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Strasbourg, 14 February 2006
T-PVS/Emerald (2006) 2
English only
[T-PVS/Emerald02. e_06 ]
CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE
AND NATURAL HABITATS
Group of Experts for the setting up
of the Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest
---ooOoo---
Emerald Network Pilot Project in Azerbaijan
- Report-
Document established by
the Malta Environment & Planning Authority
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1. Introduction
The Republic of Azerbaijan covers almost 86,600 km2 in the South Caucasus on western coast of
Caspian Sea among the mountain rangers of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and the Tallish mountains (
latitudes 38*25” and 41* 55” North and longitudes 44*50” and 50*23” East).
Azerbaijan borders with Russian Federation (Dagestan Republic) in the North (approximately 340
km), with Georgia in the northwest (approximately 340 km), with Armenia in the southwest
(approximately 760 km), while Armenia separates Azerbaijan from the Autonomous Republic of
Nakhchivan which borders Turkey (11 km), and Iran in the south (more than 600 km). Eastern border lies
through the Caspian Sea between Russia, Turkmenistan and Iran, the coastline being more than 825 km.
The territory of the country includes the south-east part of the Greater Caucasus and a part of the
Lesser Caucasus, Tallish Mountains, and the Kour-Araz Lowlands situated between them. The Republic
also includes some islands located along western coast of Caspian Sea. The average height of the
Republic is 348 m. above sea level, varying from a maximum 4 466 m. (Bazar-Duzi Mountain), and a
minimum of 27 m. below sea level on the Caspian Sea coast. 18 percent of the territory is below the world
sea level. Valleys and lowlands occupy over 39 percent, low and average height hills (up to 2 500 m.)
39.5 percent, high mountains (above 2 500 m.) 3.5 percent of the territory.
The climate of Azerbaijan is determined by its geographical position, topography, and the Caspian
Sea. There are several marked climatic zones, depending on altitude and distance from the Caspian Sea:
dry subtropical, wet subtropical, temperate, and alpine climates. Dry subtropical climate is typical for the
Kour-Araz lowlands and Absheron Peninsula. A wet subtropical climate is found only in the south Tallish
mountains, and is typical in the foothills and the Lenkaran Lowland. The temperate climate dominates the
mountain slopes of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus covered by forests and is divided into dry, warm dry,
warm wet and cool zones. The average annual temperature varies from 14C in the lowlands and 0C and
below in highlands. The average temperature for July in the lowlands is 25-27C and in the highlands 5C.
The orography of the republic creates favorable conditions for the discharge of all local waters into
the Caspian Sea, and in only a few cases water remains in small enclosed lake. The orographic conditions,
i.e. the existence of the vast Kour-Araz Lowland and the grouping of mountain range in the outlying
districts of the republic has resulted in a weak division of the territory into independent river basins and
has given rise to the dominance of the Kour River. Except for the rivers of northeast Azerbaijan and the
slopes of the Tallish Mountains, all the other rivers are in the Kour River basin.
The river network of republic accounts for more than 8350 rivers of different size with an overall length
of 33 665 km.
The Kour River is the biggest water way not only of Azerbaijan, but also of the whole Caucasus.
Within the republic’s territory its length is about 900 km, with a total length more than 1500 km. The
second big water way of the republic is the Araz River, the right tributary of the Kour River.
There are more than 400 lakes in republic. The surface area of most lakes is not large: in fact no
more than 0,1 km2.
There are 4 big, more than 50 small and medium-sized water reservoirs, and about 80 fresh-water
irrigation lakes in the Republic.
The region is internationally recognized as one of the 25 most important global hot spots due to its
high biological diversity (especially endemic, rare and relict species) and very endangered ecosystems.
The geographical position of Azerbaijan, at the boundary of Europe and Asia, caused the development of
very diversified terrestrial ecosystems in which species of both continents can be found (southern species
such as gazelle, leopard, striped hyena, and typically North European species such as wolf, brown bear,
chamois, lynx and wild boar). It also provides habitats to some endangered bird species of Southern
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Europe, such as the white-headed duck, ferruginous duck, and to some globally endangered ones (lesser
white-fronted goose). This, in particular, increases the importance of its wetlands, which serve as
wintering and nesting areas. Endemic sea species, sturgeon and other fish species, as well as seal,
characterize the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea.
Over 4500 species of higher vascular plants, 730 species of mushrooms, 893 species of lichens, and 46
species of bryophytes are registered on the territory of Republic. Nowadays the animal kingdom of
Azerbaijan includes about 18 000 species pertaining to different types of unicellular and multicellular.
There are is a great variety of types of worms, both, parasites and free-living. There is a great variety of
insects – over 14 000 species, arachnids – over 11 000 species, 620 vertebrate species inhabit the territory
of Republic, which may be subdivided into 97species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 54 species of
reptiles, 10 amphibian species, 101 fish species and 1 species of cyclostomata.
Protected nature areas in Azerbaijan cover a surface of 593.190 ha that is 8 % of the country’s area.
Currently, there are 38 protected areas, of which 6 are national parks, 13 are strict nature reserves, 19 are
sanctuaries:
List of specially protected natural territories of Azerbaijan
Name of SPNT
Shirvan
Ordubad
Aggol
Hirkan
Altiagac
Absheron
Gey-Gel
Zakatala
Gyzyl-Agach
Turianchay
Pirguli
Shirvan
Basitchay
Ag-Gel
Garayazy
Ismailly
Ilisu
Gara-Gel
Eldar Shami
Gara-Yazy-Akstafa
Sheki
Lachin
Glinany Island
Byandovan
Gorchay
Gusar
Shamkhor
Barda
Ismailly
Zuvand
Ordubad
Gubadly
IUCN category
Area (ha)
National Parks
1a
54373
1a
12131
1a
17924
1a
21435
1a
11035
1a
783
State nature reserves
1a
7 331
1a
25 218
1a
88 400
1a
12 630
1a
1 512
1a
25 800
1a
107
1a
4 400
1a
4 900
1a
5 778
1a
17381
1a
300
1a
1686
State Nature Sanctuaries
4
12 000
4
9 100
4
20 000
4
150
4
30 000
4
15 000
4
15 000
4
10 000
4
7 600
4
40 000
4
15 000
4
40 000
4
20 000
Year of creation
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
1925
1929
1929
1958
1968
1969
1974
1978
1978
1979
1987
1987
2004
1923
1954
1961
1961
1961
1961
1964
1964
1966
1969
1969
1969
1969
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Gizil –Agach
Gizilja
Dashalty
Gabala
Arazboyu
Qax
4
4
4
4
4
4
10 700
5 100
450
39 700
2 200
36836
1978
1984
1988
1993
1993
2004
Azerbaijan acceded the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
(Bern, 1979) in March 2000. Azerbaijan Parliament approved in 2000 the law “On Specially protected
natural areas and objects”, which provides the legal base for the development of the ecological network in
the country.
