About the reptiles of the Karabakh territories liberated from occupation and their habitats

The presented article provides information about the reptiles (Reptilia) of Karabakh and the ecological changes that occurred in their habitats during the occupation. 37 species of reptiles are distributed in Karabakh. Of the reptiles, there are 3 species of turtles (Testudines), 19 species of lizards (Sauria) and 15 species of snakes (Serpentes). In Karabakh, reptiles are mainly distributed in the semi-desert, dry-steppe, xerophyte-steppe, forest-shrub landscapes (200-1500 m above sea level) of the plains, low and medium highlands. Reptiles are rarely found in subalpine and alpine meadows of the highlands (1900-3000 m above sea level), and in forest and meadow-shrub landscapes of the middle highlands (700-1500 m above sea level). In the Karabakh territories, which were subjected to looting and the destructive effects of war factors (I and II Karabakh wars) for a long time, fauna species, including the habitats of reptiles, have undergone quality changes. Densely populated settlements with intensive human activity (city, village, settlement, etc.), which are anthropogenic biotopes, are unfavorable for most reptile species. However, the natural landscape was restored in the ruins of uninhabited and destroyed cities and villages during the occupation period, and natural biotopes suitable for reptiles were created. In these biotopes, where there is no human presence, there are food resources that are important for the settlement of reptiles and shelters (ruins) suitable for hiding, laying eggs, and wintering. The creation of suitable habitat for reptiles in the ruined areas of the liberated Agdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan and Gubadli regions of Karabakh has led to the dense settlement of reptiles in these areas. The widespread reptile species of these areas are dominated by snakes, especially the Levantine viper, which is a venomous species of snake. In the periods of high activity of reptiles (spring-summer months), there are more cases of encounters with these snakes, and it is appropriate to consider this factor from the point of view of the safety of people working in the areas.