Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Armenia

Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Armenia  

Khosrov Forest State Reserve, which covers 23213.5 hectares, is one of the oldest protected areas in the world and the largest natural reserve in the country. It was first established by King Khosrov III, a Christian monarch, around the year 330 in order to improve climatic conditions in the nearby city of Artashat. Trees were planted on the high slopes and populated with wildlife for royal hunting parties. It is believed that this reservation was the only one of its type in the Roman Empire.

​Khosrov is home to 33 species of reptiles which populate a range of habitat from semi-desert to the subalpine meadowlands. The main varieties of lizards found in the Reserve are the Caucasian Agama, Snake-eyed Lizard, and the Caucasus Emerald Lizard. The main snakes found in Khosrov are the Wood Snake, Mountain Grassland Viper, and the Armenian Viper. Several varieties of rare snake species are also present, including the Golden Grass Mabuya, Black-headed Ground Snake, and the Transcaucasian Rat Snake.

Epic Armenia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound