Goygol National Park

This lake is located in areas near Karabakh

Goygol State Nature Reserve — the first reserve established in Azerbaijan.

History

Created in 1925, this reserve is located in the north‑east slopes of the Caucasus within the territory of Goygol district. Its area is 6739 ha. It is situated on the north‑east slopes of the Lesser Caucasus, in the area of Khanlar district, at an altitude of 1100–3065 m. The purpose of establishing the reserve was to protect the richness of natural monuments such as the sub‑alpine meadows of the forests, which are one of the most beautiful corners of the Lesser Caucasus, and the mountain beauty of Goygol, Maral Lake, Black Lake, White Lake, Zeli Lake, etc., formed as a result of the 1139 Ganja earthquake, as well as the flora and fauna resources. Goygol is considered worldwide a witness of mountain shadows because of its beauty and natural landscape. Goygol itself is located at an altitude of 1553 m above sea level. It lies in the basin of the Kurakchay, a right tributary of the Kura. Its area is 80 ha, its maximum depth is 93 m, and its water volume is close to 30 million m³.

The main purpose of establishing the reserve is the protection of natural complexes in the water zones of the northern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range.

The area of Goygol State Nature Reserve is divided into many components through deep valleys. Small, steep streams flow in those valleys. There are about ten lakes. In the forest there are adjacent mountain‑forest, and in the meadow there are mountain‑meadow soils. The climate has a mainly cold, dry winter. The flora consists of 420 species of plants, including 76 species of trees and shrubs. Deciduous trees at 1100–2200 m altitude: oriental fir, oriental oak, and walnut trees are present. Around Lake Goygol there are pine, walnut, oak, spruce, bird cherry, dog rose, hawthorn, and elm. The reserve has 30 species of mammals, 6 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 1 species of fish, 46 species of birds. The Caucasian chamois, Caucasian red deer, East‑Caucasian mountain goat, brown bear, lynx, small wildcat and other animals are encountered. Birds such as the capercaillie, black grouse, and others are present. In the Elleroğlu mountain range (peak 710 m) there is a branch of the “Eldar pine” reserve. On these steep slopes with oak soils (area 392 ha) the Eldar pine forest is located. In addition, that area contains sparse pine forest, Eldar pine, Eldar pear, hawthorn, wild raspberry, and dogwood trees. From the trees – Eldar pine, common pomegranate, conical pine, from the animals – Caucasian brown bear, from the fauna – common spadefoot toad, river and lake trout have been entered in the Red Book.

This reserve was abolished several times (in the 1950s, in the 1961 s) and its status changed, and it was reorganized for the third time in 1965. According to Decision No 475 of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR dated 14 July 1965, the reserve was re‑established. Its territory consists of two parts: Goygol State Nature Reserve and its “Eldar pine” branch.

The forest landscape of Goygol and its surroundings is famous worldwide for its natural richness and beauty. This reserve was abolished several times (in the 1950s, 1961) and its status changed, and it was established for the third time in 1965. Its area consists of two parts: the Goy-Gol State Nature Reserve and its "Eldar pine" branch. This reserve, established in 1925, is located in the north‑east slopes of the Caucasus within the territory of Goygol district.

Purpose of establishment

The reserve was created to preserve and ensure the purity of Goygol’s water as a source of drinking water, and for the protection and study of the typical landscape, fauna and flora of the Lesser Caucasus.

The main purpose of establishing the reserve is the protection of natural complexes in the foothill zones of the northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range.

Interesting information

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 1 April 2008, the Goygol National Park was established on the basis of the Goygol State Nature Reserve and on the adjacent forest and state lands covering an area of 12 755 hectares within the administrative territories of Khankendi, Goranboy, and Dashkasan districts.

Goygol State Nature Reserve was the first reserve established in Azerbaijan in 1925.

Relief and climate

The main part of the Goygol National Park is characterized by deep ravines, long watercourses, and slopes of varying inclinations. The area is heavily dissected by the valleys of various rivers. The region experiences a dry winter cold climate and a dry winter mild‑warm climate type. The average annual temperature ranges between 4 and 10 degrees. Annual precipitation amounts to 600–900 mm. Part of the subalpine zone of the northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus and the mid‑mountain forests, as well as the ecosystems of Lake Goygol, Lake Maral, and Lake Zeli, are among the main protected objects of the reserve. The climate is mainly cold with dry winters. The territory of the Goygol State Nature Reserve is divided into many components by deep valleys. Small, steep streams flow in those valleys. About ten lakes are present.

Animal world

The park's animal world consists of many wild mammal and bird species, including the noble Caucasian elk, bear, lynx, wildcat, boar, forest cat, samur, weasel, rabbit, hare, and birds such as Caspian gulls, black kite, quail and others. Among the animals residing in the area, two—the Eastern Caucasian lynx and the Caucasian subspecies of the brown bear—are listed in the "Red Book." The "Red Book" also includes the trout fish living and protected in Göygöl and many birds. In the reserve there are 30 species of mammals, 6 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 1 species of fish, 46 species of birds. One can encounter lynx, Caucasian elk, Eastern Caucasian mountain goat, subspecies bear, susamur, small hare and other animals. Among the birds are the black-headed gull, bald kite, quail and others.