Palentological and archaeological background of fauna formation. Analysis of the origin of caucasian quaternary mammals in relation to their distribution, ecology, and morphogenesis. Geographic zonation and latest evolutionary trends of mammalian fauna of the caucasian isthmus.

This book is devoted to the description of the systematics and biology of forest mice and jerboas. It describes detailed morphological characteristics and includes keys for the identification of the families, genera and species. Detailed maps of distribution of species are compiled. Data on the biology is according to the set plan (population, habi

Wild caprinae, including sheep and goats, are an extremely valuable group of mammals. While most live in mountains, some inhabit desert grasslands, tropical forests or even arctic tundra. They range in size from the 30kg goral to the 350kg musk ox and display a variety of horn shapes and sizes as well as coat and body coloration. They are highly prized by hunters on account of their horns and their coats. Today, despite their important domestic relations, many wild caprinae are in danger of being lost forever: over 70 of caprinae taxa are threatened and over 30 endangered or critical. The main threats to them are over-harvesting, habitat loss and resource competition from livestock. Some face an additional threat from trophy hunters. Despite this, however, conservation legislation is either absent or, more often, poorly enforced. This action plan explores the value of caprinae to biodiversity, the threats facing the members of the species, and makes recommendations to reverse current trends. It also emphasizes the importance to carpinae conservation and survival of close collaboration among all parties involved in wildlife conservation including local peoples and hunting organizations, governments, scientists and academic institutions.