EcoLur
Magel Cave shouldn’t be used for tourism: as Mamikon Ghasabyan, Head of Vertebrate Species Laboratory of Institute for Zoology of NAS RA, expressed his opinion in his interview with EcoLur. “The Magel’s biodiversity is very rich, as 7-8 bat species inhabit there, out of which 5 species are red-listed in Armenia. It’s clear that we will disturb the bats, if we use the cage. As of today, there are around 200-250 bats. In the beginning of the winter there used to be 700-800 bats inside, but they got spread when spring waters flooded the cave,” Mamikon Ghasabyan said.
In 2015 the Armenian Government has adopted resolution 'On Approving Action Plan Aimed to Ensure Effective Use of Caves for Tourism Purposes', which poses great danger for Bears, Mozrov and Magel Caves. In the frames of this program, the Culture Ministry shall announce a tender 'On Ensuring Caves with Necessary Infrastructures and Using Them for Tourism Purposes'. The program only mentions Magel Cave, but it also says that it refers to three caves, and the other two, most probable, refer to Bears and Mozrov Caves, which are more famous in tourism. Five red-listed bats live in the Mozrov Cave. The bats won't stand the noise of the people in the case, planned constructions works, light etc. Experts and scientists say that 60-70% of the bats inhabiting in Magel Cave has decreased because of human activities. It's already 5-6 years since Magel Cave is in the focus of business, as it's located on the way to most tourist-visited places in Armenia – Noravanq Monastery.
March 15, 2016 at 17:51