"Arevik" National Park is located in the Meghri district of Syunik province, on the southern slopes of the Meghri mountain spur of the Zangezur range. The park includes the catchment basins of the Meghri, Shvanidzor, and Nyuvadi rivers and was created by a government decision of October 15, 2009. The initial decision set its area at 34,401.8 hectares, while the RA Ministry of Environment currently lists the park's area as 31,211.19 hectares.
It was created for the protection of natural ecosystems, landscapes, and biodiversity, the protection of unique natural monuments, and the preservation of the natural habitats of rare and endemic species.
Elevations range from about 800 to 3,700 meters, as a result of which semi-desert, shrubland, sparse juniper woodland, broadleaf forest, mountain-steppe, subalpine, and alpine environments succeed one another here.
The territory is mostly steep and difficult to access, with numerous cliffs and rocky gorges. More than 180 species of birds and 1,500 species of vascular plants are found in the area.
Among the mammals found here are the Persian leopard, the bezoar goat, and the Armenian mouflon.
Various species of dragonflies and beetles are also recorded in the area, among which the emperor dragonfly, the small pincertail, the slender-bodied skimmer, the giant violet ground beetle, and the great stag beetle stand out. The world of reptiles is also diverse. Found here are the four-lined snake, Dahl's whip snake, and the Iranian cat snake.
Arevik National Park and its surrounding areas are known for 154 species of butterflies. Among them are species characteristic of the Caucasus, the Near East, and Asia, as well as butterflies widespread in Europe.
The area is safe for tourism, but for the sake of nature conservation, visitors are advised not to stray from the designated trails. Park staff can guide visitors and introduce them to the area's interesting natural corners and its representative flora and fauna.
