Pirgulu State Reserve was established in 1968 on the area of 15.21 km² (6 sq mi) in 1968 in the Shamakhi District, one of the most beautiful areas of the south-east of the Large Caucasus. The aim was to protect mountain forests, herbage of different kinds, fertile soil, expand forest areas and prevent air pollution. The reserve lies there between 1.600 and 2.000 m of altitude. Cliffs dominate with deep canyons, able to reach 600 m of depth. The flora of the reserve includes over 60 species including such mammals as brown bear, wolf, forest cat, lynx, weasel, wild boar, roe deer, etc.