Direction:Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation Biology
Position:Full Professor
Graduated from Tbilisi (Ivane javakhishvili) State University (Biology, zoology) (1988). PhD in Ecology from Institute of Zoology, Georgian Acadamy of Sciences, 2002. The doctoral research on the Ontogenesis of play behavior in wolf (Canis lupus). Work Experience: Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Biology, Department of Zoology (1988-2006) (Assisstant professor, Assos. professor); Georgian University SDASU, Tbilisi Medical College (1996-1997) (Lecturer); NACRES (Biodiversity Conservation and Research/ non-govermental organization) (1989-2006) (Academic Education Program, Head).
Since 2006, full professor at Ilia State University, head of the program for the Ecology and Conservation of Large Mammals.
Has been involved in over ten international projects in fields of Conservation Biology and Ecology.
Studies largely in ecology of terrestrial and marine large mammals and in conservation biology.
Scientific interests / research interests
- Animal Behavior
- Conservation Biology
- Conservation Genetics
- Human – Large Carnivore conflict
- Black Sea Cetaceans
- Apex predators
Kopaliani N., Gurielidze Z. & Ninua L. 2017. Records of anomalously white harbor porpoises and atypical pigmented short-beaked common dolphin in the Georgian Black Sea waters. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. Vol. 23, No. 1: 66-74 (2017)
Rutkowski R., Krofel M., Giannatos G., Cirovic D., Volokh A., Lanszki J ., Heltai M., Szabó L., Männil P., Ovidiu C., Yavruyan E., Hayrapetyan V., Kopaliani N., Miliou A., Tryfonopoulos G., Lymberakis P., Penezic A., Giedre P., Suchecka E & Bogdanowicz W. 2015. A European concern? Genetic structure and expansion of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Europe and the Caucasus. November 5, 2015https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141236
Kopaliani N., Shakarashvili M., Gurielidze Z., Qurkhuli T., Tarkhnishvili D. 2014. Gene flow between wolf and shepherd dog populations in Georgia (Caucasus). Journal of Heredity(2014)doi: 10.1093/jhered/esu014
Pilot M., Dabrowski Michał J., Yavruyan E., Kopaliani N., Tsingarska E., Bujalska B., Kaminski S.,, Bogdanowicz W. 2014. Genetic variability of the grey wolf Canis lupus in the Caucasus in comparison with Europe and the Middle East: Distinct or intermediary population? PLoS ONE. Volume 9, Issue 4: e93828. doi:10.1371. April 2014.
Murtskhvaladze M, Gurielidze Z, Kopaliani N, Tarkhnishvili D. 2012. Gene introgression between Gazella subgutturosa and G. marica: limitations of maternal inheritance analysis for species identification with conservation purposes. Acta Theriologica, 2012
Kopaliani N. & Gurielidze Z. 2009. Status of Turs in Georgia and Conservation Action Plan CEPF, WWF. assets.panda.org/downloads/cepf_caucasus_web_1.pdf
Mallon D., Weinberg P. & Kopaliani N. 2007. Status of the Prey Species of the Leopard in the Caucasus. IUCN. Species Survival Commission.Cat Specialis Group. Stampfli Publikationen AG, Bern,Switzerland
Lortkipanidze B., Darchiashvili G. & Kopaliani N. 2004. Leopard in Georgia (new evidence). Proceedings of the Institute of Zoology (Georgian Academy of Science). Tbilisi
Kopaliani N. 2002. The role of play in the formation of social behavior in the wolves. Proc. Georgian Acad. Sci., Biol. Ser. A, 2002, vol.28
Kopaliani N. 2000. The significance of playing signals for the formation of social sensitivity in wolves. World of Psychology. #4 (24). Moscow
Badridze J. Gurielidze Z. Butkhuzi L, Kopaliani N. 1998. Wolf II: Formation of predatory and hunting behavior in the captive rised wolves. Metsniereba. Tbilisi
Kopaliani N. 1997. The role of play in the formation of hunting behavior in the wolves. Scientific Research in the Zoos and Aquarius EAZA/Moscow
National Biodiversity Conservation Reports
Kopaliani N., Gurielidze Z., Javakhishvili Z., Devidze N., Ninua L., Dekanoidze D., Shvelidze T. 2017. Cetacean Survey in Nearshore Waters of Anaklia (Black Sea, Georgia). Funded by the Anaklia Development Consortium
Kopaliani N., Gurielidze Z., Devidze N., Ninua L., Dekanoidze D., Javakhishvili Z. 2015-2017 Monitoring of Black Sea Cetacean in Georgian Waters and Indication of Core areas in Georgian Black Sea. Report for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of Georgia. Supported Kolkheti Protected Areas‘ Development Fund
Kopaliani N, Gurielidze Z, Devidze N, Shakarashvili M. 2016. Action Plan for the Conservation of Black Sea Cetacean In Territorial Waters of Georgia (for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of Georgia). Supported Kolkheti Protected Areas‘ Development Fund
Gurielidze Z., Kopaliani N., Devidze N., Ninua L., Dekanoidze D., Javakhishvili Z., Paposhvili N., Qerdikoshvili N. 2014. Monitoring of Black Sea Cetacean in Georgian Waters. Report for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of Georgia. Supported by Kolkheti Protected Areas‘ Development Fund
Gurielidze Z., Kopaliani N., Devidze N., Shakarashvili M. Javakhishvili Z. 2012. Black Sea Biodiversity. Situation Analysis. NBISEP. Supported by GIZ (Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)
Books
Kopaliani N. 2002. Introduction to the Conservation Biology. Tbilisi. Supported by UNDP; GF; NACRES
Kopaliani N. 2017. Cetaceans in the Black Sea: Marine People Next To Us (in Georgian). Funded by Kolkheti Protected Areas’ Development Fund (prepared for publication)
Current Courses |
Course Catalog |
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| Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
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2020-2021 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
2019-2020 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
2018-2019 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
2017-2018 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
2016-2017 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
2015-2016 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
2014-2015 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
2013-2014 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
2012-2013 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
2011-2012 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
2011-2012 Year Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level
2009-2010 Year Master’s level
Master’s level
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Since 2009 suppervised 16 MSC thesis