Nature

As a country located in both the Caucasus and Asia Minor, between the Black and Caspian Seas, Azerbaijan has a rich natural culture, and the widest biodiversity of all the European states and has enormous natural resources.

Flora

Azerbaijan has a rich flora, and over 4,500 species of plants have been classified in the country. Due the unique climate in Azerbaijan, flora is much richer - based on the number of species - than that of other republics of the South Caucasus. About two thirds of all of the species present in the entire Caucasus region can be found in Azerbaijan.

Fauna

Azerbaijan has an amazingly rich and diverse fauna. There are 106 species of mammals, 97 species of fish, 363 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians and 52 species of reptiles which have been recorded and classified in Azerbaijan.

The natural habitat of various types of animals varies within the country. Some species only populate special restricted areas (lakes, parts of mountainous areas), whilst others are spread throughout the country. For example, passerines (also known as perching birds) can be found anywhere in the territory of Azerbaijan. Among mammals, jeyran gazelles populate plain areas, Caucasian goats inhabit the Major Caucasus areas, most species of birds can be found in forests, some in water basins. Some insects occupy agricultural fields, while others are only present in defined ecosystems.

National Parks

Azerbaijan has a total of six national parks, although it should be noted that a seventh national park the Shakhdag Park is planned to be created in 2008, which will become the largest national park in the south Caucasus and one of the largest in Europe.

Shakhdag National Park
Ordubad National Park
Shirvan National Park
Ag-Gol National Park
Hirkan National Park
Altyaghach National Park
Absheron National Park

State Reserves

There are 16 state natural parks in Azerbaijan that preserve and protect the fauna, flora and their ecosystems.

Ag-Gel State Reserve
Basut-Chay State Reserve
Eldar pine-tree State Reserve
Gara-Yaz State Reserve
Gey-Gel State Reserve
Girkan State Reserve
Gizil-Agach State Reserve
Gobustan State Reserve
Ilisu State Reserve
Ismailli State Reserve
Pirgulu State Reserve
Shahbuz State Reserve
Shirvan State Reserve
Turian-Chay State Reserve
Qaragol State Reserve
Zagatala State Reserve

State Natural Game Reserve

Game Reserves are reserves with the purpose of maintaining wildlife. Some game reserves also allow hunting. The State Game Reserves in Major Caucasus in Azerbaijan are:

State Game Reserve of Shaki
State Game Reserve of Qusar
State Game Reserve of Qabala
State Game Reserve of Ismailly
State Game Reserve of Qakh

The natural complexes with the Minor Caucasus are:

State Game Reserve of Qubadly
State Game Reserve of Lachyn
State Game Reserve of Dashalty
State Game Reserve of Qyzyldja
State Game Reserve of Arazboyu

Four State Game Reserves of Azerbaijan (Lachyn, Gubadly, Dashalty, Arazboylu with a total area of about 440 sq km) are not currently operating as a result of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories.