Gihu Nosrantarayin Argelavayr

Gihu Nosrantarayin Argelavayr — the name translates roughly as "juniper sparse-forest reserve" — was established in 1958 to protect remnant stands of juniper (gih, a low evergreen conifer) on the southern slopes of the Areguni and Sevan mountain ranges. The reserve covers 3,312 hectares between 2,000 and 2,300 meters elevation.

It was created specifically to preserve four juniper species growing here in sparse, relict woodland: fruit-bearing, fetid, cossack, and long-leaved junipers.

The reserve lies in Gegharkunik region, about 85 km east-northeast of Yerevan in a straight line, on the southern slopes of the Areguni and Sevan mountain ranges.