Armenia, despite being a small country in the South Caucasus of Europe, has the most biological diversity in the world; with important habitats in its mountainous areas with at least two thirds of the bird species that are representative of its continent and much more; discover everything you need to know about the subject throughout the reading of this post.
The flora of Armenia
The forests of Armenia cover at least 12% of its territory and are located in its northeast and southeast regions, with impressive valleys, canyons and mountain ranges, which is a true paradise for lovers of flora; Well, there you will find around 3,500 species, many of them on its slopes.
During a visit to Armenia you will be able to discover its enormous natural wealth, finding that its famous taiga unfolds with samples of fir, larch, ash, pine, aspen and birch trees.
Armenian fauna
The Armenian fauna has nothing to envy to other nations since they have 76 species of mammals, some 304 birds, to which are added 44 reptiles, 6 amphibians, 24 fish and at least 10 thousand different types of invertebrates.
Its fauna runs through the natural landscapes created by its dense forests where wild boars, roe deer, Persian squirrels, bears, deer, forest cats and lynxes live; besides some other species.
It should be noted that this country is home to the Caucasian leopard, the ram and the mountain goat.
Armenia as a nation located in Asia Minor and very close to the limits with the European continent, which allows it to be a migratory place for countless species of birds that nest in the place, which is why hawks, crows, storks, cranes, ducks, hoopoes, pigeons, aberrucos, and its exclusive seagull that nests especially on the shores of Lake Sevan.
How to know the flora and fauna of Armenia?
To see up close the representative species of the flora and fauna of this country, you must visit it, going to places such as its parks and reserves of national interest; some of which are born during the time of the presence of the Soviet Union in this territory; as a way to preserve species in danger of extinction, in the face of the uncontrolled attack of unscrupulous hunters.
You will find its taiga in the area that stretches from the Gulf of Finland to the Urals, while further north you will enjoy an area bathed by the Arctic Glacier that gives life to its tundra thanks to the presence of permanent ice; despite being a place of difficult survival, it is home to rodents such as the lemming, sable fox, wolverine, polar hare and some others.
When visiting Armenia when summer is in full swing you will enjoy outdoor mosses, lichens and low altitude trees like birches; while in the southern lands of its Taiga you will observe very fertile black lands that gave way to being considered the breadbasket of Russia. Cereals, halophiles and other herbaceous species occur in abundance in this area.
Armenia is a country where many of its representative species have disappeared and many others continue to be in danger due to deforestation policies; however, they still have beautiful wild cherry trees, oaks, hornbeams, beeches and rose hips; in addition to a series of aromatic and medicinal plants.
Armenian Protected Areas
To maintain the natural legacy of this country and conserve its native species, there are currently 6,860 km² of protected areas represented by national parks such as Dilijan, Sevan, Lake Arpi and Arevik; to which the reserves of Khosrov, Shikahogh and Erubini are added.
They seek to protect representative species of their flora such as wild wheat and other endemic species such as Iberian iris subsp. Regarding its fauna, species such as its Persian leopard are in serious danger of extinction. While other species have already disappeared to make way for livestock and agricultural activities in this country.