AZERBAIJAN
AZERBAIJAN | East Greater Caucasus Corridor
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The East Greater Caucasus Eco-Corridor interconnects the eastern part of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. Significant parts of the area are covered by the largest natural forest ecosystems in Azerbaijan comprising 49% of the total forest cover of the country. The forests are concentrated on the outer slopes of the Caucasus, while the interior valleys are dominated by grasslands used mainly as summer pastures by semi-nomadic shepherds. Rivers are an important feature of the corridor, characterized by large amounts of gravel transported due to the high erodible nature of the geological formations. This results in the formation of extensive gravel beds and alluvial fans at the exits of gorges. The southern slopes of Greater Caucasus are the most fertile region of Azerbaijan and an important area for domestic tourism.
At the crossroads of climatic zones
a rich mosaic of landscapes and biological diversity is created
Key Species & Habitat
Key Species Habitat | Georgia
Charismatic large mammal species have been selected to represent the biodiversity of the landscape.
The suitability of habitats for these species has been studied in order to set priorities for conservation measures. Habitats have been broken down into:
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Core areas - most suitable habitats
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Ecological traps - naturally suitable habitats where animals are threatened by human pressure
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Potential refuges - naturally less suitable habitats where animals may evade human pressure
Key Species
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Caucasian Red Deer
Cervus elapses maral
Species under threat in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan
Eastern Tur
Capra cylindricornis
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Near-threatened status on the IUCN Red List but not listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan ​
Caucasian Chamois
Rupicapra rupicapra
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Endangered/Threatened status in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan
Brown bear
Ursus arctos
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Endangered/Threatened status in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan ​
Key Habitats
Grasslands
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Rivers with gravel beds
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River gorges​
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Rocky Slopes
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Forests
Natural & Cultural Heritage
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Khinalig Village is an ancient Caucasian village is located in the Guba region and dates back to the Caucasian-Albanian period. It is located at an elevation of 2,350 meters and is among the most ancient and continuously inhabited places in the world. With over 5,000 years of history the region features a 12th-century mosque, a 15th-century mosque, and several ancient cemeteries nestled between the mountains.
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Hashi Cave is a recognized natural monument in Azerbaijan and one of many ancient holy caves in the country. The nearby Hashi Village is also a national monument where visitors can get a glimpse into the lives of the country’s past inhabitants.
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Ateshgakh Mud Volcano & Natural Gas Flames. Ateshgka Mud Volcano is one of many natural monuments connected with Azerbaijan’s oil and gas reserves. Natural gas flames burn in the craters of many mud volcanoes. To the west from the village of Khynalyg, at an elevation of 2,200 m, natural gas seeps to the surface from combustible shale producing a bright flame against the stunning background of steep rocks and mountain meadows.
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Mountain Peaks and Waterfalls
The Greater Caucasus Eco-Corridor contains the country’s highest peaks ranging from Bazarduzu (4,466 m) to Dubrar (2,205 m). Babadagh (3,629 m), is know as a holy mountain. Located in the southeast of the Great Caucasus Ridge, on the border between the Guba and Ismayilli districts. Each year, particularly during summer months, numerous pilgrims, most of them religious, pay homage to Babadag because of its magical power to turn people’s wishes into reality.
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The largest waterfalls located in the Eco-Corridor are recognized as natural heritage site of Azerbaijan and include Afurja Falls (Guba district), Mychig (Qabala District), Katek Falls (Katekchai region) and Ilisu (GakhDistrict).
Conservation Agreements | AZERBAIJAN
East Greater Caucasus Eco-Corridor
VIDEOS | WWF Azerbaijan's Metro Campaign
November 2018
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TUR | WWF Azerbaijan Metro Campaign
June 2019
LEOPARD | WWF Azerbaijan Metro Campaign
June 2019
DEER | WWF Azerbaijan Metro Campaign
June 2019
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VIDEO | German Government Delegation visit to Zaqatala, Azerbaijan
December 2016
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News clip highlighting the visit of the German Government delegation to Zaqatala, Azerbajian. Visitors included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Azerbaijan, Mr. Mixael Kindsgrab and Mrs. Eva Witt, the KFW Director for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia.
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VIDEO | Sustainable beekeeping training in Zagatala and Gakh regions
April 2017
News clip showing the communities of Zagatala and Gakh regions of Azerbaijan receive training on sustainable beekeeping for land users.
Partners
WWF Caucasus
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WWF Germany
KfW Development Bank
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
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Local governments and landowners
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Contacts
ECF Azerbaijan Office
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Tel/Fax: +994 12 502 46 83
Badamdar, 1st Residential Area
Turn 11, House 3
AZ1021 Sebail Baku
Azerbaijan
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Elshad Askerov
WWF Country Director in Azerbaijan
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Jernej Stritih
Chief Technical Advisor
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Khayyam Ismayil
National Coordinator Azerbaijan