State Reserves bear the status of governmental establishments aimed at environmental protection and scientific researches. They are particularly designed for the protection of typical and rare natural complexes and studying of natural processes and phenomena. The utilization of the lands of State natural reserves, as well as animals and plants, found within their boundaries for industrial purposes is prohibited by the law. Activities in this sector are regulated by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Republic.
In total more than 2,5% of Azerbaijan is under protection by the government as state reserve.
State Reserves
There are 15 state natural parks in Azerbaijan to preserve and protect the fauna, flora and their ecosystems. See below for the list:
Basut-Chay State Reserve was established on the area of 1.07km2 in 1974 for preserving and protecting the rare Oriental plane-tree. The reserve covers the area around the Basut-Chay of the southeastern part of Minor Caucasus.
Plane-trees
The plane-trees make up 93.5% of Basut-Chay State Reserve area. In average, plane-trees live for 170 years. However, one can come across the plane-trees 1,200–1,500 years of age, 50 meters in height and 4 meters in diameter.
The Basut-Chay State Reserve is under the control of de facto Nagorno-Karabakh forces and does not operate at present.
The Eldar Pine State Reserve was established on the area of 16.86km2 of Samuh administrative region on December 16, 2004. The reserve is mainly designed for preserving and protecting of rare and endemic species of Eldar Pine tree.
In 1967 the reserve (with the area of 3.92km2 was transformed into the branch of Goy-Gol State Reserve.
Gara-Yaz State Reserve was established on the area of 48.55km2 in 1978 for protecting and restoring of riparian woodlands around the Kur. It mainly protects rare and endangered tugai ecological systems, occupying the lands in the mid stream of the Kur. Riparian woodlands includes such types of trees as white poplar, oak, alder-tree and white acacia. Among sharp-clawed animals the most widely spread are wild boar and deer, among birds; pheasant, thrush, dove, etc.
The area of Gara-Yaz State Reserve was expanded by 48.03km2 up to 96.58km2 on June 2, 2003.
Gizil-Agach State Reserve was established on the area of 884km2 south-west of the Caspian Sea shore for the purpose of protecting, creating conditions for wintering and nesting of migrant, swamp and wild birds in 1929.
The reserve was included of the list of UNESCO Ramseur convention "On internationally important swampy areas as the birds' residing places". The most species of birds included into the Red Book of Azerbaijan are found in the reserve and adjacent areas. The reserve accounts for 248 species of birds. Such mammals as wild boar, wolf, wild cat, badger, sable, fox, etc. populate this reserve. There are 54 fish species in the water basins of this reserve.
Gobustan State Reserve
Gobustan is amongst the most unusual places on Earth.
Gobustan State Reserve was established in 1966 when the region was declared as a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the ancient carvings, mud volcanoes and gas-stones in the region.
Gobustan State Reserve is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 600,000 rock paintings, which depict primitive men, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars, on the average dating back to 5,000–20,000 years.
It's estimated that 300 of the planet's estimated 700 mud volcanoes sit in Gobustan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. Many geologists as well as locals and international mud tourists trek to such places as the Firuz Crater, Gobustan, Salyan and end up happily covered in mud which is thought to have medicinal qualities. In 2001 one mud volcano 15 kilometers from Baku made world headlines when it suddenly started spewing flames 15 meters high.
The Gaval Dash is a natural musical stone which can only be found in Gobustan, Azerbaijan. Among the stone books there are a big flat stone formed out of 3 supports. Suffice it to touch the object with a small stone, melodious sounds come from it. The stone is called Gaval Dash, the sound can be compared with a tambourine. The Gaval Dash have been formed due to the unique climate, oil and gas which can be found in the region of Azerbaijan.
Today Gobustan is the most popular state reserve and is an invaluable treasure-house of Azerbaijan.
Ilisu State Reserve was established on the area of 93km2 in 1987. It aims to protect natural complexes of southern slopes of Major Caucasus, to preserve rare and endangered flora and fauna, to restore forests and prevent erosion of soil and flood. The reserve accounts for 500 plant species with nearly 60 species of endemic ones. One can come across such animals as roe deer, mountain buffalo, wild boar, squirrel, chamois, etc.
The territory of Ilisu State Reserve was expanded up to 173.816km2 in March 2003.
Ismailli State Reserve was established on the area of 57.78km2 in 1981 for preservation and protection of natural complexes, occupying the north part of southern slope of Major Caucasus.
The area of the reserve was expanded by 109.6km2 and brought to 167km2 in June 2003.
