Changes

The population inhabiting only the westernmost part of the Caucasus is small.  About 2000 to 2500 Tur resides in the Caucasus Biosphere Nature Reserve until 2015, but more recent data indicate growth to more than 3000 in 2016-2017.   

The population inhabiting only the westernmost part of the Caucasus is small.  About 2000 to 2500 Tur resides in the Caucasus Biosphere Nature Reserve until 2015, but more recent data indicate growth to more than 3000 in 2016-2017.   

In Georgia the decline is more severe.  In the 1990s, 2,500 animals were estimated, but in the 2000s only 1,000 animals.  However, data published in 2018 show that just about 100 Western Tur survive in Georgia.  It has been suggested that such different figures may result from a varying approach to Tur taxonomy.

In Georgia the decline is more severe.  In the 1990s, 2500 animals were estimated, but in the 2000s only 1000 animals.  However, data published in 2018 show that just about 100 Western Tur survive in Georgia.  It has been suggested that such different figures may result from a varying approach to Tur taxonomy.

The total population was given at 5000-6000 animals by Weinberg in 2004, compared to a 2019 estimate of 4000-5000 Tur.  A 2010 paper by Weinberg and his collaborators indicates that the latter estimate might be faulty, resulting not only from an actual decrease but also due to a different taxonomic approach.  If so, the apparent decline from 6000-10,000 in 2001 to 4000-5000 in 2019 would not be accurate.

The total population was given at 5000-6000 animals by Weinberg in 2004, compared to a 2019 estimate of 4000-5000 Tur.  A 2010 paper by Weinberg and his collaborators indicates that the latter estimate might be faulty, resulting not only from an actual decrease but also due to a different taxonomic approach.  If so, the apparent decline from 6000-10,000 in 2001 to 4000-5000 in 2019 would not be accurate.