Location: Ordubad Rayon Map
Area: 12,131 hectares (121.31 km2)
Zangezur National Park, located in the Ordubad District of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, is a biodiverse and geographically significant protected area in the Zangezur Mountains. Established to preserve unique ecosystems, rare species, and cultural heritage, the park spans a rugged mountainous landscape and serves as a critical conservation zone in the South Caucasus.
Zangezur National Park occupies 42,797 hectares (427.97 km²) in the
Zangezur Mountain Range, part of the Lesser Caucasus, with elevations
ranging from approximately 1,692 to 3,906 meters at its highest peak.
The park’s terrain is characterized by steep slopes, narrow valleys,
precipices, and eroded rock formations, with ancient glacial features in
areas like Soyug Dagh (Cold Mountain). Its strategic location near the
border with Armenia’s Syunik Province creates a transboundary ecological
corridor with protected areas like Armenia’s Zangezur Biosphere Complex
and Arevik National Park.
Climate: The park experiences a
continental climate with cold winters (temperatures from -30°C to -10°C
in January) and hot, dry summers (10°C to 25°C in July). Annual
precipitation ranges from 300 to 800 mm, primarily from rain and melting
snow, which feeds the park’s river systems.
Hydrology: The park’s
water network includes rivers such as Gilanchay, Vanadchay, Duylunchay,
Aylishchay, Ganzachay, Kotamchay, Kilitchay, and Ordubadchay. These
rivers, sustained by snowmelt and rainfall, support the park’s
ecosystems and surrounding agriculture.
Geology: The Zangezur
Mountains feature ancient geological formations, with eroded rocks and
glacial remnants. The park’s rugged topography contributes to its
isolation and ecological distinctiveness.
The park’s mountainous
landscape and varied altitudes create diverse microclimates, supporting
a range of ecosystems from semi-arid foothills to alpine meadows.
Zangezur National Park was initially established as Ordubad National
Park on June 16, 2003, covering 12,131 hectares. On November 25, 2009,
it was expanded to 42,797 hectares and renamed Zangezur National Park,
incorporating parts of the Shahbuz State Nature Reserve. The park is
named after the Zangezur Mountains and dedicated to Academician Hasan
Aliyev, a prominent Azerbaijani ecologist. Its creation aimed to protect
biodiversity, monitor environmental changes, and promote eco-tourism.
Historical Context: The Zangezur region has a rich history, with
evidence of human habitation dating back millennia. The park contains
archaeological sites, including medieval bridges, dwellings, and
churches, reflecting the area’s cultural heritage. The region was
historically part of trade routes and contested by empires, including
the Safavids, Ottomans, and Russians.
Modern Significance: The park’s
establishment reflects Azerbaijan’s efforts to conserve its natural
heritage amid regional geopolitical tensions, particularly with Armenia
over the Zangezur corridor, a strategic strip of land. The park’s
proximity to the border underscores its role in transboundary
conservation efforts.
Zangezur National Park is renowned for its rich biological diversity,
hosting numerous species listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book of endangered
flora and fauna. The park’s varied ecosystems support a wide range of
plants and animals, many of which are rare or endemic.
Flora: The
park contains 39 plant species listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book,
including rare species like Iris elegantissima (a delicate iris),
Himantoglossum formosum (an orchid), and Dorema glabrum. These plants
thrive in the park’s semi-arid to alpine environments, with meadows and
steppe ecosystems at higher elevations.
Fauna: The park is home to 58
animal species (35 vertebrates and 23 insects) listed in the Red Book.
Notable species include:
Mammals: Persian (Anatolian) leopard,
Caucasian mouflon, bezoar goat, striped hyena, brown bear, wolf, jackal,
fox, badger, wild cat, porcupine, and bats like the blazilius and
southern horseshoe bats. The Persian leopard, a critically endangered
species, is a flagship for conservation efforts.
Birds: Approximately
217 bird species and subspecies, including white-tailed eagle, golden
eagle, lammergeyer (bearded vulture), Levant sparrowhawk, great white
pelican, Dalmatian pelican, great bustard, and little bustard. The park
is a critical habitat for migratory and nesting birds.
Reptiles and
Insects: The park supports diverse reptile and insect populations,
though specific species are less documented.
Conservation Goals: The
park aims to protect endangered species, restore populations, and
preserve habitats. Its adjacency to Armenia’s protected areas creates
potential for cross-border conservation of species like the Caucasian
leopard and Armenian mouflon.
The park’s biodiversity is a key asset,
but illegal hunting and habitat disturbance pose ongoing threats.
Zangezur National Park is not only a natural reserve but also a
repository of cultural and historical heritage. The Ordubad region,
where the park is located, has been a crossroads of civilizations, with
influences from Persian, Armenian, and Turkic cultures.
Archaeological Sites: The park contains ruins of medieval bridges,
churches, and dwellings, some dating back to the early Christian or
Islamic periods. These sites reflect the region’s historical role as a
trade and cultural hub.
Local Communities: The park is near villages
like Üstüpü, Çənnəb, Ələhi, and Bist, where traditional lifestyles,
including pastoralism and agriculture, persist. Locals have a deep
connection to the land, though some engage in illegal hunting,
challenging conservation efforts.
Naming and Legacy: The park’s
dedication to Hasan Aliyev highlights Azerbaijan’s commitment to
ecological science. The name “Zangezur” ties it to the broader
historical region, which spans parts of Azerbaijan and Armenia, adding a
layer of cultural significance.
The park’s economy is limited due to its protected status and
restricted access, but it holds potential for eco-tourism and scientific
research.
Eco-Tourism: Zangezur National Park is promoted as a
potential tourist destination for its biodiversity, scenic landscapes,
and historical sites. However, public access is heavily restricted,
requiring a personal letter from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and
Natural Resources, often difficult to obtain for non-governmental
visitors. This limits tourism development.
Agriculture and
Pastoralism: Surrounding communities rely on agriculture and livestock,
with rivers supporting irrigation. However, overgrazing and illegal
hunting by locals threaten the park’s ecosystems.
Conservation
Funding: The park is managed by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and
Natural Resources, with potential support from international
organizations. However, funding and infrastructure for conservation and
tourism remain underdeveloped.
The best time to visit is between
March and November, when warmer weather facilitates hiking, though the
rugged terrain requires physical stamina.
Zangezur National Park faces several challenges that hinder its
conservation and development goals:
Restricted Access: The 2010
USAID report noted that Azerbaijan’s national parks, including Zangezur,
are difficult to access, even for NGOs and international donors, due to
bureaucratic requirements. This limits research, tourism, and
international collaboration.
Illegal Activities: Illegal hunting of
endangered species, such as the bezoar goat and mouflon, persists due to
weak enforcement and lack of local awareness. Poorly defined park
boundaries exacerbate the issue.
Geopolitical Tensions: The park’s
proximity to Hawkins to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict complicates
cross-border conservation efforts. The Zangezur corridor, a contested
area, adds political sensitivity to the region.
Infrastructure
Deficiencies: Limited roads, signage, and facilities hinder conservation
and tourism. The park’s isolation, while protective, restricts
monitoring and development.
Environmental Threats: Climate change,
overgrazing, and habitat disturbance threaten biodiversity. Melting
snow, a key water source, may be affected by warming temperatures.