"Khosrov Forest” state reserve is one the oldest protected areas in the world having a history of about 1700 years. The reserve preserves ancient cultural amenities, historical-architectural monuments, unique plant and animal species, splendid diversity of scenic landscapes. It was founded in 334-338 by the order of Armenian King Khosrov Kotak to improve the natural-climatic conditions of adjacent territories of Artashat city -the capital of Armenia of the given period and the newly established Dvin city to ensure conservation and enrichment of flora and fauna species; serve as a ground for royal hunting, military exercises and entertainments. In September of 1958 the Government of Armenia adopted a decision to declare Khosrov forest as reserve zones. It was created to conserve and improve the unique flora and fauna. The landscape variety of “Khosrov Forest” state reserve is due to the difficult mountainous relief, steep zoning and peculiarities of soil-climate conditions. They form landscape types from semi-desert to mountainous and alpine meadows. The reserve area is rich in unique natural ecosystems that are mainly due to inaccessibility and absence of paths and roads. The reserve is distinguished with its plant species, including abundance of rare and endangered species that are due to soil climate conditions and relief diversity of the area.

Flora

1849 species of vascular plants grow in the reserve area; they are represented in 588 genera and consist of 107 families. More than 80 plant species are involved in the Red Data Book of Armenia 1989 . 25 plant species and 6 species of mushroom are involved in the new Red Data Book of Armenia published in 2011. There are 24 endemic species.

Fauna

There are more than 1500 Invertebrate and 283 vertebrate species in Khosrov reserve. 28 vertebrate animal species included in the Red Book of RA 1989. 35 vertebrate animal species and 31 invertebrate species are involved in the new Red Data Book of Armenia published in 2011.