Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Artsakh)

Prelims – Map 

Location: Landlocked mountainous area in the South Caucasus.

History:

• After the Russian Empire collapsed in 1917, both Azerbaijan and Armenia claimed the region.
• This led to ongoing conflict between the two countries.

Current Status:

• The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
• Most of its population is ethnic Armenian.
• Nagorno-Karabakh has its own government with close ties to Armenia, but it is not officially recognized by Armenia or any other UN member states.

Cultural Claims:

• • Armenians (Christian) claim a long historical presence in the region.
  • Azerbaijanis (Muslim) also link their historical identity to the territory.

2. Prelims – Species – African Wild Cat

• Habitat: Found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, the African wild cat prefers savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands but avoids arid regions and dense forests.
• Diet: It is carnivorous, hunting small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It relies on acute hearing for hunting.
• Behavior: The African wild cat is solitary, typically nocturnal or active during dawn and dusk, and uses vocalizations and scent-marking to communicate.
• Reproduction: It breeds year-round, with each litter typically having 2–3 kittens, and the gestation period lasts about 74 days.

• IUCN Red List: The species is listed as Least Concern.
• CITES: It is included in Appendix II, regulating international trade.
• Threats: The species faces risks from habitat loss, illegal hunting for fur, and conflicts with humans, particularly due to poultry attacks.