2. Framework of the pilot project
The framework of the Pilot Project is defined by the Contract No. 134/2004 as follows:
1. Set up a National Team of experts related to the development of the Emerald Network which should
comprise technical, administrative and scientific persons;
2. Organize a workshop, during which the above mentioned team will be initiated to the Emerald
principles and technicalities by the staff and the expert of the Council of Europe. In this work the Emerald
Network software will be installed and explained together with instructions concerning the scientific
background of the data collection;
3. Evaluate the results on presence of species and habitats within each biogeographical region in the
country;
4. Construct a pilot database on real sites, which will eventually become Emerald sites using the Emerald
software.
3. Legal basis for developing the network
Bern Convention, Articles No. 1,2, 3, 4, 6b, 9
Resolutions No 1 (1989), 3 and 4 (1996,) 5 and 6 (1998)
Recommendations No14 and 16 (1989), No. 25 (1991)
4. Main reference documents
The main reference documents that lay down the framework of Emerald Network are:
1.
2.
3.
Document T-PVS/Emerald (2000) 1 rev – Building up the Emerald network: a guide for Emerald
network country team leaders
Document T-PVS/Emerald (2001) 51 – The Emerald network – a network of Areas of Special
Conservation Interest for Europe
Document T-PVS/Emerald (99) 2 – Emerald software version 1.1. User Manual (1999)
5. Establishing National Team
The National Emerald Network Team in Azerbaijan was established in April 2005.
The core group of national team consists of 8 people representing technical, scientific and
administrative experts and institutions with various backgrounds. The project co-ordinator and
administrator are representatives of the Ministry of the Ecology and Natural Resources, which is
responsible for project implementation.
The structure of the team is as follows :
– Faiq Sadigov - team leader – Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources;
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– Sadagat Mamedova - fauna expert – Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources;
– Emin Mustafayev - technical expert - Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources;
– Elshad Askerov - fauna expert – WWF, Azerbaijan;
– Elena Tagieva - plant expert - Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences;
– Ilyas Babayev - fauna expert – Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences;
- Tavakkul Iskenderov - fauna expert – Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences;
- Xalid Aliyev - fauna expert – Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences.
6. The Emerald Network pilot project workshop
The technical workshop was organized in Baku, at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources,
on 26-27 July 2005.
The workshop was opened by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mr. Hussein Bagirov.
After the welcome words Minister noted importance of relations of Azerbaijan with the international
organizations, especially with such as Council of Europe and European Union. In the opening speech
Mr.Bagirov also gave a detailed overview about actions carried out by the country in sphere of
conservation of the environment, about creation for short term of 6 national parks and other especially
protected natural territories and also expansion 5 existing reserves.
During the workshop Ms. Helene Bouguessa from the Council of Europe explained the legal
framework of the Emerald Network, criteria for selection of ASCI-s and presented relevant Emerald
documentation.
Mr. Roekaerts, consultant for the Council of Europe explained the main features of the Emerald
Network database and the Standard Data Entry form and demonstrated the final version of the Emerald
network software and provided detailed explanation step-by-step on the introduction of the data into the
software.
The workshop itself was working in three plenary sessions and at workshop there were representatives
of Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, National Academy of Sciences and relevant NGO.
List of participants
1. Prof. Gussein Bagirov
Resources
2. Mrs Helene Bouguessa
Minister of Ecology and Natural
Principal administrative assitant, Natural
Heritage and Biological Diversity
Division, Couincil of Europe
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3. Mr Marc Roekaerts
4 Ilqar Ibrahimli
Consultant of Couincil of Europe
Executive Director of Information
Office of Couincil of Europe in the
Republic of Azerbaijan
5. Issa Aliyev
Head of International Cooperation
Division (MENR)
6. Faig Sadigov
Lead advisor, International Cooperation
Division (MENR)
Lead advisor, International Cooperation
Division (MENR)
7. Emin Garabaghli
8. Emin Mustafayev
Lead advisor, Division of International
Cooperation (MENR)
9. Sadagat Mammadova
Director of department for bioresources
and Specially protected areas (MENR)
10 Hikmat Alizade
Deputy director of department for
bioresources and specially protected
areas (MENR)
11. Eldar Sariyev
12.Arzu Mustafayev
13. Gulnaz Amrahova
-
Deputy head of department for
bioresources and specially protected
areas (MENR)
Director of Shirvan National Park
(MENR)
Senior advisor, department of bioresources
and specially protected areas (MENR)
14. Elshan Majidov
lead advisor, department of bioresources and
specially protected areas (MENR)
15. Nigar Abdurahmanova
advisor, department of bioresources and
specially protected areas (MENR)
WWF, Azerbaijan
16. Elshad Asgarov
17. Ilyas Babayev
18. Tavakkul Iskenderov
19. Elena Tagiyeva
Research worker of Zoology institute,
National Academy of Sciences
Research worker of Zoology institute,
National Academy of Sciences
Research worker of botany institute,
National Academy of Sciences
20. Xalid Aliyev
Research worker of zoology institute,
National Academy of Sciences
21.Azer Garayev
Head of society for protection of
domestic animals, NGO
7. National legislative framework for biodiversity conservation
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Improvement of the nature conservation legislation determines the effectiveness of the biodiversity
management system. During the years of independence of the Azerbaijan Republic the following legislative
acts regulating environmental issue relating to a certain extent to the problem of conservation and rational
utilization of biodiversity:
- The Law of the Azerbaijan Republic “ On Protection of Environment”
- The Forestry Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
- The Land Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
- The Law of the Azerbaijan Republic “On Fisheries”
- The Law “On Animal World”
- The Law “On Specially protected natural areas and objects”,
The Law “ On Protection of Environment”, determines the legal, economical and social basis of environmental
conservation in the interests of the present and future generations and is directed to the prevention of harmful
impacts of economic activities on biological diversity.
The Law “On Animal World”, “On Fisheries”, The law “On Specially Protected Nature Areas” and “The
Forestry Code of the Azerbaijan Republic» are directly related to the objectives on conservation and balanced
utilization of biological diversity.
The law on Specially Protected Nature Areas defines the following categories of protected area at
the national level:










Strict Nature reserve;
National Park;
Nature Park
Ecological park
State Natural Sanctuary
Nature Monument;
Zoological park
Botanical garden
Medical - improving places and resorts
Hunting management
8. Conventions and international agreements ratified by Azerbaijan
*Convention on World Cultural and Natural Heritage;
*Convention on Biological Diversity;
*Washington Convention On International Trade in Endangered Species of wild animal and plants” (CITES);
*CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL
HABITATS
*Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Significance.
9. Activities within National Team
After technical workshop was held in 26-27 July some meetings of National Emerald Team have been
carried out. At the first meeting experts have been familiarized with three base documents of Emerald
Network. At the second meeting expert team discussed potential territories for inclusion in "Emerald
Network" and after consultation it was accepted each expert should include his relevant part to separate
map (according species, listed in Resolution No. 6 and habitats listed in Resolution No 4).
In the subsequent meeting each expert has presented the list of relevant sites in maps and after discussion
expert group created separate map. Following this map in the territory of Azerbaijan has been allocated 5
sites, which correspond to requirements of Emerald Network.
Selected ASCIs
code
Name
Biogeographical region
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AZ000001
Zangezur- Daridag
Alpine
AZ000002
AZ000003
AZ000004
Mingecaur-Turyanchay
Zagatala-Ilisy
Shahdag
Stepic
Alpine
Alpine
AZ000005
Hirkan
Alpine
Site location is shown on the “Map of proposed Emerald Sites in Azerbaijan”(Appendix 1)
1. Zangezur – Daridag (total area 49000 hectares)
Zangezur – Daridag region combines the physical-geographical districts of the Middle Araz subregion of
the front Asia plateau.
Territory occupies the left side of the Araz River and covers the mountainous territory of Nakhchivan. Its
relief increases to 600-3900 m. The main forms of relief are: cones of drift, river terraces and alluvial
plains.
The climate of the district is represented by the climate of cold semi-deserts and dry steppes with a dry
summer. The precipitation amount is no more than 300-1200 mm. Its relief increases out to 1300-3900 .
The major part of the territory is formed of volcanogenic and volcanogenic-sedimentary deposits.
The district is characterized by two types of climate : cold with a dry summer and cold climate of the high
mountains.
The first type covers the whole mountainous territory and latter – narrow line of the near peak area of the
Zangezur Range (3200-3900 m).
The development of topsoil is in strict accordance with the vertical distribution of zone. The mountainchestnut soil with plateau –xerophite-phrygoide vegetation and post-timber meadows and meadows
steppes are spread in the low-mountain areas and in the low part of the middle-mountain areas; mountaintimber brown typical and alcali soil with high mountain – Sub alpine meadows and meadow steppes are
spread in the middle mountain areas. In the high-mountain area mountain-meadow turf soil with highmountain alpine meadow are developed. In some places separate forest blades dominated with Araz
beeches have been preserved.
The area is rich in rare plants and fauna species.
There are 3 specially protected nature areas – Shahbuz Strict Nature Reserve (3 139 hа),
National Park (12 131 hа) and Ordubad Sanctuary (27 869 hа) in this proposed site.
Ordubad
1.1 Ordubad National Park stretches from the Girlardag mountain (3175,7 m) to the Soyugdag
mountain (3100 m) along Zangezur mountain ridge.
The area refers to the fold system of the southern part of Small Caucasus and is characterized by long
history of its geological development from Devomian to Anthropogenic. Geological formations
consist of sedimentary (marine and continental) and intrusive rocks heavily dislocated and often
covered by pebbles , conglomerates and travertine. The main highland (100-3900 m) is of volcanic
origin.
Climate is remarkable for its vast variety explained by intense ruggedness of mountain relief
characterizing by high amplitudes of true altitudes, abrupt changes of air temperature and quantity of
precipitations, which depend on altitude of the area. Precipitation quantity increases with the altitude
up to 600-700 m, but in the highland zone it decreases again.
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Flora of the Ordubad National Park it presented by 110 rare and endangered species of plants.
Many species of trees and shrubs are inscribed in Red Book of Azerbaijan :
Daphne Transcaucasica Pobed, Roza Nizami, Arerbaijan Roza, Punica Granatum, Rheum Ribes,
Calligonum Polygonides, Platanus Orientalis, Tulipa Julia, Tulipa Florecskyi, Tulipa Karabachensis,
Skila Atropatana, Iris Lycotis, Iris Elegantissima, Iris Grossheimi, Globularia Trichosantha,
Astragalus Prilipkoana, Astragalus Paradoxus. Juniperus, Anabasis Eugeniae, Pyrethrum Kotschyi,
Pyrethrum Komarwii, Gundelia Tournefortii, Aristolochia Bottae.
Ordubad National Park possesses rich fauna. Ordubad State Reserve on which base National Park
was founded is intended for the protection of such kind of animals as leopard, mouflon, brown bear,
striped hyena and many others.
On the area of the Ordubad National Park there are such unique samples of nature as Gamygaya
mountain, Ilandag mountain which are included in the list of nature monuments of Azerbaijan
Republic.
Gamigaya mountain is located in nival –tundra zone of Zangezur range characterizing by its steep and
sloughing slopes. Here wide and deep spurs. Sometimes on severe partitioned upper mountainsides
the incline is 80-90 degrees.
There is a legend of ancient times about Gamygaya. According to the legend, during the so-called
Flood, the boat of prophet Noah (known as “Noah”s Ark) was thrown ashore to the top of the
mountains that encircle Middle-Araz lowland Agridahi, Kemkidaghi, Gamygaya and Ilandag.
They landed and spread all over the world as the water derelict. The drawings are made on the
volcanic rocks. After volcano eruption lava gets cold on the surface or directly in the earth”s crust
thus effusive and intrusive rocks form. While cooling volcanic gas bubbles come off the lava and
leave traces in the form of hollows. As lava flows, sediments mix lava but don”t dissolve in it
(conglomerates). Then being under the effect of water and other factors of weathering they remove
from the rocks and leave various traces. At times marine sediments and weathering materials under
the effect of glacial drift form abrasions on the underlying cliffs. Discovered rock paintings
demonstrate that ancient people were mainly engaged in cattle-breeding, hunting and a number of
pictures show the moving of sky objects including the Sun. Among representations , figures of
archers are especially attractive. They are mostly represented while hunting. The most of rock
paintings of Gamygaya have composite item ans shapes. With the representations of hunting scenes,
figures of animals, dances of community or members of family there are also representations of sky
objects such as the Moon, stars, the Sun.
Ilandag.
The altitude is 2412 m. It is of volcanic origin. It|”s formed from clinker in the shape of egg. It is very
difficult of access and resembles monolithic rock. The top of the mountain is split by a crack
separating the western top from the eastern one. This shape gives it some resemblance with an open
snake mouth and that is where the name Ilandag is derived from. (Ilan translated as snake).
1.2 Shahbuz State Nature Reserve’s main area is that of Batabat Lake and Bichanak pass
located in a mountainous part at a height of 2200-2400 meters which is characterized by relatively
high level of precipitation. The area of reserve is predominantly represented by mountain grassland
landscape. This is a famous place due to its plains full of flowers, artificial lakes, pure and fresh
mountain air, natural forests, drinking waters of the Zorbulag and Sudlubulag rivers. The diversity of
relief, plants and soil cover in the reserve makes it possible to identify a number of natural landscape
zones. It is made up of oak (85%), black and red junipers and Araz oak (5 %), hawthorn (7%), and
remaining 3% comprise apple, sour plum, oriental oak, pear, bitter almond trees and various shrubs.
Here one can find more than 2000 species of higher plants. Of 366 bird species occurring in
Azerbaijan 190 bird species are found in reserve.
List of species occurred in Zangezur – Daridag region (according Resolution 6)
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1
plants
insects
Fish
Viola rupestris
Parnassius
apollo
Aspicus
aspicus
taentatus
Saga pedo
Barbus capito
Amphibiants
and reptilies
Testudo
graeca
birds
mammals
Accipiter
brevipes
Rhinolophus
mehelyi
Aegypius
monachus
Aquila adalberti
Rh. euryale
5
Aquila
chrysaetos
Aquila clanga
6
7
Aquila heliaca
Buteo rufinus
8
Circaetus
gallicus
Circus
aeruginosus
Circus cyaneus
Circus
macrourus
Circus pygargus
Rh.
ferrumequinum
Rh.
hipposideros
Myotis blythii
Miniopterus
schrebersi
Canis lupus
2
3
Chalcalburnus
chalcoldes
4
Silurus glanis
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Vipera
ursinii
Gypaetus
barbatus
Gyps fulvus
Haliaeetus
albicilla
Neophron
percnopterus
Pernis apirovus
Pandion
haliaetus
Falco biarmicus
Falco
columbarius
Falco naumanni
Falco peregrinus
Falco
vespertinus
Burhinus
oedienemus
Pterocles
orientalis
Bubo bubo
Caprimulgus
europaeus
Coracias
garrulous
Dendrocopos
leucotos
Dendrocopos
medius
Dendrocopos
syriacus
Rh. blasii
Ursus arctos
Lynx lynx
Panthera
pardus
Capra
aegagrus
Ovis gmelini
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32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Dryocopus
martius
Picus canus
Lullula arborea
Melanocorypha
calandra
Lanius collurio
Lanius minor
Sylvia nisoria
Emberiza
hortulana
Bucanetes
githagineus
(Rhodopechys
githaginea)
Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocolax
2. Mingecaur-Turyanchay (total area 105000 hectares)
Territory covers low mountainous areas on the right and left side of Mingecaur water basin, Bozdag,
Palantokan, Axar-Baxar mountain ranges and Acinour and Sarija lowlands.
Natural landscape zones of the territory is characterized by wormwood – salt mar shed semi-deserts,
semi-desert, coast plant complexes, arid forests and etc.
The topsoil is mainly represented by differently saline chestnut and light chestnut, and partly alluvialmeadow terrains (soils).
Plant cover comprises plant complexes of arid forests and river basins and wormwood-salt mar shed, saltwormwooded plant groups.
There are 3 specially protected areas – Eldar Shami (1686 hа), Turyanchay State Nature Reserve (22 488
hа), Korchay (15 000 ha) State Nature Sanctuaries in the territory.
2.1 Eldar Shami (pine) State Nature Reserve was established in 2004 and occupies a land from the north
hang of the Elleroyugu Mountains, the high of which is 300-600 m, to the west-east part of the Gabirri river.
Before 2004 this territory was a branch of Gey-Gel reserve. It is a unique natural grove of Eldar pine trees has
been protected since the end of the 19th century and this area can be referred to as the oldest specially protected
area on the territory of Caucasus. This is the only place where Eldar Pine-trees have been preserved in its
natural form. The main part of reserve has a rich flora. Such types of bush - corneal, barber, dog-rose, meddler,
blackberry are spread here. The fauna of reserve is rich with different bird and animal species. Various species
of animals and birds like common hedgehog, mole, rabbit, fox, badger, wildcat, lynx, etc. are the main
inhabitants of the reserve.
2.2 Turyanchay State Nature Reserve was established in 1958 on an area of 12 630 ha. By the Decision
of Cabinet Ministers № 1S of 03.01. 2003 it is area was increased to the 22488 ha for the protection and
restoration of arid-arch light forests and other natural resources; and for the localization of centers of
erosion at the foothills. The reserve is situated on the spurt of the Boz-Dag Ridge, in the southern foothills
of the Greater Caucasus, on the the right bank of the Turianchay River in the Agdash area of the Republic.
Its territory lies at a height of 400-650 m and extends for the 35 km from east to west and for 5 km from
north to south.
The reserve is situated in an area of semidesert and arid light forests, which mainly consist of pistachio,
juniper, oak, having an important soil protecting, water protecting and climatic significance. On the
territory of the reserve 60 species of trees and bushes grow. The main types of sparsely growing trees are:
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pistacia, indian juniper, prickly juniper, guercus iberica, ash-tree, celtis caucasicus and pomegranate.
