The first national park in Azerbaijan is Zangezur National Park, originally established in 2003 under the name Ordubad National Park and renamed in 2009. Located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, it was created to protect the diverse ecosystems of the Zangezur Mountains. The park is home to rare species such as the Caucasian leopard and Armenian mouflon.
Azerbaijan National Parks
About Azerbaijan National Parks
Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is home to 10 national parks, which play a vital role in preserving the country’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Azerbaijan National Parks protect a wide range of landscapes, including forests, mountains, wetlands, and coastal areas, which are home to various species of flora and fauna. These national parks in Azerbaijan contribute to the country’s environmental conservation efforts and promote eco-tourism, attracting visitors with their unique natural beauty.
Shirvan National Park, located in the southeastern part of the country, is one of the most significant national parks in Azerbaijan. It is known for its semi-desert landscapes and is an important sanctuary for the Goitered gazelle, an endangered species. The park also protects a wide range of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, making it a key site for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Göygöl National Park, situated around Lake Göygöl in western Azerbaijan, is famous for its picturesque scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. The park is home to various species of fish, including the endemic Göygöl trout, as well as mammals like bears, lynxes, and wild boars. Its beautiful landscapes make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Hirkan National Park, located in the southeastern region along the Caspian Sea, is known for its lush forests, which are part of the ancient Hyrcanian forests that date back millions of years. The park is home to species such as the Caucasian leopard, brown bear, and lynx, as well as many endemic plants.
Despite their significance, Azerbaijan National Parks face challenges such as deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and development. Climate change further threatens these fragile ecosystems. Efforts are being made to improve park management, strengthen conservation measures, and promote sustainable tourism to ensure the protection of Azerbaijan’s natural heritage.
Below is an Alphabetical List of National Parks in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan National Parks
Absheron National Park
Ag-Gel National Park
Altyaghach National Park
Gizilaghaj National Park
Goygol National Park
Hirkan National Park
Samur-Yalama National Park
Shahdag National Park
Shirvan National Park
Zangezur National Park
FAQ’s
1. What was the first national park in Azerbaijan?
2. What is the largest national park in Azerbaijan?
Shirvan National Park is the largest national park in Azerbaijan, covering an area of about 213 square miles (552 square kilometers).
Established in 2003, it is located in the southeastern region of the country and is characterized by semi-desert landscapes, saline lakes, and wetlands. The park is known for its large population of goitered gazelles and offers a key habitat for various bird species.
3. What is the smallest national park in Azerbaijan?
The smallest national park in Azerbaijan is Absheron National Park, covering just 31 square miles (78 square kilometers).
Located on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, this park was established in 2005 to protect its coastal ecosystems and unique Caspian Sea biodiversity. The park is known for its sandy beaches, sea life, and populations of Caspian seals.
4. What is the most popular national park in Azerbaijan?
Gobustan National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Azerbaijan, famous for its ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers approximately 214 square miles (555 square kilometers) and features rock carvings dating back over 40,000 years.
Visitors are drawn to Gobustan for its remarkable historical significance and geological wonders, including mud volcanoes that create a unique landscape.
The combination of natural beauty and archaeological heritage makes Gobustan a key destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
5. What percentage of Azerbaijan's land area is protected through official National Parks?
Approximately 10.3% of Azerbaijan’s land area is protected through national parks and reserves, covering around 4,600 square miles (12,000 square kilometers). Azerbaijan’s national parks safeguard its diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal areas along the Caspian Sea to mountainous regions in the Lesser and Greater Caucasus.
6. What other protected areas are there in Azerbaijan?
In addition to its national parks, Azerbaijan has several important nature reserves and sanctuaries that protect its biodiversity. The Zaqatala State Reserve in the northwestern part of the country is a significant protected area known for its pristine forests, rivers, and wildlife, including brown bears and lynxes.
Shirvan State Nature Reserve, located in the southeastern part of the country, is crucial for the conservation of gazelles and other steppe wildlife.
Gizil-Agaj State Reserve, located along the Caspian Sea coast, is a Ramsar-listed wetland area that is important for migratory birds.
7. What nature attractions does Azerbaijan have apart from National Parks?
Apart from its national parks, Azerbaijan offers several other natural attractions. The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is a key feature of the country’s geography, providing opportunities for beach tourism and fishing along its coastline.
The Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its prehistoric rock carvings and mud volcanoes, which are among the most active in the world.
Azerbaijan’s Caucasus Mountains, particularly the Greater Caucasus, offer stunning landscapes for trekking and climbing, including the popular Mount Shahdag.
8. What species are endemic and unique to Azerbaijan alone?
Azerbaijan is home to several species that are regionally significant, although few species are endemic to Azerbaijan alone. The Caucasian leopard, though critically endangered, is found in Azerbaijan’s mountainous regions.
The Caspian turtle and Caspian seal are unique to the Caspian Sea region, making Azerbaijan one of their critical habitats. The country’s forested and mountainous regions also support a variety of plant species, including rare and endemic flora such as the Eldar pine.
9. What is Azerbaijan's main international airport?
Azerbaijan’s main international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA code: GYD), located near the capital city, Baku. It is the largest and busiest airport in Azerbaijan and serves as the primary gateway for international travelers.
10. What international airline companies fly into Azerbaijan?
The following international airline companies fly into Azerbaijan:
- Aeroflot
- Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) (national carrier)
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Lufthansa
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
11. Who manages the national parks of Azerbaijan?
The national parks and protected areas in Azerbaijan are managed by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The ministry is responsible for the conservation of biodiversity, the management of natural resources, and the protection of national parks.
Additionally, international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and BirdLife International work in collaboration with the Azerbaijani government on various conservation initiatives.
For more information, visit the Ministry’s official website: http://www.eco.gov.az.