Hyrcanian Forests in Iran (UNESCO)
Iran has a large number of national parks and protected areas, including two Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is the Caspian Hyrcanian Forests. Located in northern Iran along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, the forest covers an area of 850km and, from a historical perspective, dates back to 25 to 50 million years ago. Hyrcanian Forests in Iran were registered as the second natural site of Iran on UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. The forests are named after the ancient region of Hyrcania, a historical region extended from southeast of the Caspian Sea in Iran and Turkmenistan.
Hyrcanian Forest represent one of the planet’s oldest and most ecologically significant temperate forests. These lush woodlands of Hyrcanian forests survived the Ice Age, creating a living museum of biodiversity.
Hyrcanian forests are home to 180 species of birds including Steppe Eagle, European Turtle Dove, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and Caspian Tit, as well as 58 species of mammals, including Panthera pardus tulliana (Persian leopard), and Wild Goat, while they only cover 7% of the country. The forest is extended across three Provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, and part of that covers the southeast part of the country of Azerbaijan.
One of the habitats of this rare species is Jahan Nama protected area, that Adventure Iran’s “The Red Snake Wall and the Turkoman Plain” tour lies through.
Why Are They Unique?
- Primeval Ecosystem: Home to 1,800+ plant species (including Persian ironwood and Caspian beech) and rare wildlife like the Caspian tiger (extinct) and Persian leopard (critically endangered).
- Climate Resilience: Their layered canopies and humidity trap moisture, forming a “green belt” that cools the region.
- Cultural Ties: Local communities, like the Gilaki and Mazandarani, sustainably harvest herbs, honey, and silk.
Top Experiences
- Hiking in Golestan National Park – Spot deer, wolves, and 300+ bird species.
- Misty Trails of Alborz Mountains – Explore villages like Filband (the “Cloudy Village”).
- Ecotourism Stays – Sleep in treehouse lodges near Masuleh.
Threats & Conservation: Logging and tourism pressure challenge the forests, but community-led ecotourism projects offer hope.