Expedition on Javakheti Highland
On June 15-18, Ilia State University Institute of Ecology organized the expedition on Javakheti Highland, a beautiful part of Georgia. This volcanic highland is located 200 metres above the sea level and is different with dry climate from the Caucasian Mountains. There are different types of animals and plants as well.
The expedition had two main goals: continue studies of endemic Caucasian lizards (the previous expedition organized in 2009 has left several “white spots”) and collect the samples of horses for further genetic research. Our Laboratory has started the genetic study of horses with the intention of describing the breeds of horses in Georgia.
Currently, we are collecting “Javakhuri” and “Dukhobor” breeds of horses, settled in the XIX century from Russia. Do the populations protect the purity of breeds? The research will make clear evidence.