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.

Zagatala State Reserve

Overview

Zagatala SNR was established in the areas of Zagatala and Balakan districts of Azerbaijan in 1929 on an area of 23844 hectares on the southern slope of the middle part of Greater Caucasus mountain range with the aim of preserving and studying plants and animals spread in the southern parts of Greater Caucasus. According to the decision of Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan dated 17 October 2008, its area was expanded by adding the lands of Zagatala and Balakan forest protection and rehabilitation facilities and reached 47349 hectares. The altitude of the reserve is 650-1646 m. above the sea level. [3]

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
  • Nature of Azerbaijan
  • National Parks of Azerbaijan
  • State Reserves of Azerbaijan
  • State Game Reserves of Azerbaijan

References
  1. Zagatala Reserve Natural reserves of Azerbaijan/Ecoscope project
  2. "Caucasus mixed forests". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund.
  3. "Zaqatala Dövlət Təbiət Qoruğu | Azərbaycan Respublikası Ekologiya və Təbii Sərvətlər Nazirliyi". eco.gov.az (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 2019-05-31.

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