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Armine's story

Junior Researcher fascinated by spiders and Armenia’s rich biodiversity.

About

Armine Kosyan is a junior researcher who has been studying spiders since 2019. Investigating these fascinating invertebrates, she found they remained largely unexplored in her native Armenia. In 2020, she made a significant effort to address this gap by enrolling in a postgraduate course at Yerevan State University. In her research, she has documented numerous spider species for the first time in Armenia, including one species new to science.

Embarking on postgraduate studies enhanced Armine’s expertise in arachnology, allowing her to collaborate with renowned international scientists. Now, as a junior researcher at Yerevan State University, she continues to explore the wonderful world of spiders while actively promoting conservation efforts. She engages local communities in biodiversity monitoring through citizen science initiatives, raising awareness about the importance of spiders. By integrating conservation practices and community involvement, she aims to weave threads to span knowledge gaps in arachnology and inspire a greater appreciation for Armenia’s rich biodiversity.

Connect with Armine

Armine's Interview

Q.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in conservation? And what motivates you now?

A.

My interest in conservation research began during my PhD. I studied the spider fauna of Armenia because they are poorly studied and lack conservation data. During my research, I encountered a rich diversity of spider species, many of which are new to Armenia or the world. The complexity of studying spiders and their importance in the ecosystem instilled an interest in protecting them. My goal is to raise awareness about their importance in biodiversity. Conservation often focuses on charismatic species, but the foundation of ecosystems lies in ‘unpopular’ species like spiders and insects. These creatures play essential roles in maintaining food webs. Protecting them means protecting entire ecosystems, ensuring long-term biodiversity and stability.

Q.

What impact did the Rufford Foundation grant have on your career?

A.

Getting the Rufford Small Grant was a turning point for me, shifting my focus from classic research to active conservation. It provided me with the opportunity to venture into the field and study Armenia’s diverse and highly rare spiders, found only in my homeland. The grant covered essential equipment, fieldwork and village-level education programmes. It also gave me the confidence to expand my work with these species and develop more effective conservation measures.

Q.

When faced with challenges in your work, what do you do to address them and remain positive?

A.

Challenges in conservation are inevitable, whether it’s a lack of resources or engaging locals. I deal with challenges by tackling the problem step by step and keeping a firm grasp of the big picture, the conservation of the species and ecosystems I’m working on. Personally, it’s inspiring to see what a difference even small actions can make in the long run. Also, sharing these challenges with a good team and learning from their experiences keeps me optimistic and motivated.

Q.

What is the best experience you’ve had working in conservation?

A.

One of the most rewarding experiences was recording a new species of spider for science, as well as recording many new species for Armenia, which is an ongoing process. Describing and recording new species plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, controlling insect populations and helping to maintain the balance of plant life. This discovery not only confirmed the importance of preserving their habitat, but also strengthened our community-based conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity of the region.

Q.

What is your greatest achievement and why?

A.

My greatest achievement is successfully creating a group of students interested in protecting the habitat of an Armenian species of spider. The project, funded by a Rufford Small Grant, involved mapping the spiders’ habitat, raising awareness of their ecological importance in local communities. The project resulted in better protection of the species, and we were able to engage local communities in conservation efforts by reducing harmful practices that threaten the spiders’ habitat in my home village. This achievement stands out because it helped me understand that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife, but also about building partnerships and trust with local communities.

Q.

What advice would you give to young people looking to establish a career in wildlife conservation?

A.

My advice would be to stay curious, be adaptable and don’t be afraid to work on the ‘smaller’ species that often get overlooked. Conservation is about understanding the intricate relationships between all creatures in an ecosystem, no matter their size. Gain as much field experience as possible – whether it’s through volunteering, internships or independent projects. Building relationships with other conservationists and learning from their experiences can also help you navigate challenges. Persistence is key, and remember that every effort counts․

Q.

What has working with Armenian spiders taught you?

A.

Working with Armenian spiders has taught me a great deal about ecosystem dynamics and the delicate balance of biodiversity. Spiders play vital roles in controlling insect populations and maintaining the health of various ecosystems. Many of these species are highly specialised, meaning that small changes in their habitat can have significant impacts on their survival. Working with these spiders has reinforced the idea that every species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a critical role in sustaining the health of our planet. It has also shown me how important it is to raise awareness and educate local communities about the significance of preserving these species.

Q.

What is your next conservation project?

A.

My next conservation project involves expanding my work on the conservation of Armenian spiders by focusing on habitat restoration in key areas where these species are most threatened. This includes working with local communities to reduce habitat destruction caused by urbanisation and agriculture. The project will also involve establishing new protected areas and conducting further research to better understand the ecological roles of these spiders. The long-term goal is to ensure the sustainability of their populations and integrate spider conservation into broader biodiversity strategies for Armenia’s unique ecosystems.