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National parks of Azerbaijan. National parks and reserves of Azerbaijan are a world of unique animals and birds. Absheronsky National Park

Absheron National Park was created from Absheron state reserve in 2005. The purpose of its creation was to preserve the gazelle, Caspian seals and waterfowl. It is located in Azerbaijan, on the territory of the Azizbek district of Baku. The area of the park is 783 hectares.

The land of the Absheron National Park is inhabited by goitered gazelles, jackals, foxes, badgers, hares, and seals and fish in the waters of the Caspian Sea.

Among the birds found are herring gull, sniffling swan, coot, gray red-headed and black ducks, sandpiper, marsh harrier and others migratory birds. From the above, unique bird is a marsh harrier. It prefers to hunt small birds and their eggs, as well as fish and amphibians, so this bird builds its nests in swampy areas covered with reeds and reeds. Many animals and birds listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan are also found in the Absheron National Park.

Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve

The Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve is a plain with a cultural landscape of rock paintings that covers an area of about 540 hectares.

In Gobustan you can find numerous rock carvings and ancient sites that testify to the inhabitants of the region of ancient eras, the Paleolithic and Middle Ages. The name "Gobustan" literally means "edge of ravines."

First archaeological excavations conducted here began in the 30s of the twentieth century, when Ishaq Jafarzadeh discovered 3,500 rock carvings, pits, caves and other historically significant objects in Gobustan. In 1965, 300 new rock carvings, more than 20 dwellings and 40 burial mounds were found. In 2007, the rock paintings and the reserve itself were included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO.

Goygol National Park

The area called Goygol is world famous for its beautiful and rich forests, unique nature and beauty. To preserve this natural splendor, Goygol National Park was created on April 1, 2008. The total area of the park today is 12,755 hectares. Goygol National Park is located on the picturesque northern slopes of Mount Kapaz, at an altitude of 1,000 - 3,060 meters above sea level.

The creation of the national park was aimed mainly at preserving the local biological environment, efficient use natural resources and development of ecotourism. The main part of the national park has rich vegetation cover.

Forests at an altitude of 1,100 - 2,200 meters above sea level include 80 species of trees and shrubs. The right tributary of the Kurekchay River, Akhsuchay, flows through the park. Goygol National Park is also rich in its fauna. The park is protected rare species animals such as Caucasian red deer and trout. The beautiful and diverse nature, rich flora and fauna of the Goygol National Park make it possible to effectively organize and develop ecotourism.

Zangezur National Park

Zangezur National Park named after academician Hasan Aliyev, also known as the Zangezur state reserve, is located on the territory of the Ordubad district of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It was created with the aim of preserving and restoring populations of rare animals - the Transcaucasian mouflon, leopard, bezoar goat, Caucasian grouse, brown bear and striped hyena.

All these animals are listed in the Red Book. The creation of the national park dates back to 2003, and its area is 42,797 hectares.

Zangezur National Park named after academician Hasan Aliyev is literally the location of many endangered species of animals, the park has a rich biological diversity. Only among the forms of life listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, 58 species of animals and 39 species of plants live here, which organize a harmonious but fragile ecosystem of this area.

Altyagadzhi National Park

Altyagadzh National Park is located on the territory of two regions: Khyzy and Siyazan, in the north-east of the country. The name of the park comes from the word “agadj” - a measure of distance, equal to approximately 7 kilometers, and “alty” in the local dialect means six. It was created on August 31, 2004 and covers an impressive area of 11,035 hectares. This national park was created with the aim of developing ecotourism, protecting natural complexes, preserving and restoring the flora and fauna of the area and preserving natural landscape southeast ridge Greater Caucasus.

The Atachay River and several of its tributaries flow through the territory of the Altyagadzhi National Park. Part of the park is covered deciduous forests, the main types of trees here are Caucasian oak, Caucasian hornbeam, oriental beech, ash and birch. The most common shrubs are prickly hawthorn, rose hips and blackberries. Among the animals living in the park are: roe deer, bears, wild boars, lynxes, foxes, hares, wolves, small rodents and other mammals. There is a Rehabilitation Center at Altyagadzhi National Park wildlife and Animal Rehabilitation Clinic.

Pirgulinsky State Reserve

The Pirguli State Reserve was created by decision of the Azerbaijani government in 1968 on an area of 1,500 hectares in the eastern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain chain.

