Definition: A State Protected Area is a temporarily protected natural territory or water area, on which certain species of animals and plants, geological objects, elements of landscape, etc. are preserved.

The organization of protected areas in Azerbaijan can be dated back to the mid- twentieth century, when the Shah established special lands for the protection of the animal population. The first protected area on the territory of the Caucasus was organized in 1910, when the Countess P. S. Uvaroae suggested declaring the territory of Eldar pine grove on the slopes of the Ellar-Ogli Ridge (the terrotiry where the reserve is currently functioning) a protected area. The first reserve was established with the purpose of protecting the relict Eldar pine grove. Unlike reserves, protected areas are established on lands where forestry, agriculture and other practices are allowed, usually for a certain period of time, which is specified while establishing the area. Economical activity in protected areas is allowed only to an extent which does not damage the protected objects. At present there are 20 protected areas in Azerbaijan with a total area of more than 260,000 hectares, the first of which was established in 1923 (the Kara-Yaz-Akstafa), the last in 1993 (Gabala). Protected areas considerably supplement the reserve system providing the preservation of flora and fauna resources of the country and the biodiversity of natural communities.

• The Gara-Yaz-Akstafa area was established in 1923 on an area of 17.9 hectares for the preservation and restoration of the Caucasian red deer, Phasianus, Francolinus francolinus and others.

The area is situated in a zone of tugay forests in the middle reaches of the Kura River on the border with Georgia, and with respect to its flora and fauna composition it is similar to the Kara-Yaz state reserve adjacent to it.

• The Barda protected area was established in 1966 on an area of 7.6 hectares in the Barda and Agdash regions of the Republic at the base of the Ayridjan protected area, which had existed since 1930 on forestry lands. The main purpose of the area is the preservation and restoration of the number of Phasianus, Francolinus francolinus and hare. This protected area is referred to as a fauna type area.
• The Sheki protected area was established in 1954 on an area of 9.1 thousand hectares on the lands of the Sheki district of the Republic. It is refered to as a fauna type of protected area, and serves to protect and restore the number of Pheasants (Phasianus) and other valuable birds.
• The Glinani island protected area was established in 1961 on an area of 2,000 hectares on an island in the Caspian Sea near the Apsheron Peninsula. It is referred to as a fauna type of protected area and serves to protect migratory and wintering waterfowl birds, sea-gull colonies and Caspian seal rookeries.
• The Byandovan protected area was established in 1961 on an area of 30,000 hectares in the boundary zone of the Salyan and Garadag districts of the Republic. It is referred to as of the fauna type and has been established for the protection and restoration of the number of Persian gazelle (Gazella sulgutturosa), waterfowl birds and Little bustard (Otis tetrax). It borders the Shirvan state reserve. In its fauna and flora it is similar to the Shirvan reserve.
• The Gerchay protected area was established in 1961 on an area of 15,000 hectares on the lands of the Khanlar and Kasum-Ismailli regions of the Republic for the protection of the population of Persian gazelle (Gazella sulgutturosa).
• The Lachin protected area was established in 1961 on an area of 20,000 hectares in the Lachin district of Azerbaijan which borders with Armenia. The main purpose is the preservation and restoration of the number of bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus), Caucasian brown bear, wild boar and hare. At present the territory of the protected area is under occupation.
• The Gusar protected area was established in 1964 on an area of 15,000 hectares for the preservation and restoration of the number of grey partridge (Perdix perdix), pheasants (Phasianus), roe, wild boar, and hare on the lands of the Gusar district of the Azerbaijan Republic.
• The Shamkhor protected area was established in 1964 on an area of 10,000 hectares for the preservation and restoration of the number of pheasants (Phasianus), Francolinus francolinus, partridge (Alectoris kakelik), waterfowl birds on the lands of the Shamkhor district of Azerbaijan, which is situated in the zone of the Lesser Caucasus Range.
• The Ag-Gel protected area was established in 1964 on an area of 7.5 thousand hectares for the preservation and restoration of the number of n