Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge

Kiamaky is a wildlife refuge that amazes a large number of nature buffs. This area consists of permanent rivers, spectacular reefs, and various animal and plant species.

The Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the Aras free zone, Jolfa, northwest of East Azerbaijan province.  This wildlife refuge with an area of 95742 hectares, includes different habitats. One of the most important habitats of Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge is its southern areas which include heights, the habitat of wild animals, and local livestock ranchers. Also, there are some aquatic habitats around the Aras River which hosts aquatic migrating birds.

• Vegetation

The vegetation of Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge are as follows: willow, barberry, maple, dog-rose, walnut tree, and medicinal plants.

• Fauna

  Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge consists of a lot of animal species as follows:
  • Mammals: Gazelle, Red deer, Ovis orientalis, Wild goat, sheep, goats, deer, leopard, Brown bear, fox, wolf, Jungle cat, and Wild boar are the species of mammal in Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge.
  • Birds: grouse, partridge, Golden eagle, duck, heron, egrets, bitterns, Ring-necked pheasant, Northern goshawk, and Saker falcon are the prominent birds of Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge.

• Kiamaky Kooh

Kiamaky Kooh is one of the green summits around the Aras River with a height of 3347 meters which is known as Kamchi-dagh in Azerbaijani language. Kiamaky Kooh is situated on the 10 kilometers south of Jolfa. The northern hillside has covered with forest and lush pastures. The southern hillside is a Yaylag for the nomad of Mugan plain. Yaylag means a summer highland pasture. Remember due to the steep slope of this mount, to getting there you should follow a dangerous route.

Maharan waterfall, Wrecked Mill Fall, and Ushtabin village are some fabulous part of nature around Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge. Maharan waterfall has a height more than 15 meters which located on the northern side of Kiamaky Kooh. The height difference has created a climate difference in this area. Growing plants season is between late Spring until early Summer.

• What is the best time to go?

  Jolfa has a Semi-arid climate and Semi-cold climate. You will experience very hot summer and a long winter in Jolfa. Due to the climate of this region, early May until late September is the best time to visit Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge.

• Getting there?

To reach Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge you should follow this address: Kiamaky protected area, on the edge of Aras River, Jolfa, East Azerbaijan province.