SOME PECULIARITIES OF SPATIAL-DISTRIBUTIO N AND POPULATION-DENSITY OFEAST CAUCASIAN TUR (CAPRA-CYLINDRICORNIS)

The ecology of the species was studied in Daghestan throughout all the seasons from 1986 to 1993. Two main factors determine the number and distribution of turs: 1) inaccessibility of habitats (rocky and steep mountain slopes), the area of main ranges: 2) feeding conditions and f irst of all the area and productivity of winter pastures. The highest population density of turs was observed on the spurs of large mountain -masses, which are more than 7-10 km long and more than 4000 m high. T he population density of turs varies in different regions from 1,8 to 7,3 animals per 100 ha., their total number is about 20 000 animals wh ich is more than 2-2,5 times as high as noted in former papers concern ing this species. The study revealed, that in the areas, which are not intensively used for agriculture, the average winter density of the p opulations in different localities of the area is stable (31 to 35 ani mals per 100 ha.). Probably, it is determined by carrying capacity of winter pastures and reflects the maximum number of a population. In ar eas, where the degree of exploitation of winter pastures by cattle exc eed 80%, the population density of turs reduces and does not exceed 11 .5 to 15.3 animals per 100 ha. That can be attributed to the consumpti on of some part of vegetation by sheep.