Shirvan National Park

Year of foundation: 1961

Location: Kura-Aras Lowland, southeastern part of the Shirvan steppe.

Territory: 25,700 ha.

Goal: preservation of the gazelle population and habitats of migratory and sedentary bird species.

Climate: semi-desert, the winter period is characterized as moderate and dry, the summer period is dry and hot.

Relief: steppe, hilly in places. The Chala Lake is located on the territory of the reserve (area 100 ha, depth 0.3-1.0 m).

Main mammal species: goitered gazelle, wild boar, hare, Caspian seal, wolf, jackal, fox, raccoon, etc.

Main bird species: several types of ducks, geese, swans, flamingos, etc. (about 65 species).

The main goal of creating the reserve is the preservation and restoration of the goitered gazelle—a symbol of beauty listed in the "Red Book" of the Republic of Azerbaijan—and other fauna species characteristic of this territory. Despite the fact that the Shirvan State Nature Reserve is located in a semi-desert zone, its animal world is very rich. Many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians live here. The reserve is home to the goitered gazelle, nutria, steppe boar, hare, Caspian seal, wolf, jackal, fox, badger, etc. There are many migratory and non-migratory birds on the territory of the reserve. Among the birds found here are the francolin, little bustard, great bustard, swan, greylag goose, flamingo, bean goose, red-crested pochard, wild duck, coot, great white egret, little egret, squacco heron, northern pintail, northern shoveler, and others. The reserve protects migratory birds listed in the "Red Book" such as the great white pelican, black stork, little bustard, thrush, purple swamphen, Eurasian spoonbill, flamingo, red-breasted goose, mute swan, and Bewick's swan.