The main goal of creating the reserve was to prevent the processes of erosion and atmospheric dust, as well as to preserve the typical mountain-forest landscape characteristic of this place and increase the number of valuable, rare and significant species animals and plants.

The forests here are known for their rich, beautiful landscapes. Among the trees there are hornbeam, oak, and beech. They form both pure and mixed forests. In these forests there are mixed ash, white maple, yew, willow, walnut, cherry, apple, pear, iron wood, medlar. The fauna consists of various mammals and birds.

Here you can meet roe deer, wild boar, brown bear, and jackal. In the Pirgulinsky State Reserve, among mammals and birds listed in the Red Book, there are Brown bear, chamois, turach, golden eagle, steppe eagle.

Zagatala Reserve

The Zagatala reserve is one of the most ancient reserves in Azerbaijan. It was formed in 1929 on the territory of the Zagatala and Balakan regions. The reserve borders on Georgia.

The purpose of creating the Zagatala Nature Reserve was to preserve the irreplaceable land conservation and water retention capacity of this place, natural complex, as well as flora and fauna. More than 900 plant species grow in the reserve. The main trees include beech, oak, hornbeam, linden, black alder, and hook pine.

32 species of mammals live here: more than 4,500 East Caucasian goats, a thousand deer and 700 chamois. There are few wolves in the reserve. They usually accompany flocks of livestock to eilagi and back. Two or three wolf packs permanently live in the reserve and make their lairs closer to the upper border of the forest. The number of lynx in the reserve does not exceed 10-16 individuals.

Hyrkan National Park

The Girkan National Park was created in 2004 on the territory of two regions of Azerbaijan: Lankaran and Astara. The area of this national park is 42,797 hectares, and all of them are occupied by picturesque, vibrant greenery of numerous plants.

The purpose of creating the Hyrcanian National Park was to protect landscapes humid subtropics from the harmful influence of humans, as well as the protection of endemic and relict species plants. Of the plants common in Azerbaijan, 1,900 species grow in the Hyrcanian forests, including 162 endemic, 95 rare, 38 endangered species. Among them are those listed in the Red Book - Hyrcanian boxwood, ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, fig, Hyrcanian pear, Lankaran albizia, Caucasian persimmon, alder and others.

Shahdag National Park

Shahdag National Park is located on the territory of several regions of Azerbaijan: Guba, Gusar, Ismayilli, Gabala, Oguz and Shamakhi. This scatter is due, first of all, to the large area (130,508 hectares), and secondly, to the fact that it was formed on the basis of two reserves at once: Ismailli and Pirgulinsky.

The national park was established on December 8, 2006 and covers the lands of the state forest fund and high-mountain pastures of the mentioned areas. Shahdag National Park was created to preserve rare breeds trees, animals and birds, restoration of the local ecosystem, protection of natural complexes and development of ecotourism.

Since the national park is located quite high in the mountains, this affected its climatic factors and created conditions for the growth of rich vegetation and diversity of animal life. Here tourists will see the most beautiful mountain peaks of the Caucasian spurs in all their glory. Ecotourism in the area of the Kurvedag and Bazaryurd mountains, which have an altitude of more than 3,800 meters and about 4,500 meters, leaves an impression of a lifetime.

Aggel National Park

Aggel National Park is located on the territory of Agjabadi and Beylagan regions of Azerbaijan. This park was created in 2003 and covers an area of 17,924 hectares. main feature the park is that about 99% of the territory consists of water and only 1% of islands and coastlines. Once on these lands there were the Aggelsky State Reserve and the Aggelsky State Nature Reserve, then they were combined.

This national park was opened with the aim of protecting and preserving the natural complexes of reed-marsh thickets and the waters of Lake Aggel. This, by the way, is the habitat and nesting place for many waterfowl and shorebirds. The ornithological fauna of the Aggel National Park is extremely diverse. Here you can find more than 140 species of birds, of which 89 species nest in the park. The fauna of the park also includes mammals such as wild boar, nutria, jungle cat, wolf, jackal, fox, brown hare and others, and, of course, there are 8 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the Syrian spadefoot, Caspian tortoise and water snake.

