For nearly 30 years, our lands were under enemy occupation. Unfortunately, the scene we encountered after liberating our territories was far more devastating than we had imagined. The Armenian occupiers not only targeted our people but also engaged in large-scale ecological terrorism, depleting natural resources and causing immense damage to the flora and fauna of the region. This led to the extinction of numerous rare species.
It is no coincidence that protected areas previously under Armenian occupation—such as the Basitchay and Qaragol State Nature Reserves and the Arazboyu, Lachin, Gubadli, and Dashalti State Nature Sanctuaries—had been home to 24 fauna and 69 flora species listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book. The majority of these species have now been destroyed.
To restore the ecological balance in the liberated territories, the third edition of the Red Book is being planned. These areas are home to more than 460 species of wild trees and shrubs, 70 of which are endemic and found nowhere else in the world. However, over 30 years of occupation, the biodiversity in Basitchay and Qaragol reserves, as well as in the Lachin, Dashalti, and Arazboyu sanctuaries, was subjected to unrestrained exploitation due to the enemy’s military-political regime and economic activities.
There are only seven species of plane trees in the world. The Basitchay State Nature Reserve in the picturesque Zangilan district was established to protect Eastern plane trees listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book. Sadly, these natural treasures were destroyed by Armenian aggressors over the last 30 years. Qaragol State Nature Reserve, located 2,650-2,700 meters above sea level in Lachin district, features Alpine landscapes and serves as an important hydrological and agricultural resource. Unfortunately, the reserve’s current state is unsatisfactory. The vegetation in nearby meadows has been degraded due to overgrazing by the occupiers.
The Lachin State Nature Sanctuary was established to protect and enhance populations of mammals such as roe deer, wild goats, and wild boars, as well as birds like partridges and quails. Unfortunately, little was known about their status during the occupation. The Dashalti State Nature Sanctuary, located near Shusha, is one of Azerbaijan’s most scenic areas, known for its rich natural landscapes and historical monuments. It served as a natural museum of diverse forests, shrubs, and grass species. Similarly, the Arazboyu State Nature Sanctuary was created to protect and restore tugai forests but ceased to function entirely during the occupation.
Rehabilitating these protected areas and establishing new categories of national parks are vital for biodiversity conservation and the development of ecotourism in the liberated territories. Significant steps have already been taken to restore the ecological situation. Thousands of trees, including Oriental plane trees, have been planted in Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Aghdam districts. Seeds of oak and other forest trees have been sown, and tree-planting campaigns continue in Gubadli and Jabrayil districts. These efforts are complemented by the ongoing demining and clearance of liberated areas to ensure their safety.
Before the occupation, the plains, foothills, and mountainous regions of Karabakh were home to five amphibian and 37 reptile species, including three types of turtles, 19 types of lizards, and 15 types of snakes. Additionally, 218 bird species were recorded in Karabakh, 50 of which are included in international conventions and agreements. Important Ornithological Areas (IBA) like Dalidag, Gamishdag, Basitchay, and Lachin Sanctuaries, which are recognized by BirdLife International, are located here. Countries are required to monitor, research, and report on biodiversity in such IBAs and provide documentation to international databases in accordance with global standards.
The territories that remained under occupation for 30 years have also been included in the World Wildlife Fund’s list of areas requiring urgent conservation due to their significance as part of the Transcaucasian migration route for birds between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
In 1942, N.K. Vereshchagin recorded 99 mammal species in Azerbaijan, of which 56 were believed to inhabit Karabakh. These mammals are distributed among orders as follows: 12 insectivores, approximately 20 bats, one hare-like species, 23 rodents, 14 carnivores, and five ungulates (including noble deer). Rodents were the most numerous. Karabakh is home to more than 70% of mammal species found in Azerbaijan. However, the current status of species such as the striped hyena remains unknown. Recent surveys have found antlers of noble deer in forests near Karabakh, suggesting that this species may have migrated there.
Terrestrial vertebrates are also economically important. For example, lake frogs are harvested for food, and some reptile species, like the Levant viper, are valued for their venom, which is used in medicine. During the Soviet era, 350-400 vipers were captured annually in Karabakh for venom production.
Terrestrial vertebrates play a significant role in ecosystems, stabilizing biodiversity as part of the food chain. Amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals act as producers or consumers, with predators regulating population dynamics. However, the occupation created severe challenges for wildlife in the region, likely reducing population numbers for many species.
To address these issues, extensive research is needed, focusing on:
Determining the species composition of terrestrial vertebrates in Karabakh using advanced methods like cytogenetic and molecular-genetic techniques to study genetic processes within populations and identify new species.
Clarifying the species count, ecology, demographics, habitat preferences, and conservation needs of vertebrates.
Developing conservation measures for species listed in the Red Book and endemic species of the Caucasus and Azerbaijan.
The damage caused by Armenian occupation extends beyond Karabakh, affecting biodiversity of international importance. Therefore, international organizations must assess and address the ecological impacts of Armenian aggression.
Farida Hasanli,
Instructor, Department of Physics and Ecology,
Mingachevir State University