Moreover, guercus iberica, populus, willow, alder, elaeagnus and other tree also grow in this area. Two
species -juniperus and pomegranate are included in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan.There are 24 species
of mammals and 112 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 3 species of amphibianss in the reserve.
Among mammals there are wild boar. Brown bear, badger, stone marten, lynx, jackal, wild cat, hare and
others. Among the birds there are partridge, columbiformes, cercheneis tinnunculus, griffon, black vulture
and others.
List of species occurred in Mingecaur-Turyanchay region (according Resolution 6)
plants
insects
Artemisia
campestris
Cordulegast
er mzymtae
Amphibiants and
reptilies
Rutilus rutillus Testudo graeca
caspicus ratio
2
Onychogom
phus
assimilis
Aspirus
aspicus
taentatus
3
Epimyrma
tamarae
Dytiscus
latissimus
1
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
fish
birds
Podiceps auritus
Rhinolophus
mehelyi
Mauremys
caspica
Phalacrocorax
pygmaes
Rh.
hipposideros
Barbus capito
Emys orbicularis
Chalalburnus
chalcoldes
Rhodeus
sericeus
amorus
Cobitis taenia
satcenino
Silurus glanis
Elaphe
quatuorlineata
Pelecanus
crispus
Pelecanus
onocrotalus
Ardea purpurea
Rh.
ferrumequinum
Myotis
emarginatus
M. blythii
Ardeola ralloides
Eptesicus
bottae
Lutra lutra
Canis lupus
Botaurus stellaris
Casmerodius
albus (Egretta
alba)
Egretta garzetta
Ixobrychus
minutus
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
mammals
Nycticorax
nycticorax
Ciconia nigra
Ciconia ciconia
Plegadis
falcinellus
Platalea
leucorodia
Phoenicopterus
rubber
Cygnus Cygnus
Ancer erythropus
Tadorna
ferruginea
Aegypius
monachus
Aquila
chrysaetos
Aquila clanga
Aquila heliaca
Aquila pomarina
Buteo rufinus
Ursus arctos
Lynx lynx
Panthera
pardus
Gazella
subgutturosa
- 14 -
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
Circaetus
gallicus
Circus
aeruginosus
Circus cyaneus
Circus
macrourus
Circus pygargus
Gypaetus
barbatus
Gyps fulvus
Haliaeetus
albicilla
Hieraaetus
pennatus
Milvus migrans
Neophron
percnopterus
Pernis apirovus
Pandion
haliaetus
Falco
columbarius
Falco naumanni
Falco peregrinus
Falco vespertinus
Porhyrio
porhyrio
Porzana parva
Porzana porzana
Grus grus
Tetrax tetrax
Chettusia
gregaria
Himantopus
himantopus
Recurvirostra
avosetta
Burhinus
oedinemus
Glareola
pratincola
Chlidonias
hybridus
Chlidonias
leucopterus
Chlidonias niger
Sterna albifrons
Sterna hirundo
Sterna
sandvicensis
Caprimulgus
europaeus
Asio flammeus
Bubo bubo
Pretocles
orientalis
Coracias
- 15 -
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
garrulous
Alsedo atthis
Dendrocopos
leucotos
Dendrocopos
medius
Dendrocopos
syriacus
Dryocopus
martius
Picus canus
Lullula arborea
Melanocorypha
calandra
Melanocorypha
yeltoniensis
Lanius collurio
Lanius minor
Anthus
campestris
Sylvia nisoria
Emberiza
hortulana
Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocolax
3. Zagatala-Ilisy (total area 82000 hectares)
Zakatala-Ilisy site borders with the watershed line of the Major Caucasus Ridge (from the north) and
Alazan-Agrichay depression (from the south). It relief varies within 600-4400 m. Middle- mountain areas
dominate in the relief.
Mountain parts are characterized by a moderate warm climate with an almost even distribution of
precipitation, and the high mountain areas – by the climate of mountainous tundra. According to the
annual average precipitation (1 400 mm) this district is in second place in the republic after Tallish.
The topsoil is mainly represented by mountainous -timber brown, mountainous-timber brown typical as
well as mountainous- meadow turf soil. The whole district is covered with forests and mountainous
meadows with rich flora and fauna.
There are 3 specially protected areas – Zakataly State Nature Reserve (23844 hа) and Ilisy State Nature
Reserve (4867 ha) and Qax State Nature Sanctuary (36836 ha) in the territory.
3.1 Zakataly State Nature Reserve was established in 1929 with a view to protect and study plants and
animals of the south slopes of the Great Caucasus. The reserve is situated in the southern slopes of the
Great Caucasian mountain range 650-3646 m above the sea-level. Forest part of the area constitutes
15800 hectare, but water part of area - 48 hectare. The complex relief of reserve forms tributaries of the
Great Caucasus mountain range which is parted from each other by deep valleys in the south and southeast. The Katekh and Balakan rivers are the main hydrographical network of the area and the sources of
their tributaries are snow-topped mountains, mysterious falls, unbridgeable picturesque canyons near
these rivers endows the nature with a special beauty. The flora of the reserve includes more than thousand
species. Different zones like mountain forest, mountain-forest-meadow, sub-alpine and alpine zones
replace each other in upward direction.
The reserve is also a birthplace of the rare, evergreen ornamental plant -Caucasian endemic
gododendrome. Tree species forming the forests of the area are: beech-tree, hornbeam-tree, oak tree,
- 16 -
maple tree, birch tree, alder tree, linden tree, ash tree, pine tree, yew tree. Bushes like hawthorn, meddler,
corneal, cherry-plum enrich the forests. There are rare plants like cherry, apple, pear can be found here.
The fauna of the reserve is also rich. Different animal species such as south Caucasian goats, Caucasian
deer, European deer, field pig, Caucasian brown bear, wolf, badger, fox, lynx, Grey squirrel etc. enrich
this reserve. The most protected area of reserve is nature complex of middle and low zones of alpine and
sub-alpine meadows of the macro slopes of the Great Caucasus. It should be noted that this complex have
maintained its natural form. Rare birds like griffin, golden eagle, Caucasus falcon, Caucasus plants like
gododendrone, shepherd bindweed, round rose laqodex are already in the list of Red Book.