IN last years The need for a more careful attitude towards nature is increasingly being talked about, and various options for the most rational use I resource her. Among the most important problems is the problem of protection and security unique nature Caucasus. The first nature reserves of Azerbaijan - Goygol, Zagatala and Kizilagach - were organized in 1925 - 1930; then in 1936 the Girkansky reserve was organized, and in 1958 - the Turianchay nature reserve. Presidium Supreme Council In Azerbaijan, after the adoption of the “Law on the Protection of Nature of the Azerbaijan SSR” in 1959, 8 more reserves with a total area of 46.8 thousand hectares were organized (Gobustansky, Pirkulinsky, Shirvansky, Karayazsky, Aggelsky, Ismayilli and Ilisuinsky). Thus, the number of state reserves in the country in 1930. amounted to 3, in 1959. - 5, in 1971 - 8, in 1981 - 12, in 1987 - 13, in 1990 - 15. In the Greater Caucasus, 7 were created with a total area of 58.28 thousand hectares), in the Lesser Caucasus - 3 (7.09 thousand hectares), in the Lenkoran Mountains - 1 (2.9 thousand hectares), in the Kura-Aksinsk and Lenkoran lowlands - 4 ( 123.4 thousand hectares) of state reserves. In Azerbaijan, 2 reserves (Kyzylagach and Gobustan) are international, 12 reserves are regional and 1 (Garagel) is inter-republican. GOBUSTAN RESERVE The Gobustan Nature Reserve is part of the International Tourist Route. One is being created in the country biosphere reserve on the basis of the Zagatala nature reserve. Visit to the world-famous Gobustan nature reserve - unique and occupying a vast territory of the museum under open air, included in international tourist routes. GEY-GEL RESERVE Located on the northeastern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus in the Khanlar region. Organized in 1925 to restore and protect the mountain-forest, mountain-meadow and mountain-lake natural complex. Area - 7131 hectares, incl. forest - 3.9 thousand hectares. The territory of the Goygol Nature Reserve is dissected by deep valleys in which small stormy rivers flow. There are about 10 lakes. Brown mountain-forest soils are developed in the forest belt, and mountain-meadow soils are developed in the meadow belt. The climate is predominantly cold with dry winters KYZYLAGACH RESERVE Located in the Kura-Araks and Lenkoran lowlands. Includes the waters of the Big and northern parts of the Small Kyzylagach Bay and their coastal strip. Organized in 1929 on the basis of a reserve for the protection of arriving birds. Area - 88.36 thousand hectares. The area is inhabited by wild boar, wolf, jackal, jungle cat, badger, otter and other mammals. 20 species of birds, incl. sedentary animals - sultana, turach - are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. ZAKATALSKY RESERVE Located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, on the territory of the ZaRkatalsky and Belokansky districts. Established in 1929 to protect mountain-forest, mountain-meadow and subnival landscapes. Area - 23.84 hectares, incl. forest - 16.07 thousand hectares, meadows - 6.68 thousand hectares. Representatives of the fauna include the Transcaucasian brown bear, lynx, Caucasian chamois, chamois, East Caucasian tur, horseshoe bat, crested newt, common toad included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Among the birds, the Caucasian black grouse, golden eagle, bearded vulture, white-tailed eagle, Caucasian snowcock, Caucasian falcon and goshawk are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Of the reptiles, the esclon snake and the Caucasian snake are also listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. GIRKAN RESERVE Located in the forest belt of the Talysh Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland. Created in December 1936 to protect and study the natural complex of the Hyrcanian root. Area - 2.91 thousand hectares, all covered with forest. It consists of two sections: a mountain area on the slopes of the ridge. More than 20 species of plants and 10 species of animals are listed in the Red Book. The most characteristic of them are ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, Albizia Lankaran, velvety euonymus, Caspian honey locust, hornbeaf zelkova, Hyrcanian fig, Hyrcanian boxwood, Caucasian persimmon, winged lapina, almost heart-leaved alder and other plants, Central Asian leopard, sika deer, brown bear , striped hyena, lynx, black stork and other animals. TURIANCHAY RESERVE Organized on May 6, 1958 on the territory of the Agdash and Yevlakh regions at an altitude of 400-650m above sea level. On an area of 12.63 thousand hectares, the natural complex of the arid landscape is protected and restored, especially juniper and pistachio forests, animal world, easily susceptible to soil erosion and other arid natural complexes of Bozdag. The fauna of the reserve is small in number, and species composition much richer. 24 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 112 species of birds, and 3 species of amphibians live here. Of the vertebrate animals, 9 species are listed in the Red Book. Bears, wild boars, forest cats, hare, badgers, partridges, pheasants, kestrels, headless vultures, black vultures and other birds are more common here, and among reptiles - viper. SHIRVAN RESERVE Located in the South-Eastern Shirvan steppe on the territory of the Salyan and Neftechala regions. Organized on June 30, 1969 on the territory of the Byandovansky reserve for the protection of the natural complex, especially goitered gazelles. Area - 25.76 thousand hectares 3 species of animals are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, incl. goitered gazelle, 4 species of birds (tourist, bustard, white-tailed eagle, little bustard), reptiles and amphibians - Mediterranean turtle and Syrian spadefoot. Two additional bird species are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan (steppe eagle and black-bellied sandgrouse). GARAGEL RESERVE Located between the Lachin region of Azerbaijan and the Goris region of Armenia. The total area is 240 hectares. Of these, 751 consists of water, 25% of the coastlines, where the bulk are rocks and ravines. The lake, which is located in the crater of an inactive volcano, has a maximum length of 1950 m, a maximum width of 1250 m, maximum depth 78 m, perimeter 5500 m. The coast is covered with alpine meadows. PIRKULINSKY RESERVE Located on the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus. Organized on December 25, 1968 on the territory of the Shemakha region to preserve typical mountain forest landscapes. Area - 1.52 thousand hectares, incl. forest - 1.43 thousand hectares. Some plant species (especially yew) are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Animals included are the Transcaucasian brown bear, lynx, chamois, crested newt, and goshawk. KARYAZ RESERVE Located on the left bank of the Kura River, in the northwestern part of the republic. Area - 4.86 thousand hectares, incl. forest - 3.48 thousand hectares. A certain part of the reserve's lands are former arable lands, wastelands, pastures, and pastures. Shrub thickets of willow, barberry, oleaster, hawthorn, etc. stretch along the river. Multi-tiered tugai forests are widespread, in which the main tree species are poplar, oak, alder, and white acacia plantings. Common pomegranate, Caucasian persimmon, forest grapes and red pyracantha are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Representatives of the fauna include thrush, common toad, lynx, Caucasian goshawk, river trout included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. BASUTCHAYSKY RESERVE Located in the Zangelan region in the valley of the Basutchay River, which is a tributary of the Araks River. Organized on July 4, 1974 to protect the natural complex, especially to preserve the unique plane tree grove. Area - 107 hectares, incl. forest - 85 hectares. In the grove, which stretches along the river for almost 12 km, in addition to the eastern plane tree (many trees are up to 500 years old), there are also Walnut, Caucasian hackberry, elm, pistachio, oak (Araksin and Georgian), in the shrub layer hazel, dogwood, rose hips, etc. Oriental plane tree is listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. AGGELSKY RESERVE Located in the Milskaya steppe and the Kura-Araks lowland. Organized in 1978 in the water area of the Aggelsky reserve, on the territory of the Agjebedinsky district. Area 4.4 thousand hectares. About 99% of the territory consists of water, only 1% of islands and coastlines. The natural complex of Lake Aggel is protected, especially migrating and resident birds ISMAILLI RESERVE Located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the Ismailli region. Organized on June 12, 1981 on the territory of the Ismailli reserve for the protection of the natural complex. The fauna includes 40 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians, 4 species of fish, 104 species of birds. 5 species of birds (Caucasian grouse, bearded vulture, golden eagle, goshawk and snake eagle) and three species of mammals (brown bear, lynx, chamois), 1 relict species (Mediterranean tortoise), 1 species of amphibian (crested newt) and 1 species of fish ( river trout) are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. ALTYAGADZH RESERVE Located on the south-eastern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the Khizyinsky district. It was organized on March 22, 1990 to combat soil erosion and protect the natural landscape. Among the birds, pheasant, partridge, coot, etc. Brown bear, mountain eagle, etc. are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Gobustan Reserve is the most famous historical and artistic reserve in the world, the purpose of which is to protect, study and promote rock art, burial mounds and residential sites dating from the Mesolithic era (8th millennium BC) to the Middle Ages. ILISUINSKY RESERVE Located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the mountain-forest belt in the Kazakh region. Organized on February 20, 1987 to protect the mountain-forest natural complex. Area - 9.26 thousand hectares, 89% of which is covered with forest, about 7% consists of mountain-meadow communities. There are about 50 species of birds in the avifauna. Wood species - yew; among mammals - brown bear, lynx; among reptiles - the Mediterranean tortoise, among amphibians - the crested newt; among birds - the Caucasian black grouse, bearded vulture, golden eagle, short-eared snake eagle, and goshawk are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

