Nature and Wildlife of Armenia
Nature Tourism in Armenia
Armenia is a popular destination for nature-based tourism. People looking forward to experiencing natural scenery, through outdoor activities while caring about the sustainability and the impact on the environment of these activities, will find their happy place in Armenia. Whether you’re interested in bird-watching, stargazing, camping or photography, Armenia has a lot to offer.
Fauna of Armenia
Despite Armenia’s relatively small geographic size, the country is a home to diverse fauna and flora. Before transitioning to the worship of national deities, Armenians were nature worshippers and upon visiting the country it becomes clear why. The beautiful mountainous terrains allow for creation of diverse habitats. The country is full of forests and generally wooded areas. Overall woods occupy over 12% of the area of the country, mostly concentrated in the northeast and southeast. Armenian flora covers over 3,200 species, out of which 106 are endemic to the area.
Armenia is an extremely important area for migratory animals. The area of the country is also were most of the world’s domesticated animals originated, including animals such as mouflon and sheep. Bird-watchers from all around the world come to Armenia due to its diverse wildlife. Over 372 bird species have been recorded in Armenia, out of which over 240 species breed here.
Destinations to Explore
In Armenia you should, by all means, visit the symphony of stones in the valley of Garni, the terracotta cliffs of Vayots Dzor, the cave town of Goris and the meteors of Old Khndzoresk. Plunge into the “hair of the mermaid” – the waterfall in Jermuk, climb to Lake Kari – stone lake atop Mount Aragats, dive under the famous Umbrellas – the waterfall of Mamrot Kar with overgrown moss, located in the gorge of Unot in Artsakh, and snap a photo of a trout by the Trchkan waterfall.
Magnificent Lake Sevan – the largest lake in the Caucasus. Mandelstam called the lake “Gold value of cognac in the secret ambry of the mountainous sun.” He lived in Sevan for a month, observing how “every day at five o’clock the lake, full of trout, boiled, as if a large pinch of soda had been thrown in it, and studying two to three dozens of tombs.” The lake is also home to endemic fish species such as the Sevan trout. The lake offers many opportunities for relaxation and observation of the nature and wildlife alike.
Tucked away high in the mountains of Tavush is the marvelous Lastiver cave. During the Middle Ages, caravan robbers particularly took a liking to Lastiver. Today, it is a favourite destination for tourists. The path to the cave is flanked by several quaint treehouses and goes past the picturesque waterfall – the legendary “Ottoman of Seven Cyclops”, under the Celtic cross khachkar and past the church hidden in the tall grass.