3.2 Ilisu State Nature Reserve was established in order to preserve and restore fauna and flora natural
complex being in danger of extermination and to put a limit to the flood and erosion sources there. The
reserve is situated in the Gakh region at a height of 700-2100 m above sea-level. The surface structure
characteristic for the areas broken to pieces by river valleys and by the sheer slopes of the Great Caucasus
mountains, cold climate with arid winter and mild hot climate winter and mild-hot climate with equal
distribution of rainy days is characteristic feature of the area where the reserve is situated. There are more
than 300 species of plants with vein-tube system. 90 of them belong to tree like shrubs. 93% of area is
covered by broad-leaved forests. Depending on the height forests form semi-zones such as sub-alpine
forests-meadow, upper mountain-forest, middle mountain-forest and low mountain-forest. The most
spread trees are east beech, Caucasus hornbeam, candy tuft, east oak trees. Besides, a great number of
trees and shrubs have been largely spread in the area. For instance: walnut-trees, chestnut-trees, planetrees, birch trees, ash-trees, bird-pear, cornel, wild cherry, cherry plum, dog rose, blackberry, etc. About
50 kinds of rare endemic plants of medical importance are also included in the flora of the reserve. Fauna
of the reserve is very rich. Different kinds of animals such as deer, roe, chamois, mountain buffalo, bear,
wolf, fox, boar, squirrel, hedgehog, hare, grey squirrel, etc. live here. Rivers are rich in salmon. It is
possible to find 90 kinds of birds here. Among them there are birds such as black hawk, kite, owl, hawk
raven, golden eagle, black griffon, falcon, hoopoe.
Caucasus and tortoise snakes, golden eagle, falcon and Caucasus tetra are already in the lists of the “Red
Book”.
List of species occurred in Zakataly – Ilisu region (according Resolution 6)
plants
insecta
1
Viola rupestris
2
Vaccinium
arctostaphylos
Parnassius
apollo
Rosalia
alpina
Morimus
funereus
fish
Amphibiant
s and
reptilies
Triturus
karelinii
Testudo
graeca
Mauremys
caspica
Emys
orbicularis
birds
Aquila pomarina
Rhinolophus
hipposideros
Rh.
ferrumequinum
Myotis emarginatus
Aquila chrysaetos
M. blythii
5
6
7
8
9
10
Aquila clanga
Aquila heliaca
Buteo rufinus
Circaetus gallicus
Circus aeruginosus
Circus cyaneus
Lutra lutra
Canis lupus
Ursus arctos
Lynx lynx
Panthera pardus
Rupicapra
rupicapra
11
12
13
14
15
16
Circus macrourus
Circus pygargus
Gypaetus barbatus
Gyps fulvus
Haliaeetus albicilla
Neophron
percnopterus
3
4
Accipier brevipes
mammals
Aegypius monachus
- 17 -
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Pernis apirovus
Pandion haliaetus
Falco columbarius
Hieraaetus
pennatus
Falco biarmicus
Falco naumanni
Falco peregrinus
Falco vespertinus
Bubo bubo
Caprimulgus
europaeus
Coracias garrulous
Dendrocopos
leucotos
Dendrocopos
medius
Dendrocopos
syriacus
Dryocopus martius
Picus canus
Lullula arborea
Melanocorypha
calandra
Anthus campestris
Lanius collurio
Lanius minor
Sylvia nisoria
Emberiza hortulana
Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocolax
4. Shahdag (total area 71000 hectares).
Proposed Shahdag site occupies the mountainous part of the northern slope of the south-eastern Caucasus,
the relief of which is from 200 to 4500 m above sea level. There are lots of ravines, canyons, and valleys
on the territory. The followings types of climate are characteristic for this district: moderate with an
almost even distribution of precipitation (low- mountain relief); cold with a dry winter (middle-, partially
high-mountain relief), the climate of high mountain. The annual precipitation constitutes 400mm for lowmountain relief and 1200 mm for high-mountain relief.
The mountainous-timber brown typical and carbonate-mountainous-timber brown soil are developed in
the low- and middle-mountain areas. The mountainous-meadow-sod soil are spread in Subalpine and
Alpine zones.
Shahdag region is represented by quite vast forests, which make up more than 48,8% of all the forest
areas of the Republic. Practically more than 40% of all the physical-geographic districts of the region are
covered by forests.
The forest flora of the Greater Caucasus is unique for the Caucasus region. The vertical distribution of
forest belts is clearly observed. In the interval 500-1000 m above sea level oak-groves of guercus
(georgian oak) mixed with hornbeam, Caucasian lime-trees, chestnut, maple, taxus baccata, ash-tree and
others, are distributed. In some river forests the representatives of Girkan-Kolkhidian dendroflora caucasian persimmon, salsola, zelkova carpinfolia, walnut, ironwood, guercus castaneivolia and others,
are found. Here fradments of natural groves with Platanus orientalis are preserved which is not typical for
the flora of this region. In the area from 1,000 to 2,000m, the dominating formation is beech forests mixed
- 18 -
with hornbeam, maple, ash-trees and others. At the height of 1,500m in the hard-to-reach areas Carylus
colurna, pine, and in bushes layer-cornel, hawthorn, yew, medlar and others have been preserved. At the
altitude of 200 to 2 500 m there are Subalpine sparse growths of guercus orientalis, betula, sorbus
caucasicus and high-mountain maples.
There are 4 specially protected nature areas – Ismailly Nature Reserve (16 840 ha), Pirguly Nature
Reserve (4 279 ha), Altiagac National Park (11035 ha) and Ismailly Sanctuary (23 382 ha) in this
proposed site.
4.1 Pirgulu State Nature Reserve was established in 1968 for the protection of the typical natural
complexes and landscapea of the Shamakha Plateau, which is one of the most district of the south-eastern
part of the Major Caucasian Ridge. The area of the reserve is 1 521 ha, 1 362 ha of which are forest tracts,
where 45 rare and endemic species occur. The reserve consists of 3 parts: Arakchi – situated on the slope
of the Gart and Girkh-bulag mountains in the upper area of the forest tract ( 1600 – 2000 m); Pirgulu –
which covers the forest part of the Pirgulu mountain (1500 m) and is represented by a landscape of middle
area forest tract, and Djangi - which is a low mountainous plot covering the whole nortern slope of the
Djangi mountain (800 - 1100 m). The main protected object are forest ecosystems preserved near the
eastern border of the modern forest area on the southern (south-eastern) mcroslopes of the Greater
Caucasus; also some species of flora and fauna, such as Taxus baccata which are included in the Red Data
Book. The flora od the reserve accounts for 60 species, of which Caucasian hornbeam, oriental beech
(Fagus orientalis), Guercus iberica are the main forest forming types of trees.