In recent years, there has been more and more talk about the need for a more careful attitude towards nature, and various options for the most rational use of its resources are proposed. Among the most important problems is the problem of protecting and preserving the unique nature of the Caucasus. The first nature reserves of Azerbaijan - Goygol, Zagatala and Kizilagach - were organized in 1925 - 1930; then in 1936 the Girkansky reserve was organized, and in 1958 - the Turianchay nature reserve. After the adoption of the “Law on Nature Protection of the Azerbaijan SSR” in 1959, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan organized 8 more reserves with a total area of 46.8 thousand hectares (Gobustansky, Pirkulinsky, Shirvansky, Karayazsky, Aggelsky, Ismayilli and Ilisuinsky). Thus, the number of state reserves in the country in 1930. amounted to 3, in 1959. - 5, in 1971 - 8, in 1981 - 12, in 1987 - 13, in 1990 - 15. In the Greater Caucasus, 7 were created with a total area of 58.28 thousand hectares), in the Lesser Caucasus - 3 (7.09 thousand hectares), in the Lenkoran Mountains - 1 (2.9 thousand hectares), in the Kura-Aksinsk and Lenkoran lowlands - 4 ( 123.4 thousand hectares) of state reserves. In Azerbaijan, 2 reserves (Kyzylagach and Gobustan) are international, 12 reserves are regional and 1 (Garagel) is inter-republican.

GOBUSTAN RESERVE

The Gobustan Nature Reserve is part of the International Tourist Route. One biosphere reserve is being created in the country on the basis of the Zakatala Nature Reserve. A visit to the world-famous Gobustan Nature Reserve, a unique open-air museum occupying a vast territory, is included in international tourist routes.

GAY-GEL RESERVE

Located on the northeastern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus in the Khanlar region. Organized in 1925 to restore and protect the mountain-forest, mountain-meadow and mountain-lake natural complex. Area - 7131 hectares, incl. forest - 3.9 thousand hectares. The territory of the Goygol Nature Reserve is dissected by deep valleys in which small stormy rivers flow. There are about 10 lakes. Brown mountain-forest soils are developed in the forest belt, and mountain-meadow soils are developed in the meadow belt. The climate is predominantly cold with dry winters

KYZYLAGACH RESERVE

Located in the Kura-Araks and Lenkoran lowlands. Includes the waters of the Big and northern parts of the Small Kyzylagach Bay and their coastal strip. Organized in 1929 on the basis of a reserve for the protection of arriving birds. Area - 88.36 thousand hectares. The area is inhabited by wild boar, wolf, jackal, jungle cat, badger, otter and other mammals. 20 species of birds, incl. sedentary animals - sultana, turach - are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

ZAKATALSKY RESERVE

It is located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, in the territory of the ZaRkatalsky and Belokansky regions. Established in 1929 to protect mountain-forest, mountain-meadow and subnival landscapes. Area - 23.84 hectares, incl. forest - 16.07 thousand hectares, meadows - 6.68 thousand hectares. Among the representatives of the fauna, the Transcaucasian brown bear, lynx, Caucasian chamois, chamois, East Caucasian tur, horseshoe bat, crested newt, common toad are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Among the birds, the Caucasian black grouse, golden eagle, bearded vulture, white-tailed eagle, Caucasian snowcock, Caucasian falcon and goshawk are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Of the reptiles, the esclon snake and the Caucasian snake are also listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

GIRKAN RESERVE

Located in the forest belt of the Talysh Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland. Created in December 1936 to protect and study the natural complex of the Hyrcanian root. Area - 2.91 thousand hectares, all covered with forest. It consists of two sections: a mountain area on the slopes of the ridge. More than 20 species of plants and 10 species of animals are listed in the Red Book. The most characteristic of them are ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, Albizia Lankaran, velvety euonymus, Caspian honey locust, hornbeaf zelkova, Hyrcanian fig, Hyrcanian boxwood, Caucasian persimmon, winged lapina, almost heart-leaved alder and other plants, Central Asian leopard, sika deer, brown bear , striped hyena, lynx, black stork and other animals.

