By the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No.1298 of 05 July 2003 a Shirvan National Park was established in area of 54373,5 ha of the adminstrative territories pertaining to Karadagh region of Baku, Salyan and Neftchala regions.On the south-eastern plain of the Kura-Araz lowland in the specially protected territory with an overall area of 65589 ha there are Shirvan National Park occupying an area of 54373,5 ha, Shirvan State Natural Reserve situated in an area of 6232 ha and Bandovan State Natural Sanctuary with in an area of 4930 ha.

The objective of the National Park are the conservation of foremost components of a semi-desert landscape ,the protection of gazelles listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan and species of fauna typical to this territory, the implementation of environmental monitoring, public environmental education as well as creating conditions for tourism and recreation.The diversity of the terrain, vegetation and soil cover in the territory of the national park makes it possible to distinguish a number of natural landscape areas. A major part of the territory is occupied by saline semi-desert plain.In single areas disting outlines of ancient coastal ridges and lagoons strike the eyes.A chain of hills is the main terrain that formed as a result of the wind's work and serves as an excellent refuge and shelter for gazelles.In the northwestern and western part of the territory there is an extreme impact of anthropogenic landscape (irrigational channels,collectors and so on). A droughty semi-desert arid climate which is moderately warm in summer prevails in the territory.There are no river and water springs here; the territory is surrounded by the Caspian Sea from the east and the General Shirvan Collector and several other collectors as well as the Chala (Flamingo) Lake from the north which fully supplies gazelles with water.The most important for gazelles is the fact that water in the Caspian, channels and lake does not freeze.

Despite its location in a semi-desert zone the national park is rich in animals.There a large number of mammals, reptiles and amphibians here.Up to 65 bird species inhabit the shores of the lake and the Caspian.12 fish species occur in the Chala lake and channels.The following species of animals settled in the national park:jeyran (gazelle), Myocastor coypus, wild pig (Sus scrofa), chaus (Felis chaus),rabbit, Caspian seal, wolf,jackal,fox, Meles meles and others.

Of migratory and sedentary birds one can encounter here Francolinus francolinus,Ofis tetrax, Otis tarda, swan,Anser anser, flamingo,Rufibrenta ruficollis, Falco rusticolus, Anas strepera, angut, Fulica atra, Egretta alba, Egretta garzetta, Ardea cinerea, Ardeola ralloides.