WWF showcases untamed beauty of Kalbajar’s wildlife Leopards, bears, and even porcupines

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a leading international organisation that has spent more than four decades protecting nature across the globe, has released a captivating video filmed in Azerbaijan’s Kalbajar district.

As reported by Caliber.Az, the footage reveals the hidden world of Kalbajar’s wilderness — a realm seldom seen by humans yet teeming with life.

The video captures leopards stealthily moving through the mountains, bears and wild boars foraging in the forest, graceful deer and goats crossing the alpine meadows, and even a curious porcupine caught on camera.

Jackals, badgers, lynx, and other predators and herbivores — both rare and common — complete this vivid portrait of Azerbaijan’s untamed nature.

Nestled in the western part of the country, Kalbajar is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, mineral springs, and exceptional biodiversity. It stretches across the Karabakh mountain range of the Lesser Caucasus, where dramatic valleys, high ridges, and lush alpine meadows create a haven for wildlife.

Elevations in the district range from about 1,500 to over 3,500 meters above sea level. The Tartar River, one of the main tributaries of the Kura, winds through Kalbajar, feeding a network of smaller streams and spectacular waterfalls.

Beyond its natural riches, Kalbajar is also famous for its hot mineral springs, including the renowned Istisu springs, prized for their healing properties. Scattered across the region are historical and cultural landmarks — ancient monasteries, stone bridges, and medieval fortresses — bearing witness to its centuries-old heritage.

With its rugged terrain, abundant resources, and striking landscapes, Kalbajar stands as one of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque and strategically significant regions — a true sanctuary where nature and history coexist in harmony.

By Tamilla Hasanova