TURIANCHAY RESERVE

Organized on May 6, 1958 on the territory of the Agdash and Yevlakh regions at an altitude of 400-650m above sea level. On an area of 12.63 thousand hectares, the natural complex of the arid landscape is protected and restored, especially juniper and pistachio forests, fauna, easily susceptible to soil erosion, and other arid natural complexes of Bozdag. The fauna of the reserve is small in number, but much richer in species composition. 24 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 112 species of birds, and 3 species of amphibians live here. Of the vertebrate animals, 9 species are listed in the Red Book. Bears, wild boars, forest cats, hare, badgers, partridges, pheasants, kestrels, headless vultures, black vultures and other birds are more common here, and among reptiles - viper.

SHIRVAN RESERVE

Located in the South-Eastern Shirvan steppe on the territory of the Salyan and Neftechala regions. Organized on June 30, 1969 on the territory of the Byandovansky reserve for the protection of the natural complex, especially goitered gazelles. Area - 25.76 thousand hectares 3 species of animals are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, incl. goitered gazelle, 4 species of birds (tourist, bustard, white-tailed eagle, little bustard), reptiles and amphibians - Mediterranean tortoise and Syrian spadefoot. Two additional bird species are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan (steppe eagle and black-bellied sandgrouse).

GARAGEL RESERVE

Located between the Lachin region of Azerbaijan and the Goris region of Armenia. The total area is 240 hectares. Of these, 751 consists of water, 25% of the coastlines, where the main part is made up of rocks and ravines. The lake, which is located in the crater of an inactive volcano, has a maximum length of 1950 m, a maximum width of 1250 m, a maximum depth of 78 m, and a perimeter of 5500 m. The coast is covered with alpine meadows.

PIRKULINSKY RESERVE

Located on the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus. Organized on December 25, 1968 on the territory of the Shemakha region to preserve typical mountain forest landscapes. Area - 1.52 thousand hectares, incl. forest - 1.43 thousand hectares. Some plant species (especially yew) are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Animals included are the Transcaucasian brown bear, lynx, chamois, crested newt, and goshawk.

KARYAZ RESERVE

Located on the left bank of the Kura River, in the northwestern part of the republic. Area - 4.86 thousand hectares, incl. forest - 3.48 thousand hectares. A certain part of the reserve's lands are former arable lands, wastelands, pastures, and pastures. Shrub thickets of willow, barberry, oleaster, hawthorn, etc. stretch along the river. Multi-tiered tugai forests are widespread, in which the main tree species are poplar, oak, alder, and white acacia plantings. Common pomegranate, Caucasian persimmon, forest grapes and red pyracantha are included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Among the representatives of the fauna, the thrush, the common toad, the lynx, the Caucasian goshawk, and river trout are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

BASUTCHAI RESERVE

It is located in the Zangelan region in the valley of the Basutchay River, which is a tributary of the Araks River. Organized on July 4, 1974 to protect the natural complex, especially to preserve the unique plane tree grove. Area - 107 hectares, incl. forest - 85 hectares. In the grove, stretching along the river for almost 12 km, in addition to the eastern plane tree (many trees are up to 500 years old), there are also walnuts, Caucasian hackberry, elm, pistachio, oak (Araksin and Georgian), and hazel, dogwood, and rose hips in the shrub layer etc. Oriental plane tree is listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

AGGELSKY RESERVE

Located in the Mil steppe and the Kura-Araks lowland. Organized in 1978 in the water area of the Aggelsky reserve, on the territory of the Agjebedinsky district. Area 4.4 thousand hectares. About 99% of the territory consists of water, only 1% of islands and coastlines. The natural complex of Lake Aggel is protected, especially migrating and resident birds

ISMAILLI RESERVE

Located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the Ismayilli region. Organized on June 12, 1981 on the territory of the Ismailli reserve for the protection of the natural complex. The fauna includes 40 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians, 4 species of fish, 104 species of birds. 5 species of birds (Caucasian grouse, bearded vulture, golden eagle, goshawk and snake eagle) and three species of mammals (brown bear, lynx, chamois), 1 relict species (Mediterranean tortoise), 1 species of amphibian (crested newt) and 1 species of fish ( river trout) are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

ALTYAGADZH RESERVE

Located on the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the Khizyinsky district. It was organized on March 22, 1990 to combat soil erosion and protect the natural landscape. Among the birds, pheasant, partridge, coot, etc. Brown bear, mountain eagle, etc. are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Gobustan Reserve is the most famous historical and artistic reserve in the world, the purpose of which is to protect, study and promote rock art, burial mounds and residential sites dating from the Mesolithic era (8th millennium BC) to the Middle Ages.

