and AgNOR) were used. There are 37 rodents of 19 species in seven families in Azerbaijan at present. Discovered regularity in the study of biological and ecological features of 8 species of wild-beef animals in Azerbaijan. The measures have been taken to reintroduce gazelles with the participation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund. Shirvan National Park has been relocated to 200 individual historical sites. Modern conditions of 65 species of birds in Lankaran natural region and 76 species of birds on the Caspian coasts of Azerbaijan have been identified and scientific basis for their protection has been developed. Bioecological, ethological features, limit factors of the eastern imperial eagle were studied and scientific bases of effective protection were prepared. Biological, ethological features, limit factors of the bearded vulture, Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, and cinereous vulture have been studied, and artificial feeding methods have been developed for their sustainable development in nature. New data on the distribution of Levantine viper (Macrovipera lebetina obtusa Dw., 1832) in Azerbaijan, term biological and reproductive characteristics of the species, the impact of anthropogenic factors on the age structure of populations were studied. According to the results of the genetic and biochemical analyzes carried out by foreign scientists of the Caucasian dry frog in the Lankaran natural region in recent years, this frog has been identified as a new species - Talish frogs, and thus, there are 11 species of amphibians in Azerbaijan. A new area of the Syrian garlic frog (Ismayilli region) has been discovered and it has been determined that the distribution of the species in Azerbaijan is sporadic. The geographical variability of the Asian vulcanism (Ablepharus pannonicus Licht 1823), morphometric and bioecological features of the grass lizard properties have been researched. Information was obtained on the current state of reptiles in arid and semiarid ecosystems in the north-western part of Azerbaijan, the distribution and density of rare amphibian species (Caucasian land frog-Bufo verrucosissumus Pall., 1814 and Caucasian cruciferous-Pelodytes caucasicus Boul., 1896).

acting laboratory chief head researcher LEADING RESEARCHER SENIOR RESEARCHER RESEARCHER JUNIOR RESEARCHER sENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT
Ph.D. Tevekkul Isgandarov Mukhtar oglu Dr. Tahir Karimov Arshad oglu  Ph.D. Hafiz Mukhtarov Shahhuseyn oglu Sevinj Rajabova Saadat gizi Gunay Mustafayeva Alikhan gizi  Ismayilova Afsana Alisalam gizi
Ph.D. Gulbaniz Gasimova Hafiz gizi Elshad Asgarov Kochari oglu Agil Hakhiyev Rafi oglu
Leyla Ahmadli Ilqar gizi 
Guliyeva Gulnar Gahraman gizi