4.2 Ismailli State Nature Reserve was established in 1981 on an area of 5 778 ha for the protection of
the natural complexes of the central part of the southern slope of the Major Caucasus Range. It consists of
two parts. The Topchi area is situated at a heght of 800-2250 m. Its length is 18 km, its width is 6 km and
area is 5 589 ha. The Galigchi area is situated in the eastern part of the Alazan-Agricay valley, at a heght
of 600-650 m and this part protected mainly the natural forest of Guercus castanifolia (112 ha). In the
Galigchi area, forests of oak-tree and hornbeam-trees are developed. The forest species are mainly
represented by beech, hornbeam and oak; also there are forest of mapl and ash. The rare forests of the
tertiary period, which consist of Taxus baccata and Guercus castanifolia are of particular value. During
the last century forests of this area were intensively felled. This resulted in the replacement of beech-oak
forests by hornbeam and oak- hornbeam forests with underbrush of shrubbery and buses of hawthorn,
cornel, dog-rose, meddler, cherry-plum and others. There are approximately 170 species of vertebrates in
the reserve. There are 17 species of reptiles in the reserve. Amphibians are represented by 6 species. The
mammal fauna has been studied insufficiently. There are brown bear, wolf, jackal, marten, badger, red
deer, roe, wild boar, chamois, Dagestan aurochs and others. According to preliminary data there are 104
species of birds belonging to 13 orders. Such rare birds as Aquila chrysaetus, Gypaetus barbatus and
others are nesting here.
4.3 The main objective in the creation of Altiagach National Park was the protection and restoration of
the natural complex of the south-eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, the preservation of erosion
processes, the implementation of ecological monitoring as well as public environmental education along
with tourism and recreation. 90,5% of the teritory of the reserve is covered with broad-leaved forests,
where oak, beech and hornbeam dominate, which constitute 99% of the forests.
The National Park is inhabited by roe deer, brown bear, wild boar, lynx, raccoon, fox, marten, wolf and
others of mammals and pheasant, partridge, eagle, thrush, goatsucker, ringdove of birds.
List of species occurred in Shahdag region (according Resolution 6)
1
plants
insecta
fish
Artemisia
campestris
Parnassius Apollo
Cobitus
taeniya
Amphibiants and
reptilies
Triturus karelinii
birds
Accipier
brevipes
mammals
Rhinolophus
hipposideros
- 19 -
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Ligularia
sibirica
Saxifraga
hirculus
Viola rupestris
Callimorphae
quadripunctatia
Rosalia alpina
Vaccinium
arctostaphylos
Ophioglossum
polyphyllum
Cerambyx cerdo
Lucanus cervus
Morimus funereus
Barbus
capito
Testudo graeca
Mauremys
caspica
Emys orbicularis
Elaphe
quatuorlineata.
Vipera ursinii
Aegypius
monachus
Aquila
pomarina
Aquila
chrysaetos
Aquila clanga
Rh. ferrumequinum
Aquila heliaca
M. bechsteinii
Buteo rufinus
Circaetus
gallicus
Circus
aeruginosus
Circus
cyaneus
Circus
macrourus
Circus
pygargus
Gypaetus
barbatus
Gyps fulvus
Hieraaetus
pennatus
Hieraaetus
fasciatus
Neophron
percnopterus
Pernis
apirovus
Haliaeetus
albicilla
Pandion
haliaetus
Falco
columbarius
Falco
biarmicus
Falco
columbarius
Falco
naumanni
Falco
peregrinus
Falco
vespertinus
Bubo bubo
Caprimulgus
europaeus
Coracias
garrulous
Dendrocopos
leucotos
Dendrocopos
medius
Dendrocopos
syriacus
Dryocopus
Lutra lutra
Canis lupus
Rh. blasii
Rh.mehelyi
Myotis blythii
Ursus arctos
Lynx lynx
Rupicapra rupicapra
- 20 -
martius
Picus canus
Melanocoryph
a calandra
Melanocoryph
a yeltoniensis
Anthus
campestris
Lanius
collurio
Lanius minor
Sylvia nisoria
Emberiza
hortulana
Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocolax
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
5. Hirkan (total area 37000 hectares)
Proposed Hirkan region covers the Lenkoran and Tallish districts.
The Lenkoran district occupies a low-lying area which extends along the western coast of the Caspian.
The relief of the lowland rises up to 100 m in the western part. The climate of the lowland is
moderate/warm with an arid summer. The annual precipitation amount is more than 1600 mm in the
south-east and 900 mm in the north-west.
Close to the foot of the mountains there deciduous forests with dominance of Hirkan relict types, and in
the north-west of the Lenkoran district there are steppe like post-timber meadows.
The Tallish district borders with Iran in the west and the Lenkoran lowland in the east. The district is
adjacent to the low- mountain relief in the east and to the middle-mountain relief in the south-west.
On the relatively small territory of the Tallish mountain five climate types have developed. The eastern
area is characterized by a moderate/warm with an almost even distribution of precipitation. The central is
characterized by a moderate/warm and dry summer, which turns into the climate of moderate/warm semideserts and dry steppes with a dry summer.
Soil, and its watershed line is under mountainous-meadow turf soils. Between Yardimli and Leric
deciduous forests have been preserved, which consist of guercus castaneifolia, breeches, box-trees, and
others. The remaining parts of the mountains are under hushes. The upland xerophytes occur on the lower
area of the Tallish Ridge and subalpine meadows and meadow-steppes occur mostly in the protuberant
parts of the watershed.
Forest of the Tallish mountains are represented by Hirkan type relict forests, which occurred about 70
million years ago. The endemic species of the Caucasus such as: Zelkova, Caucasian persimmon, boxtree, Hirkan fig and others, all grow in these forests. A peculiar subtropical climate with prolonged
summer draughts and heavy precipitation in other seasons of the year is typical for the Tallish mountains.
