NATIONAL PARKS AND STATE RESERVES OF ARMENIA

13.02.20

There are many places with untouched virgin nature in Armenia, which are protected by the state. Most of these territories are cc. Let us find out more about the main natural parks and reserves of Armenia.

Khosrov Forest State Reserve

Khosrov Forest has more than 1700 years of history. According to the historian Movses Khorenatsi, forest plantations were made in these places as early as 334-338 during Khosrov the Third’s reign. The young forests were named after his name. The territory became a state reserve in 1958. There are trees preserved from those very first plantings in the reserve. There are 192 species of birds, dozens of species of animals.

Sevan National Park

Sevan National Park is a natural protected area created to protect the water and coastal area of the high-mountain freshwater Lake Sevan. These places serve as a stopping point, as well as a wintering place for many species of water and wading birds. There are 260 species of birds registered inhabiting Lake Sevan and its surroundings, 39 of which are listed in the Red Book.

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park was founded in 1958. The park has oak and beech forests. 102 species of trees grow here. 120 species of birds and 35 species of animals live in the park.

Shikahogh State Reserve

The reserve is located in the region of Syunik. The main part of the protected areas is located at an altitude of 1,000-2,200 meters, virgin oak and beech forests grow here. Some areas of the reserve reach a height of up to 2600 meters: birch, rowan, hazel, juniper, and subalpine meadows are more common at such heights.

Erebuni State Reserve

Erebuni Reserve is located on the border of Artashat and Abovyan districts. Despite the rather dry climate, rare species of wild wheat and other cereals grow here. Due to widespread urbanization, some of these species are considered endangered.

Arevik National Park

Natural protected territories of Arevik National Park are located in the southern Syunik Province of Armenia. Armenian nature is represented here in its diversity from steppes and foothills, to highland and subalpine massifs. Special attention is paid to the conservation of rare and endangered species of animals and plants. For example, it was here that for the first time in 60 years, a striped hyena was discovered, listed in the Red Book of Armenia.

Lake Arpi National Park

The National Park includes part of the Javakhk-Shirak plateau and the basin of Lake Arpi. 670 species of plants grow here, some of which are endemic. The park is home to 255 species of animals, 10 of which are listed in the Red Book.