ILISUINSKY RESERVE

Located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the mountain-forest belt in the Kazakh region. Organized on February 20, 1987 to protect the mountain-forest natural complex. Area - 9.26 thousand hectares, 89% of which is covered with forest, about 7% consists of mountain-meadow communities. There are about 50 species of birds in the avifauna. Wood species - yew; among mammals - brown bear, lynx; among reptiles - the Mediterranean tortoise, among amphibians - the crested newt; among birds - the Caucasian black grouse, bearded vulture, golden eagle, short-eared snake eagle, and goshawk are listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

If you look at the map of Azerbaijan, you will notice that most of it is occupied by environmental areas. There are nine in the country national parks, as well as 13 nature reserves and 18 state reserves. The ecological diversity of Azerbaijan's national parks is impressive: wide steppes and semi-deserts, dense relict forests, mountain lakes and deep rivers. Leopards and goitered gazelles live in these places, and birds from northern countries. "Moscow-Baku" compiled a rating of the national parks of Azerbaijan, in which the world of unique animals and birds is hidden from prying eyes.

Zangezur National Park

Zangezur National Park named after academician Hasan Aliyev is located on the territory of the Ordubad region of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. It took its name from the ridge of the same name, part of which runs through the territory of the environmental protection zone. This park was created in order to preserve and restore the population of animals listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. In recent years, with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Public association IDEA and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are implementing a project here to restore the population of leopards, which were threatened with complete extinction. The project was successful, and last year, with the help of camera traps, ecologists managed to spot a family of leopards with three cubs, which became the pride and achievement of Zangezur Park. And at the beginning of this year, the Nat Geo Wild TV channel dedicated an entire program to the Caucasian leopard, carrying out a “hunt” for it in Zangezur Park.

Aggel National Park

Aggel National Park was created on the territory of Agjabadi and Beylagan districts. It is located in the Milskaya steppe and has a semi-desert landscape, home to foxes and turtles. However, the main decoration of the park is Lake Aggel (translated as a white lake), where migratory, semi-aquatic and waterfowl winter and nest in large numbers. The modern Aggel National Park is included in the UNESCO list of protected sites as a wetland of world significance. In this bird paradise you can find more than 140 species of birds - herons, cormorants, flamingos, pelicans, etc. This park is a real crossroads where “flight” routes from Western Siberia and Kazakhstan to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Africa.

Shirvan National Park

This park is located on the territory of the Salyan region and, like the neighboring Aggel National Park, it is favored by migratory birds that come here for the winter. However, Shirvan Park was created to protect not only waterfowl, but also for the breeding of goitered gazelles, which can be seen walking in their natural environment. These gazelles were once on the verge of extinction. So, in the 60s of the last century, ecologists counted only 77 goitered gazelles and began to sound the alarm. As a result of the ban on their fishing and the creation of special reserves, the number of goitered gazelles was restored. Today Shirvan Park is the only one in Europe habitat goitered gazelle habitats. You can watch them from observation deck, and it is not recommended to approach them, as these shy deer do not like uninvited guests.

Hyrkan National Park

This park was created on the territory of the Lankaran and Astara regions, and its main purpose of creation is to protect the landscapes of the humid subtropics. To include the Hyrcanian forests on the UNESCO list of natural and cultural heritage, the documents were transferred to the secretariat of this organization and are still waiting in the wings. The Hyrcanian park consists entirely of relict and endemic plant species, and its main pride is the unique “iron tree”. In Azerbaijan it is called demir-agach - it got its name due to its wood, which is as hard as iron and also has the color of rust. Scientific name this tree, which is included in the World Red Book - Parrotia Persica. It belongs to the type of relict plant of the third period, and its age is about 18-20 million years. Locals They respect Demir-Agach, who, according to legend, has magical powers.

Altyagadzhi National Park

This park was created on the territory of the Khizi and Siyazan districts. 90 percent of its territory is occupied by forests, and it was created to prevent erosion processes on the southeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus and preserve rare species of animals and plants. In this park you can find different kinds trees and plants, and among its inhabitants are roe deer, raccoons, bears and foxes. The peculiarity of this park is that the only one in the country has been created here. rehabilitation center, where veterinarians restore the health of animals and birds. Entrance to the Center is free for visitors, and those who wish can take care of wounded bear cubs and foxes themselves.

