Shirvan National Park: A unique ecosystem with rich biodiversity VIDEO
Salyan, October 29, AZERTAC
The latest feature in AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” column highlights Shirvan National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and gazelles.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, we head south to explore the park’s diverse natural landscapes, one of Azerbaijan’s natural treasures.
Turning off the Alat–Astara highway in Salyan district, we enter the park. After parking our vehicle at the entrance, we board a safari vehicle and set off to explore the captivating semi-desert landscape.
Under the bright sun and in the warm weather, we soon encounter the park’s most famous residents — gazelles. Appearing alone or in herds, these graceful animals immediately catch our attention. Some pause to survey their surroundings, while others leap away and disappear into the steppe after briefly appearing in front of our cameras.
Listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book, gazelles are among the park’s greatest natural treasures. Seeing these animals in the wild leaves a lasting impression on every nature lover.
Since 2010, a project to protect gazelles, reintroduce them, and restore their historical habitats across Azerbaijan has been underway. The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, IDEA Public Union, and the WWF Azerbaijan Office.
The park’s wildlife extends beyond gazelles. Rare species such as the jungle cat, great bustard, and greater flamingo also contribute to its rich biodiversity.
We continue our journey along a raised walkway, where a completely different scene unfolds. The vast lake resembles a bustling haven for birds: one settles on the water while another spreads its wings and soars into the sky. The lake is alive with movement, offering a new spectacle of wildlife at every turn.
With more than 230 bird species recorded, Shirvan National Park is a popular destination for ornithologists and birdwatchers. During migration and winter, ducks, geese, coots, and flamingos flock to its lakes and shorelines.
Located in the Kura–Aras lowland, at the junction of the Garadagh, Salyan, and Neftchala districts, Shirvan National Park covers an area of more than 54,000 hectares. Its semi-desert and dry-steppe landscapes, lowland lakes, wetlands, and sandy shores along the Caspian Sea give the park its distinctive geographical character.
The area is home to reptiles such as tortoises, lizards, and snakes, as well as mammals including wolves, jackals, foxes, and wild boars. The local flora, which includes oleaster trees, Caspian saltwort, shahsevi, and various wormwood species, further enriches the ecosystem.
The park’s unique character lies in the diversity of its landscapes, where the blue Caspian Sea meets vast plains, reed-fringed lakes, and abundant wildlife.
A visit to Shirvan National Park is not merely an opportunity to discover new places; it also allows visitors to appreciate nature’s delicate balance and recognize the importance of conserving rare species.
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