Ilisu National Park

Ilisu National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s important protected natural areas, located on the southern macro-slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Established on 14 July 2025, the park covers parts of the Qakh and Zagatala districts and aims to preserve mountain ecosystems and biodiversity.

Covering an area of 13,966 hectares, the park extends from 550 to 2,500 meters above sea level. Its landscape includes alpine and subalpine meadows, steep mountain forests, rocky terrain, foothill grasslands, and river valleys. This diversity of natural features contributes to the park’s high ecological value.

Ilisu National Park offers significant opportunities for eco-tourism. Mountain hiking, nature observation, photo tourism, and birdwatching are among the main activities available to visitors. The park’s scenic valleys and elevation zones provide unique experiences for nature lovers.

Eco-tourism activities are organized in accordance with conservation principles, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting sustainable tourism development.

The flora of Ilisu National Park is rich in rare and valuable plant species. Eastern beech, Eastern oak, Caucasian hornbeam, Trautfetter maple, and Litvinov birch are widely distributed throughout the park. Berry yew, Caucasian pear, and Caucasian hawthorn further enhance the park’s botanical significance.

Rare orchid species such as Mozalan orchid, yellow-flowered orchid, and satyr orchid (Steveniella satyrioides) are included in the Red Book, highlighting the importance of flora conservation in the park.

Ilisu National Park hosts a diverse range of wildlife. Mammals recorded in the area include wild boar, brown bear, grey wolf, red fox, stone marten, badger, forest cat, European lynx, roe deer, Caucasian chamois, East Caucasian tur, and Caucasian red deer.

Bird species such as Caucasian black grouse, Caucasian snowcock, golden eagle, and bearded vulture are also present. Several of these species are listed in the Red Book, emphasizing the park’s role in wildlife conservation.