Absheronsky National Park

This park is the closest to Baku, and to be more precise, it is located in the Khazar district of the capital. The smallest national park in Azerbaijan is home to goitered gazelles, jackals, foxes and badgers, and birds include the herring gull, sniffling swan, coot and the unique marsh harrier. However, this conservation zone was primarily created to preserve the Caspian seals living in this territory, which are in danger of extinction. The Caspian seal is listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, and its fishing has been prohibited since 1952. In Azerbaijan, it can only be found in summer near the seashore passing through the Absheron Park. During this period, the Caspian seal returns after breeding, and then again goes into deep waters.

Shahdag National Park

Shahdag National Park is located in the north of Azerbaijan, on the southern slope of the Bolshoi Caucasian ridge. It is considered the largest environmental protection zone a country that stretches from the Georgian border to Russia. Its total area is more than 130 thousand hectares. On the territory of the zone there is the most high mountain Azerbaijan - Bazarduzi and the Shahdag peak (4,243 m), which gave the name to the park. The beauty of Shahdag Park lies in its snow-white peaks, on which the snow does not melt even in summer, and in its high shady forests, home to rare species of animals included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan.

Goygol National Park

Goygol National Park was created in 2008 to preserve the rich flora and fauna of this region. The park is home to rare species of animals listed in the Red Book, and more than 800 species also grow medicinal plants. Goygol National Park is the pearl of nature of Azerbaijan. Its entire territory is divided by deep valleys, where wild rivers flow and clear mountain lakes rest. Here is the most big lake Azerbaijan - Goygol, which, by the way, gave the name to the national park. Goygol is the most visited lake in this park, but it is worth paying tribute to its other seven, no less colorful lakes. Swimming in them is prohibited; you can only admire and photograph this beauty. In its turn, long years in connection with environmental situation Goygol Park was closed to outsiders, and only 20 years later, in 2015, it opened to visitors, who can now visit it only along a certain route.

Samur-Yalama National Park

This park is the youngest and was created only five years ago on the territory of the Khachmaz region. The main goals of the park are the conservation of rare, endangered plant species in the forested areas of the Caspian Sea coast, natural places habitat for fish species such as salmon and carp, important migration routes for migratory birds. Directly north of the park, on the other bank of the Samur River, is the Samur State nature reserve Russia. Both parks complement each other: their goal is to preserve the most valuable subtropical ecosystem in the Samur River delta, known as the Samur Forest. In turn, this is the only place in Azerbaijan where forests go directly to the sea.

Azerbaijan, as a country of ancient culture in the region of the Caucasus and Central Asia, the Black and Caspian Seas, rich biological diversity in Europe, is the owner of a unique natural heritage. The role of specially protected areas - nature reserves - in preserving biological diversity is irreplaceable. It was as a result of the activities of the reserves that the conservation of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna became possible.

By order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 5, 2003, on the administrative territory of Agjabadi and Beylagan regions (17,924 hectares) on the basis of Ag-Gel state reserve and the Ag-Gel State Reserve, a National Park was created.

Altyagaj National Park is located in Azerbaijan, on the territory of two regions: Khizy and Siyazan, in the north-east of the country. The name of the park comes from the word “agadj” - a measure of distance, equal to approximately 7 kilometers, and “alty” in the local dialect means six.

Absheron National Park (Azerbaijani: Abşeron Milli Parkı) - created in 2005 on the basis of the Absheron State Nature Reserve, in the Azizbek district of Baku. The total area of the park is 783 hectares (7.83 km²).

Goygol National Park (Azerbaijani: Göygöl Milli Parkı) - was created in 2008 on the territory of the Goygol region. The total area of the park is 12,755 hectares (127.55 km²). The park was created on the basis of the Goygol State Reserve. The area called Goygol became world famous thanks to rich forests,

Hirkan National Park (Azerbaijani: Hirkan Milli Parkı) - created in 2004 on the territories of the Lankaran region and Astara region. Area 42,797 hectares (427.97 km²). The main purpose of creating the park was to protect the landscapes of the humid subtropics, as well as the protection of relict

Zangezur National Park named after academician Hasan Aliyev (Azerbaijani: Akademik Həsən Əliyev adına Zəngəzur Milli Parkı) is a nature reserve in Azerbaijan. Created in 2003 on the territory of the Ordubad region of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic.