Shirvan National Park
Location: Salyan Rayon, Neftçala Rayon Map
Area: 544 km2
Description of Shirvan National Park
Shirvan National Park is a nature reserve that is located in the
Salyan Rayon and Neftçala Rayon of Azerbaijan. Nature reserve covers
an area of 544 km2. Shirvan National Park is a biosphere reserved
that covers a large area of grasslands inhabited by endangered
goitered or black- tailed gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). These
endemic gazelles used to live all across Azerbaijan, but growing
human presence and hunting greatly decreased their population.
Officials established Shirvan National Park in 1960 to protect this
dwindling specie from complete extermination. It worked and today
black tailed gazelle is not considered threatened.
Shirvan National Park today protects not only gazelles but also
wetlands around Lake Schor- Gel and lake Chala- Gel. These lands are
fairy empty during summer months, but in winter they swell with
migrating birds that come here to nest. These species include steppe
eagle, peregrine falcon, white- tailed eagle, swans, mullet and of
course majestic flamingoes.
Greater animals include wolves, badgers, foxes, jackals and of
course wild boars. This cute relatives of pigs are actually very
violent, so don't try to approach or pet them. They have bad eye
sight, but with their violent temper and heavy weight their handicap
is really your problem. They can attack humans at will and without a
reason. Additionally Shirvan National Park is inhabited by Syrian
vipers that usually live around wetlands and hunt for frogs,
stripped lizards and other creatures.
Entrance to the park is paid. A ticket costs 2
Azerbaijani manats. Children under the age of 6, schoolchildren and
people with disabilities are exempted from entrance fees.