Researchers from the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan carried out comprehensive field studies for ecological biodiversity monitoring at the Pirgulu Biogeographical Station, located in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park, from 20–24 July 2026.

The expedition was led by Assoc. Prof. Ulviyya Mammadova, PhD in Biology, Leading Researcher at the Laboratory of Geospatial Analytics and Cartography of the Institute of Geography. The research team also included Assoc. Prof. Naila Orujova, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Chief Researcher, Zeynab Valiyeva, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and Senior Researcher, and Shabnam Mammadova, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and Leading Researcher.

The main objective of the expedition was to assess the current ecological status of biodiversity, soils, and vegetation cover at the Pirgulu Biogeographical Station, collect long-term ecological monitoring data, and monitor ecosystem changes. During the field surveys, monitoring was conducted on floristic diversity, ecological indicators of soils and vegetation, as well as the distribution of rare plant species. GPS coordinates and georeferenced photographs were also collected.

To facilitate field route tracking in forested and mountainous terrain, ensure researchers' safety, accurately determine observation point coordinates, and digitally record survey routes, a GNSS/GPS tracking system was utilized. By simultaneously connecting to the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite navigation systems, the device received signals from 44–56 satellites, enabling highly accurate spatial positioning. The system provided essential navigation parameters, including absolute elevation, spatial accuracy, movement direction (azimuth), speed, GPS time, and satellite signal quality.

In addition, spatial analysis of the monitoring data was performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Sentinel satellite imagery, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technologies, and advanced geospatial analysis methods.

The field studies were conducted in accordance with the methodologies and principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ecosystem monitoring approaches, the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network (eLTER) methodology, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) soil monitoring principles, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 13 and 15).

The monitoring results obtained during the expedition will contribute to the assessment of biodiversity dynamics in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park, the enhancement of long-term ecological monitoring systems, and the science-based management and conservation of protected natural areas.