Forests are mainly formed by such tree types as beech, hornbeam and oak, the small number of birch-tree, cud, lime-tree, etc. Among them are chestnut-leaved oak and horehound oak of the Tertiary period were included into the Red Book of Azerbaijan. The reserve accounts for nearly 170 animal species. 104 bird species of 13 orders are found in this reserve. Such mammals as brown bear, wild cat, lynx, Caucasian dear, roe dear, chamois, Caucasian goat, etc. populate the reserve.
Pirgulu State Reserve was established on the area of 15.21km2 in 1968 for protecting mountain forests, herbage of different kinds, fertile soil, expanding forest areas, preventing air pollution that has a negative impact on astroclimate. The flora of the reserve includes over 60 species. One can come across such mammals as brown bear, wolf, forest cat, lynx, weasel, wild boar, roe deer, etc.
The area of Pirgulu State Reserve was expanded by 27.53km2 and reached 42.74km2 in 2003.
Shahbuz State Reserve was created on the area of 31.39km2 of Shahbuz administrative district of Nakhchivan (autonomous republic of Azerbaijan) by a decree of President of Azerbaijan on June 16, 2003. The area of Batabat lake is mainly surrounded by grassland. Medicinal herbs, oak trees etc. dominate the flora of the area. The most widely spread animals are partridge, broad-tailed nightingale, among mammals-brown bear, badger, lynx, etc.
It was established in June 2003 for the purpose of protecting rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
Shirvan State Reserve was established on the area of 177.45km2 of a part of Bendovan State Game reserve in 1969 for the purpose of protecting and increasing the number of water birds. The area of the reserve was expanded to 258km2 in 1982. Water reserves account for 35,000 m2 of the area.
The reserves is characterized by rich ornithological fauna. Rare and valuable birds nest and winter in the swampy areas. The largest part of the reserve was transferred to the Shirvan National Park in 2003 and the area of the reserve currently totals 62.32km2.
Turian-Chay State Reserve was established on the area of 126.3km2 in 1958 for the purposes of protection and restoration of arid forest complexes in Bozdagh and prevention of erosion processes in the mountainous slopes.
The reserve area was expanded to 225km2 in January 2003. Three types of juniper (flavor, red and polycarpous), Georgian oak, cud, pomegranate, etc., can be found in the reserve. It also has 24 species of mammals, 112 birds, 20 reptiles and 3 Amphibians.
Gara-Gel State Reserve was established on the area of 2.4km2 in 1987 for protection and preservation of rare ecological system of the lake of glacial origin and natural complexes surrounding the water basin. The lake feeds mainly from rains and spring water. The flora of the reserve comprises plants of 278 races, 68 breeds and over 100 species. The trout was brought to the lake in 1967.
Gara-Gel State Reserve is occupied by Armenian forces and does not operate at present.
Zagatala State Reserve was established in an area of 252km2 of Zagatala and Balakan districts in the central part of southern slopes of the Caucasus; in Azerbaijan.
The territory of the reserve has been altered for several times and gradually reached 238km2. The reserve aims to protect Sub-Alpine plants of southern slopes of the Major Caucasus and the natural complexes of Alpine and nival zones. The reserve is famous for such ancient plants as rhododendron, cherry-laurel, blackberry, maple, fern, etc. It also has a rich fauna, that includes among others the Caucasian mountain buffalo, fox, forest cat, lynx, squirrel, weasel, etc. are found in this reserve.
In 2005–2006 there were suggestions to expand the reserve territory of the Zagatala State Reserve. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources had announced that they had confirmed to expand Zagatala State Reserve in 2007.
Expansions
Azerbaijan has taken drastic measures to improve the ecology of the country, more than 10 new reserves were created in order to protect and preserve the nature. here below is a list of the expanded reserves with the given expanded area:
The area of Ilisu State Reserve was expanded by 93km2 up to 173.816km2 in 2003.
The area of Ismailli State Reserve was expanded by 109.6km2 and brought to 167km2 in 2003.
Articles related to the Azerbaijan Republic include:
Qakh District is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. It is located in the north of the country and belongs to the Shaki-Zagatala Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Zagatala, Shaki, Samukh, Yevlakh, and the Russian Republic of Dagestan. Its capital and largest city is Qakh. As of 2020, the district had a population of 57,200.
Fauna of Azerbaijan or animal kingdom of Azerbaijan refers to the diversity of various types of animals, which inhabit and populate a defined ground or water area in Azerbaijan.
The environment of Azerbaijan, includes a wide diversity of climates, animals, plants, and habitats.
National parks of Azerbaijan are run by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The first national park established was Zangezur National Park in 2003. Since then a further 9 national parks have been established; the most recent being the Gizilaghaj National Park in 2018.
Shirvan National Park — is a national park of Azerbaijan. It was established on July 5, 2003 within the territory of Salyan Rayon administrative districts. Its surface area is 54,373.5 hectares (543.735 km2).
