Goravan Sands Sanctuary, Protected area in Ararat Province, Armenia.
The sanctuary spans 200 hectares of sandy semidesert terrain, featuring diverse landscapes with sand dunes and clay formations at the foot of Urtz mountain ridge.
The Armenian government established this conservation area in 1959 to safeguard the largest remaining sandy semidesert ecosystem in the country.
Scientists and researchers regularly conduct studies in the sanctuary to document and monitor the 160 plant species and 36 vertebrate species inhabiting this land.
Visitors need to verify access conditions before arrival, as weather patterns and temperatures ranging from -25°C to 42°C affect the sanctuary's accessibility.
The sanctuary contains particular plant species like Dianthus libanotis and Calligonum polygonoides, which are listed in national and international conservation registries.
Location: Ararat Province
Inception: 1959
GPS coordinates: 39.88950,44.72170
Latest update: March 4, 2025 03:39
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