Caucasus Wildlife Refuge
Situated in southwest Armenia buffering the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, the 30,000 ha (74,000-acre) Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) is the only privately protected area in the South Caucasus. The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) leases the land from local communities, which provides the latter with an income for village improvements.
The CWR’s rich biodiversity includes Caucasian Leopard – a Critically Endangered subspecies, with only 8-13 individuals remaining in Armenia – as well as Armenian Mouflon, Syrian Brown Bear, Bezoar Goat, and Armenian Viper. Around 180 species of bird have been recorded here, among them Armenia’s four vulture species. The reserve also protects some of Armenia’s oldest juniper forests.
With WLT support, FPWC restores degraded areas of the CWR with native trees and also employs local rangers to monitor wildlife, fight wildfires and protect against poaching. FPWC provides additional support to 10+ communities by installing sustainable infrastructure, developing ecotourism, and assisting with community enterprises and other self-employment opportunities.
The CWR tree nursery in a stunning backdrop of mountains. 
Caucasus oak saplings in the nursery. 
Workers inspecting native tree saplings. 
A working party planting oaks. 
Explore the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge with our Interactive Map
Key Species Protected by the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge
PROJECT PARTNERS
-
Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)
FPWC began in 2002 to address a lack of environmental concern in Armenia since its independence in 1991. It established the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge in 2011 through the leasing of land from local communities. Their work takes place within the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot and is focused on the connections between wildlife protection and environmental education.
