Geography, History, Habitats, Flora, and Fauna
Geographical Location and Area
Golestan National Park is located in north eastern Iran and is known as a very old protected area in the country. It is located in the provinces of Golestan, North Khorasan and Semnan, with an area of about 91,890 hectares. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve lies on the fringes of the Caspian and Turanian ecological zones, lending it special environmental and biological significance. Which varies from 450 meters to 2,400 meters above sea level, creating several types of landscapes and climates.
Golestan National Park History
The first time the park was protected was in 1957 when it became a protected area and subsequently in 1976 it was recognized as the first national park in Iran. Over the past several decades it has solidified its place as a cornerstone of conservation in Iran, home to some of the country’s rarest and most emblematic species. That the history and biosphere reserve status of Golestan national park represents its global importance for biodiversity.
Habitat Diversity
Golestan National Park contains several habitats, and it is a microcosm of the wide range of ecosystems in Iran:
Forests: The western regions of the park are home to the verdant broadleaf Hyrcanian forests composed of oak, hornbeam, and maple trees.
Woodlands and Shrublands: Transitional areas between forests and open areas which shelter species such as wild boars and deer.
Grasslands and meadows: These areas provide habitat for herbivorous mammals including gazelles, attracting predators as well.
Rocky Areas Steep cliffs and rocky outcrops provide nesting sites for birds of prey like eagles and vultures.
Rivers and Streams: Many waterways. These are critical habitats for aquatic species and drinking water for wildlife.
Flora
Golestan National Park is home to unparalleled diversity of plant species as a result of the different altitudes and climates. The park includes more than 1,350 plant species, nearly 20 percent of Iran’s known plant diversity. Key plant groups include:
Hyrcanian species: Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica), for example, and boxwood (Buxus hyrcana).
Steppe Vegetation: Ranging from wild tulips to grasses best suited for drier environments.
Medicinal Plants: Like licorice and thyme, that have cultural and economic values.
Fauna
With more than 300 vertebrate species, and many more invertebrates, the park supports an incredible variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Highlights include:
Mammals:
Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor): The park contains one of the largest populations of this endangered subspecies.
Syrian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos syriacus): Found in the forested regions.
Red deer (Cervus elaphus maral): (Local name “Maral” the symbol of the Caspian forests.
Also found the Wild Boar, Eurasian Lynx, Gray Wolf and the Asiatic Wildcat.
Birds:
The park is home to more than 150 bird species, including:
Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca): A magnificent bird of prey.
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): One of the most common in the park.
Caspian Snowcock, Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Golden Oriole
Reptiles and Amphibians:
− More than 25 reptiles, including vipers and geckos.
Some amphibians, such as green toads and tree frogs.
Fish:
The park’s streams and rivers are home to fish such as trout, which are important to the park’s aquatic ecosystem.
Conservation Challenges
But Golestan National Park is not without its problems, including illegal hunting, habitat loss and roads that cut through its territory and fragment wildlife corridors. Conservation efforts continue to safeguard the park’s ecological landscape and unique wildlife.