Axar-Baxar National Park

Axar-Baxar National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s important protected natural areas, located across the Qakh, Samukh, and Yevlakh districts. Established on 14 July 2025, the park aims to conserve rare ecosystems formed under diverse climatic and geographical conditions.

Covering an area of 23,901.99 hectares, Axar-Baxar National Park features a complex landscape structure. The territory includes grey mountains with juniper and pistachio woodlands, arid semi-desert steppes with xerophytic and ephemeral vegetation, as well as tugay forests and reed beds along the Ganikh River. This diversity creates favorable conditions for rich biodiversity.

Axar-Baxar National Park offers strong potential for eco-tourism. Nature walks, birdwatching, photo tourism, and ecological routes along river valleys attract visitors interested in natural landscapes. Tugay forests and wetland areas along the Ganikh River are especially appealing to nature enthusiasts.

Eco-tourism activities are developed in accordance with conservation principles, ensuring minimal impact on natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism.

The flora of Axar-Baxar National Park is rich in rare and ecologically valuable plant species adapted to different habitats. Common species include heavy-scented juniper, pistachio tree, white poplar, Eastern oak, and Eldar pear. Caucasian bee orchid, dotted orchid, Eichler’s tulip, and Georgian iris contribute to the park’s botanical significance.

Many of these plant species are listed in the Red Book, highlighting the importance of flora conservation within the park.

Axar-Baxar National Park is notable for its diverse wildlife. Mammal species include wild boar, brown bear, grey wolf, red fox, stone marten, badger, forest cat, European lynx, wildcat, striped hyena, Eurasian otter, marbled polecat, and goitered gazelle.

Bird species recorded in the park include the imperial eagle, cinereous vulture, griffon vulture, short-toed snake eagle, osprey, white-tailed sea eagle, black stork, steppe eagle, and greater spotted eagle. A significant number of these species are included in the Red Book, underlining the park’s high conservation value.