Discover Azerbaijan's Diverse Wildlife: Animal Species And Habitats

Azerbaijan is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, from the endangered national animal, the Karabakh horse, to the common brown bear. The country's landscape is varied, with mountains, lowlands, forests, plains, and wetlands, and its location between Europe and Asia means it is home to species from both continents. Azerbaijan has established national parks and reserves to protect its wildlife, and its rivers and seas are home to almost 100 species of fish.

Reptiles and amphibians

Azerbaijan is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The country's diverse landscapes, ranging from extreme mountains to lowland forests, plains, and wetlands, provide habitats for these fascinating creatures.

Amphibians

Azerbaijan is known to have at least ten species of amphibians from five different families. One notable amphibian species is the Caucasian Parsley Frog (*Pelodytes caucasicus*), which, as its name suggests, is native to the Caucasus region. This small, brownish frog is often found near water sources such as streams and ponds. Another interesting amphibian is the Taurus Frog (*Rana macrocnemis*), which is larger and has a distinctive dark stripe running down its back. It is typically found in mountainous areas and can also be spotted in neighbouring countries such as Russia and Georgia.

The Variable Toad (*Bufotes sitibundus*) and the Caucasian Toad (*Bufo verrucosissimus*) are also native to Azerbaijan. Toads like these are often seen in more arid regions, as they do not require permanent water sources for breeding. The Lemon-Yellow Tree Frog (*Hyla savignyi*) is a vibrant, colourful species that inhabits trees and shrubs near water bodies.

Reptiles

Azerbaijan boasts a diverse range of reptilian species, with around 50 species of reptiles recorded in the country. Many of these species are found in the semi-desert areas of Shamakhi and Nakhichevan. One notable species is the Horned Viper (*Macrovipera lebetinus*), which is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in all of Europe due to its potent venom. This snake, also known as the long-nosed viper, is identified by the unique horn on its snout. Fortunately, it is limited to a very small region in western Azerbaijan.

The Caucasian Lizard (*Darevskia caucasica*) is another native species, and it can be found in both lowland and mountainous areas. This lizard is typically brown or grey with a distinctive pattern of stripes or spots. The European Glass Lizard (*Pseudopus apodus*) is also found in Azerbaijan, and despite its name, it is not truly a lizard but a legless lizard-like species. It is quite distinctive, with a long body and a pointed snout.

In addition, skinks, such as the Two-streaked Snake-eyed Skink (*Ablepharus bivittatus*), and geckos, like the Caspian Bent-toed Gecko (*Tenuidactylus caspius*), are also native to the region.

Birds

Azerbaijan is a wonderful place for birdwatching, with around 423 species of birds recorded in the country. The country's varied landscapes, ranging from alpine to subtropical environments, make it a great home for birds.

Waterfowl

Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl are common in Azerbaijan. Species such as swans, geese, ducks, flamingos, and waders like the Black-tailed Godwit, curlew, and snipe are attracted to the country's many wetlands.

Raptors

Azerbaijan is home to a variety of raptors, including eagles, hawks, and falcons. The Golden Eagle is a particularly popular species, often appearing on stamps. Other species include the Eurasian Marsh-harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and the Steppe Eagle.

Songbirds

Azerbaijan also boasts a diverse range of songbirds, such as the European Robin, Common Nightingale, Bluethroat, and the White-throated Robin.

Waders

The country's coastal areas and wetlands provide a great habitat for waders like the Grey Plover, Dunlin, and Lapwings.

Migratory Birds

Azerbaijan is located on a major bird migration route, and the area around Mount Besh Barmag is known as a bird migration bottleneck, with 2-3 million birds passing through in autumn. Over 320 bird species have been recorded in this area.

Mammals

Azerbaijan is home to a diverse range of mammals, with around 106-108 species recorded. The country's varied landscapes, including mountains, lowlands, forests, plains, and wetlands, provide habitats for a wide variety of animal life.

One of the most iconic mammals in Azerbaijan is the Karabakh horse, a mountain-steppe racing and riding breed native to the country. With ancestry dating back to the ancient world, the Karabakh horse is known for its good temperament, speed, elegance, and intelligence. However, it is now an endangered species.

Other notable mammals in Azerbaijan include:

• Caucasian goats, which inhabit the major Caucasus areas.
• West Caucasus mouflons, found in Nakhichevan and the western slopes of the Greater Caucasus.
• Jeyran gazelles, one of the rarest and fastest species in the Caucasus, are found in the Shirvan State Reserve, Bendovan, and Korchay regions.
• Caucasian leopards, which inhabit the southern Caucasus Mountains, Zangezur Range, and the Talish Mountains. They are critically endangered due to illegal hunting and human disturbances.
• Caspian tigers, now extinct, once roamed Azerbaijan until the late 1950s.
• Eurasian brown bears, one of the most common species of brown bears, can be found in Azerbaijan and throughout most of Eurasia.
• Syrian brown bears, a smaller and lighter variant of brown bears, also inhabit the region.
• Wolves, including the steppe wolf, which is found in the Caspian steppes, the Caucasus, and southern Kazakhstan.
• Red foxes, which have a wide distribution across the Northern Hemisphere.
• Golden jackals, found in national parks such as Gobustan, Kyzylagach, and Shirvan.
• Jungle cats, which inhabit the Samur Forest on the Caspian coast and national parks.
• Eurasian lynx, found in forests across northern Europe and eastern Russia.
• Persian leopards, an endangered species with only about 1,000 remaining in the wild, a few of which reside in Azerbaijan's wildlife refuges.
• Roe deer, with a reddish to gray and brown colouration, found in open agricultural areas and dense woodland.
• Caucasian squirrels, small tree squirrels with long tails and greyish-brown fur, found in southwestern Asia forests.
• European badgers, a widespread species found throughout Europe and western Asia, including Azerbaijan.
• House mice, one of the most abundant and widespread mammals globally, present in almost every part of the world except Antarctica.

Azerbaijan's diverse range of mammals reflects the country's varied landscapes and ecosystems, offering a rich array of animal life for visitors and conservationists to appreciate and protect.

Fish

Azerbaijan is home to a diverse array of saltwater and freshwater fish species, thanks to its varied landscapes and numerous water bodies. The country's aquatic ecosystems support a thriving fishing industry and attract fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Here is an overview of the fish species found in Azerbaijan:

The Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea, which borders Azerbaijan, is the world's largest enclosed inland body of water and is home to several unique fish species. The sea supports both commercial and recreational fishing activities, with its unique marine environment attracting anglers from far and wide. Here are some of the notable fish species found in the Caspian Sea:

• Sturgeon—Sturgeon is one of the most valuable fish in the Caspian Sea and is sought after for its roe and delicate meat. The fish is used to produce high-quality caviar, a delicacy in the region.
• Beluga—Beluga sturgeon is another important species found in the Caspian Sea. They are among the largest fish in the world and are prized for their meat and eggs.
• Salmon—The Caspian Sea is home to Caspian salmon, which is native to the region. These fish migrate into freshwater rivers to spawn.
• Russian Sturgeon—This species of sturgeon is also found in the Caspian Sea and is valued for its roe.
• Caspian Kutum—The Caspian kutum is an important commercial fish species found in the sea.
• Anchovy—Anchovies are another commercial fish species that thrive in the Caspian Sea.
• Herring—Herring is commonly fished in the Caspian Sea and is a significant part of the local fisheries.

Freshwater Fish

Azerbaijan's freshwater systems, including rivers and lakes, also support a diverse range of fish species. These ecosystems provide excellent fishing opportunities and are home to the following notable species:

• Trout—The endemic Azerbaijani trout thrives in the clean, cold waters of the region's rivers and lakes. It is a popular catch among anglers and a staple in traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.
• Carp—Common carp and grass carp are widely distributed throughout the country's freshwater systems. They are an important food source and are often featured in local dishes.
• Catfish—Catfish are found in abundance in the Kura and Aras rivers, offering anglers an exciting fishing experience.
• Perch—Perch is another species commonly found in the freshwater lakes and rivers of Azerbaijan.
• Bream—Bream is a valuable fish species found in the country's water basins and is prized for its meat.
• Sazan—Sazan is another important fish species found in the freshwater ecosystems of Azerbaijan.
• Rutilus Kutum—This fish species is native to the Caspian Sea and can also be found in the surrounding freshwater rivers and lakes.
• Aspius—Aspius is an anadromous fish species, meaning the young grow in saltwater before migrating to freshwater to breed. They are found in the Kura River and other freshwater systems.
• Chalcalburnus—Along with aspius, chalcalburnus is another anadromous fish species found in Azerbaijan's freshwater rivers.
• Eel—Eel is also an anadromous species, migrating between saltwater and freshwater environments. They are found in the Kura River and other freshwater habitats.

Conservation Efforts

Azerbaijan has taken significant steps to conserve and restore its fish populations. Due to the construction of hydrotechnical plants and water pollution, there has been a decline in valuable fish species. To address this, the country has established hatcheries for melioration and fish-farming purposes. These hatcheries play a crucial role in restoring fish reserves and increasing the number of fish species. Additionally, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, such as obtaining fishing permits and adhering to seasonal restrictions, is essential to preserving the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea and other aquatic ecosystems in Azerbaijan.

Endangered species

Azerbaijan is home to a diverse range of endangered species, owing to its varied landscapes and ecosystems. The country has established several national parks and reserves to protect its rich biodiversity. Here is a detailed overview of some of the endangered species in Azerbaijan:

Caspian Seal:

The Caspian Seal, native to the rocky shorelines and islands of the Caspian Sea, is an endangered species. Once numbering 1.5 million in the early 20th century, their population has declined due to disease, pollution, habitat degradation, and overhunting. While about 100,000 still remain in the wild, their numbers continue to decrease by a few percent each year.

Persian Leopard:

The Persian Leopard, once common throughout the Caucasus and Western Asia, is now endangered. Only about 1,000 remain in the wild, with a small number residing in Azerbaijan's wildlife refuges, where they are protected by law.

Persian Gazelle:

The Persian Gazelle is an endangered subspecies of the goitered gazelle, known for the male's enlarged neck and throat pouch during the breeding season. Their population has significantly decreased due to various factors, and only about 100,000 to 150,000 remain across the deserts and semi-deserts of the Middle East and Central Asia.

Persian Sturgeon:

The Persian Sturgeon is among the largest fish species globally and is endemic to the Caspian Sea and surrounding freshwater rivers. They are highly prized for their meat and eggs, which has led to overfishing and their subsequent endangerment.

Karabakh Horse:

The Karabakh Horse, the national symbol of Azerbaijan, is also considered endangered. While it was once a prominent mountain-steppe racing and riding horse, unique to Azerbaijan, its population has declined, and it is now under threat.

Caucasian Leopard:

The Caucasian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) is one of the rarest animals globally, inhabiting the southern Caucasus Mountains, the Zangezur Range, and the Talish Mountains in Azerbaijan. They are critically endangered due to illegal hunting and human disturbances.

Azerbaijan's diverse landscapes, from its mountainous regions to its lowland forests and wetlands, provide a home to these and many other endangered species. The country's establishment of protected areas and conservation efforts are vital steps towards ensuring the survival and well-being of these vulnerable animals.

Frequently asked questions