STUDY OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND NUMBER OF THE GENUS <i>DAREVSKIA</i> ARRIBAS LIZARDS, 1997 (REPTILIA, SAURIA, LACERTIDAE) IN AZERBAIJAN
Background . From the genus Darevskia in the territory of Azerbaijan Republic noted 11 species ( D. armeniaca , D. caucasica , D. chlorogaster , D. daghestanica , D. derjugini , D. portschinskii , D. praticola , D. raddei , D. rostombekovi , D. rudis , D. valentini ). Information on the condition of rock lizards in the republic has not been updated for a long time. The aim of the work was to clarify the data on the distribution and abundance of these species in Azerbaijan. Materials and methods . The research was carried in the Talysh Mountains (Lenkoran, Lerik and Yardimli districts of Azerbaijan in 2008-2011), in the Great Caucasus (Guba, Gusar, Gabala and Zagatala districts in 2013-2016), in the Minor Caucasus (Dashkesen, Gadabay and Tovuz districts in 2017-2018). Results . On the basis of own data and analysis of literature sources the data on the distribution and number of rock lizards from the genus Darevskia in Azerbaijan are given. The authors note that the areas of forest lizards of the Talysh ( D. chlorogaster and D. praticola hyrcanica ) are being reduced and these species need legislative protection. The extinct species for the territory of the Republic should be considered D. derjugini .