Iran’s varied geography hosts a wealth of biological diversity. Often pictured as an arid expanse, the country’s natural character is complex, encompassing landscapes from dense forests to snowy mountains and rich coastal areas. This environmental variety has fostered an array of plant and animal life, making Iran a global center for biodiversity. The interplay between its geology, climate, and elevation has created a mosaic of habitats, each with a unique assembly of species.
The Geographical Tapestry of Iran
Iran’s landscape is largely defined by mountain ranges that encircle a high interior basin. The two most prominent of these are the Zagros and Alborz mountains. The Zagros range extends from the northwest down towards the Persian Gulf, creating a wide band of parallel ridges and fertile valleys. In the north, the Alborz mountains run along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and include Mount Damavand, a snow-covered volcanic peak and the country’s highest point.
Outside the mountain rings, the country’s geography changes. Along the Caspian Sea, a narrow strip of land falls sharply from the high peaks to below sea level, creating a humid, subtropical climate. In contrast, the interior is dominated by two immense deserts, the Dasht-e Kavir and the Dasht-e Lut, which are among the hottest and driest places on Earth.
Iran’s Plant Life
The flora of Iran is rich, with estimates of over 8,000 vascular plant species identified. A significant portion of these, around 32%, are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on the planet. This botanical wealth is distributed across several distinct vegetation zones, each shaped by the country’s diverse climates and topography.
The most extensive forests are the Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests in the north, which contain deciduous trees like oak, beech, and elm. Moving inland, the Zagros Mountains support scrub oak forests, along with pistachio and almond trees. Much of the central plateau is characterized by steppe vegetation, where thorny shrubs and wormwood species are common ground cover. In the more arid regions, plants are adapted to survive with minimal water, and desert dunes can support thickets of brush where water is retained.
Iranian Wildlife
Iran’s diverse habitats support a variety of animal life, with scientists having identified approximately 197 mammal species, 535 bird species, 227 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species. The country’s marine and freshwater ecosystems are also rich, containing over 1,000 species of fish. This fauna includes large predators, numerous hoofed mammals, and a wide array of birds and reptiles adapted to different environments.
Among its most well-known animals is the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, which now survives only in Iran. Other notable mammals include the Persian leopard, the Asiatic black bear, and the Persian fallow deer. The country is also home to a variety of reptiles, such as the spider-tailed horned viper, and serves as a wintering ground for migratory birds like the Siberian crane. The Caspian Sea is home to the Caspian seal, another endangered species found exclusively in its waters.
Iran’s Key Ecosystems and Biodiversity Hotspots
Iran is home to several globally important ecosystems and is part of two major biodiversity hotspots: the Irano-Anatolian and the Caucasus. These regions are recognized for their high concentrations of endemic species and are under threat of habitat loss. The country’s varied ecosystems range from ancient forests and high mountains to vast deserts and coastal wetlands.
One of the key ecosystems is the Caspian Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient broad-leaved forests have survived since the Quaternary glaciations and are home to over 2,000 plant species and endangered animals like the Persian leopard. In contrast, the desert basins in the center of the country provide habitat for the Asiatic cheetah and the Persian onager, a type of wild ass. Iran’s wetlands are also important, providing wintering grounds for migratory birds.
Protecting Iran’s Natural Heritage
The biodiversity of Iran faces numerous threats that place many species at risk. Habitat destruction, driven by agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects, is a primary concern. Climate change exacerbates these issues, contributing to prolonged droughts and desertification. Pollution, water scarcity, overgrazing, and illegal hunting also pose significant risks to wildlife populations.
To counter these threats, Iran has established a system of protected areas. This network includes national parks, wildlife refuges, and other conservation reserves, covering a significant portion of the country’s land. The Iranian government has expressed a commitment to expanding this network to better safeguard threatened species and the ecosystems they depend on for survival.