The relief zones of topsoil and vegetation are presented in a vertical order here. From the coastal area of
the Caspian (-23,-24m) to 600-700m a subtropical timber vegetation is observed with a dominance of iron
trees, Quercus castaneifolia, hornbeam, Zelkova, Caucasian persimmon, Hirkan poplar, which often form
mixed forests. In the river valleys rare relic types are preserved such as alder, Salsola, maple, and others.
The dry sunny slopes of the foothill area are under silk acacia. Small areas of evergreen ruscus hyrcana,
box-tree, ilex hyrcana have been preserved separately. In the middle mountainous area, from 600 to
1300m on the slopes, guercus castaneifolia, guercus hyrcanus and hornbeam dominate. The upper forests
(1200-2000m) mainly consist of guercus orientalis mixed with sorbus caucasicus, hawthorn, sweetbrier,
partially zelkova, guercus castaneifolia, etc. Structural-phenological features are quite evident in the
Tallish mountains. These features are typical of the forests of the damp-subtropical regions of the South-
- 21 -
East Asia. First of all it is this expresses the richness of the species and the multi-layer nature of
plantations. Due to the richness of flora (more than 30 species per 1000 ha) Tallish region is in first place
in the Caucasus.
Hirkan National Park is in this proposed site
Hirkan Natonal Park was established in 2004. Flora of the National Park consists of 1 900 species
including 162 endemic, 95 rare and 38 endangered species. There are iron tree, tree-horned acacia,
zelcova, guercus castanifolia, ficus hyrcanys, etc. There are many endemic and rare animals, particularly,
among the representatives of ground mollusks and non-flying insects. The birds endemism is well
represented, up to subspecies level, while the species level has a relatively representation. The main
protected object are the natural complexes of lowland and low mountainous forest areas of the Tallish
region, including the unique well preserved plot of lower forest, the ecosystem of rare forests of the
Hirkan type. Hirkan beech tree and others are being kept are plants which cover tree trunk and which give
them specificity. They are: creeper, different grasses, also fig tree and shumshad which have the height of
60-80 sm. In each 100 hectares of Hirkan forests there are 32 kinds of trees. Its fauna has the species of
endemic and relict animals, especially wingless insect and mollusks. The great interest among these
species attracts badger, leopard, stone squirrel, striped hyena. Out of more than 25 species of sedentary
birds the most remarkable ones are: Tallish pheasant, Hirkan tomtit, black stark, raven, marble teal, curlyfeathered pelican, partridge and etc.
List of species occurred in Hirkan (according Resolution 6)
plants
insecta
fish
1
Marsilea
quadrifolia
Lindenia
tetraphylla
Barbus
capito
2
Marsilea
strigosa
Dytiscus
latissimus
3
Steveniella
satyrioides
Morimus
funereus
4
Ophyoglossum
polyphyllum
5
Vaccinium
arctostaphylos
Chalcalbur
nus
chalcoides
Rhodeus
sericeus
amarus
Pomatosch
istus
caucasius
Cabitus
tosniya
satunini
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Amphibiants and
reptilies
Triturus karelinii
birds
mammals
Accipier
brevipes
Rhinolophus
hipposideros
Testudo graeca
Aegypius
monachus
Rh. ferrumequinum
Mauremys
caspica
Aquila
pomarina
Myotis emarginatus
Emys orbicularis
Aquila
chrysaetos
M. blythii
Aquila clanga
Barbastella
barbastellus
Aquila heliaca
Buteo rufinus
Circaetus
gallicus
Circus
aeruginosus
Circus
cyaneus
Circus
macrourus
Circus
pygargus
Gypaetus
barbatus
Gyps fulvus
Lutra lutra
Canis lupus
Ursus arctos
Hieraaetus
pennatus
Lynx lynx
Panthera pardus
- 22 -
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Hieraaetus
fasciatus
Neophron
percnopterus
Haliaeetus
albicilla
Milvus
migrans
Milvus milvus
Neophron
percnopterus
Pandion
haliaetus
Pernis
apirovus
Falco
columbarius
Falco
naumanni
Falco
peregrinus
Falco
vespertinus
Bubo bubo
Caprimulgus
europaeus
Alcedo atthis
Coracias
garrulous
Dendrocopos
syriacus
Dryocopus
martius
Picus canus
Melanocoryph
a calandra
Melanocoryph
a yeltoniensis
Anthus
campestris
Lanius
collurio
Lanius minor
Sylvia nisoria
Emberiza
hortulana
Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocolax
Luscinia
svecica
10. List of Emerald habitats in Azerbaijan
The team identified habitats listed in Resolution No. 4 (1996) occurring within Azerbaijan. In total 21
types of endangered natural habitats were identified.
15. 115 Continental glasswort swards
15.A Continental salt steppes and saltmarshes
22.3233 Wet ground dwarf herb communities
34.11 Middle European rock debris swards
- 23 -
34.9 Continental steppes
35.11 Mat-grass swards
37.13 Continental tall herb communities
41.1 Beech forests
41.2 Oak-hornbeam forests
41.4 Mixed ravine and slope forests
41.5 Acidophilous oak forests
41.8 Mixed thermophilous forests
41.H Euxino-Hyrcanian mixed deciduous forests
44.3 Middle European stream ash-alder woods
44.43 South –east European ash-oak-alder forests
44.6 Mediterraneo-Turanian riverine forests
44.69 Irano-Anatolian mixed riverine forests
44.B Euxino-Hyrcanian wet ground forests
61. Screes
91. Parklanrs
93. Wooded steppe
11. Biogeographical zones in Azerbaijan
According to the map of biogeographical regions adopted by the Standing Committee to the Bern
Convention in December 1997 two regions were identified in Azerbaijan (Alpine, Stepic).
12. Suggestions and future plans (Follow-up)
The Republic of Azerbaijan intends to continue the works on the Emerald Networks building up within
the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for Biological and Landscape Diversity.
These works will be carried out together with the development of the National Ecological Network.
As a result, The Republic of Azerbaijan is going to request additional funds from the Council of Europe
to continue the works of building up the Emerald Network as a component/part of the National Ecological
Network.
- 24 -
- 25 -