There are nine National Parks in Azerbaijan, created for environmental, educational, scientific purposes, as well as to promote the development of ecological tourism. In some of them, there are rare species of fauna, such as the persian leopard and the striped hyena.
The lake of volcanic origin Goygol and the surrounding forests have long been famous for their natural abundance and beauty. The idea of creating a reserve in this area was first discussed in 1910-1912. The Goygol State Nature Reserve, established here in 1925, became the first reserve in Azerbaijan. Then the reserve was abolished and re-restored at the request of the public in 1965.
On the basis of the Goygol State Nature Reserve in 2008, the Goygol National Park was established in the administrative territory of the Khanlar (the current Goygol), Dashkasan and Goranboy districts. Having received the status of a National Park, the territory of the Goygol State Nature Reserve has expanded from 6,739 to 12,755 hectares.
Goygol National Park is located on the North-East part of Lesser Caucasus, on the North Slope of Kapaz Mountain, on 1000-3060 m high from the sea level and encloses medium and high mountain-forest semizones, mountain forest-meadow, subalp and alpine zones.
The name of the lake Goygol, in Azerbaijani means “blue lake”. And, indeed, in the crystal clear water of the reservoir, as in a mirror, the blue sky and the surrounding forests are reflected.
The principal aim of the establishment of Goygol National Park is protection endemic and endangered flora and fauna species, regulation of the stability of natural complexes, creation of more favourable condition in order to carry out scientific-research works, environmental monitoring, ecological awareness of population and development of ecotourism in the tourist potentially areas.
Cold climate with dry winter prevails in the area. Annual temperature of the weather wavers between 4-10 degrees. Annual precipitation is 600-900 mm.
Rivers flow in Goygol National Park, the longest of which is Agsuchay – the right branch of Kurakchay. In addition to the wonderful Goygol Lake, there are other beautiful smaller lakes in the park, such as Maralgol, Garagol, Zeligol, Aggol, Shamlygol, etc.
The main part of the national park has a rich vegetation cover. The mountain-forest, mountain-steppe, supalp and alpine mountain-meadow vegetation ecosystem are spread in the area.
The mountain forests covering 1100-2200 m height has a very rich vegetation cover and contains 80 trees and bush species. The main part of the forests are represented by oriental beech, oriental oak, Caucasian hornbeam, birch, ash tree, sharp-leaved maple, lime-tree of small-leaved trees, Kokh pine of coniferous. Of shrubs, cornel, barberry, dog rose, spindle-tree, blackberry, of herbs, Caucasian violet, dandelion, bellflower, noble chamomile, fescue, mat-grass and meadow-grass and etc. are met. They are especially spread in sub alp meadows.
Goygol National Park is also rich for its fauna. Of mammals, Caucasian red deer, roe deer, brown bear, badger, forest cat, sable, lynx, hare, squirrel, fox, hedgehog, Caucasian mole and etc., of birds quail, stock dove, wood cock, bearded vulture, black vulture, Egyptian vulture, eagle owl, owl, swan, black woodpecker, golden oriole, wood lark and etc. are spread in the area. Under protection is also a trout that lives in Goygol lake.
The beautiful landscapes, the richness of the flora and fauna of Goygol National Park attract many tourists here.
Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency