Zagatala State Reserve

Zagatala State Reserve

Zagatala State Reserve was established on 252 square kilometres (25,200 ha) of Zagatala and Balakan Districts, in the central part of the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, in Azerbaijan.[1] The reserve is located in the Caucasus mixed forests' ecoregion.[2] The territory of the reserve has been altered several times.

Ecology

Flora

The reserve is meant to protect sub-Alpine plants of southern slopes of the Major Caucasus, and the natural complexes of Alpine and naval zones. Leafy forests extend to the foot of the mountains, mainly consisting of Oriental beeches (Fagus orientalis). The area is famous for plants, such as the rhododendron, cherry-laurel, blackberry, maple, and fern. At higher altitudes, glaciers and alpine meadows can be found. Among the local species, shikra (Accipiter badius) can be found along the rivers, and Caucasian snowcock (Tetraogallus caucasicus) is present on the rock falls.

Fauna

The reserve's fauna includes the Syrian brown bear, Indian wolf, red fox, forest cat, Caucasian lynx, squirrel, weasel. It also has a diverse range of birds, including the golden eagle (Aquilla chrysaetos), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), but especially bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and monk vulture (Aegypius monachus).[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Zagatala Reserve Natural reserves of Azerbaijan/Ecoscope project
  2. ↑ "Caucasus mixed forests". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund.

Coordinates: 41°48′07″N 46°37′40″E / 41.80194°N 46.62778°E / 41.80194; 46.62778

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