Zagatala State Nature Reserve - is a reserve in the Zagatala and Balakan districts of Azerbaijan. It was established in 1929 in the middle part of the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the territory of Zagatala and Balakan districts on an area of 25200 hectares. It is located on the eastern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range in Azerbaijan. Zagatala Reserve was established in 1930-0 as a separate reserve together with the Balakan Reserve. The height of the reserve varies from 650 to 3646 m above sea level. The flora of the base of the reserve consists of mountain forests and mountain meadows. More than a thousand species of modern flora are observed here. [2] The territory of the reserve has changed many times and now stands at 28,844 hectares. There are more than 900 plant species in the reserve, which is 1/6 of the flora of Azerbaijan. More than 60% of the reserve area consists of broadleaf forests. The main purpose of the reserve is to protect the natural complexes of rare plants on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Turian-Chay State Reserve or Turyanchay State Reserve was established on the area of 126.3 square kilometres in 1958.
Shirvan State Reserve in Azerbaijan was established on the area of 177.45 square kilometres (68.51 sq mi) of a part of Bendovan State Game reserve in 1969 for the purpose of protecting and increasing the number of water birds. The area of the reserve was expanded to 258 square kilometres (25,800 ha) in 1982.
Basut-Chay State Reserve or Besitchay State Reserve is protected area of Azerbaijan, near the border with Armenia. It was established as a 107 hectare reserve in 1974 for preserving and protecting the rare Oriental plane tree. The area of the reserve was slightly reduced by 10 hectares in October 1980. The reserve covers the area around the Besitchay of the southeastern part of Minor Caucasus.
Gara-Yaz State Reserve or Qarayazy State Reserve was established on the area of 48.55 km2 in 1978 for protecting and restoring of riparian woodlands around the Kur. It mainly protects rare and endangered tugai ecological systems, occupying the lands in the mid stream of the Kur. Riparian woodlands includes such types of trees as white poplar, oak, alder-tree and white acacia. Among sharp-clawed animals the most widely spread are wild boar and deer, among birds; pheasant, thrush, dove, etc.
Ilisu State Nature Reserve was established on the area of 93 km2 (36 sq mi) in 1987 in Qakh Rayon, Azerbaijan. It aims to protect natural complexes of southern slopes of Major Caucasus, to preserve rare and endangered flora and fauna, to restore forests and prevent erosion of soil and flood. The reserve accounts for 500 plant species with nearly 60 species of endemic ones. One can come across such animals as roe deer, wild boar and chamois.
Shahbuz State Reserve was created on the area of 31.39 km² of Shahbuz District of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan on June 16, 2003. The area of Batabat Lake is mainly surrounded by grassland. Medicinal herbs, oak trees etc. dominate the flora of the area. The most widely spread animals are partridge, broad-tailed nightingale, among mammals-brown bear, badger, lynx, etc.
The wildlife of Azerbaijan consists of its flora and fauna and their natural habitats.
Protected areas of Azerbaijan include:
İlisu is a village and municipality in the Qakh District of Azerbaijan. It has a population of 1,370. It was the capital of the Elisu Sultanate. The postal code is AZ 3417.
Tourism in Azerbaijan has been an important sector of the Azerbaijani economy since the 1990s. According to Azerbaijan's Center for Economic and Social Development, the country is in 39th place among 148 countries in tourism competitiveness indicators. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that Azerbaijan is among the top ten countries with the greatest increase in visitor exports from 2010 to 2016. The country had the world's fastest-developing travel and tourism economy in 2017. To promote tourism, Azerbaijan sponsored Atlético Madrid jerseys reading "Azerbaijan – Land of Fire". In 2018, a new tourism brand and a slogan "take another look" were introduced.
The Azerbaijan is a country with very favorable natural conditions and rich natural resources. Snowy peaks, high mountains, foothill fertile soils, wide plains, Lowest Land Points Below Ocean Level are the main landscape forms of republic. This complex landscape structure has caused the variety in natural conditions - climate, soil-vegetation, and water resources. This, in turn, led to the uneven distribution of population and farms on the territory, and the specialization of production on different types.
Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region is one of the 14 economic regions of Azerbaijan. It borders the economic regions of Shaki-Zagatala, Guba-Khachmaz, Absheron-Khizi, Shirvan-Salyan, and Central Aran. The region consists of the districts of Agsu, Ismayilli, Gobustan, and Shamakhi. It has an area of 6,130 square kilometres (2,370 sq mi). Its population was estimated to be at 324.8 thousand people in January 2021.
The Azerbaijan shrub desert and steppe is a deserts and xeric shrublands ecoregion in western Asia. It lies in the lowlands west of the Caspian Sea, and covers portions of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Iran.
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