Eco - TourismIran ' s natural environment and biodiversity is also richly endowed , as it sits at the junction of four major geological regions , namely the Iranian - Turanian , Euro - Siberian , Saharo - Arabian and Sudanian . Accordingly , Iran is in possession of the most diversified biological region amongst the southwestern Asian countries . The country supports 7 , 000 plant species of which 20 % are endemic , 500 species of birds and 148 species of mammals . Iran has been in the forefront of biodiversity conservation . The International Convention for Wetlands Protection was formulated at Ramsar in Iran and is popularly known as the Ramsar Convention . The numerous wetlands are particularly important , as they are the resting ground for several Important migratory birds . These include the Siberian crane , flamingoes and pelican all listed as global heritage . Presently , in order to protection of natural ecosystems of Iran , rare species of flora and fauna and also preserving of endemic genes and totally protection of environmental equilibrium , four regions classified as national parks , protected areas , wildlife refuge and natural national monuments are under the protection of DOE . These areas include about 5 % of total area of the country . There are also 88 Hunting Forbidden Areas all around the country . Moreover , among above mentioned protected areas there are 9 Biosphere Reserves registered by MAB , UNESCO . Some of the most important of these regions are briefly discussed as follows : Golestan National ParkThe Golestan National Park covers an area of about 92 , 000 hectares with a length of 52 km in the east of the Alborz mountains . This national park is the largest protected forest in the country , and covers different climatic zones between the Caspian Sea and arid areas . The plant diversity of the park includes very rare species which are valuable treasures of biodiversity . Various wild mammals such as the large Iranian deer can be found in the forests . In the steppe zones we find ram , leopard , ewe and boar . There are more than 150 species of birds in this region such as pheasant , partridge , falcon , quail , starling and others , and 69 species of mammals , 49 species of reptiles , 5 species of amphibians and 8 species of fish . This park presents some magnificent landscapes specially in spring and autumn and many Iranian and foreign photographers praise the opportunity to spend sometime in the most colorful natural surroundings . In order to take the most advantage of the natural resources of this park , camping areas with modest facilities have been provided to host guests . The Park ' sightseeing and picnic areas host thousands of tourists every year . Golestan National Park Balaban Hunting Bird , Golestan National ParkLake Orumieh National ParkAn outstanding world biosphere situated between the two northwestern provinces of East and West Azarbayjan , Lake Orumieh has the second highest saline content recorded for lakes worldwide . The UNESCO ' s international council registers this national park as primary world biosphere reserve . Lake Orumieh covers an area of 5 , 125 sq . km , at an altitude of 1 , 200 m above the sea level . This enormous waterway is dotted with 102 islands and has been recognized as one of the world ' s outstanding natural parks . The lake is also a biodiversity genetic bank of global significance . It features vast marshlands , 14 permanently flowing rivers , numerous deltas and a variety of rare ecosystems . Its tourist attractions and facilities make Lake Orumieh a haven for nature lovers . Mosht - e - Osman Rock , Orumieh Lake 3 Rocks , Orumieh Lake Kaboodan IslandAnzali Protected WetlandThe Anzali Wetland is one of the largest , most scenic and biological diversity areas of its kind in the world . It is listed as a protected area under the Rasmar Convention . Located in the region of city of Anzali , which borders the Caspian Sea in the north of Iran , the wetland is 35 km long and 12 km wide at its broadest point . It covers an area of 18 , 000 hectare . There are a large number of islands throughout the area . The Anzali Wetland is a virtual flower garden , richly endowed with a large variety of animal and plant life . The area is divided into eastern , western and central sectors . These divisions are based on specific environmental conditions , fishing reserves and social considerations . Three sections are Siyah - Kashin , a protected wetland , Slkeh , a wildlife refuge and the no hunting zone of Sarkhanol . The Anzali Wetland is also host to thousands of migratory birds . Bird watchers and nature lovers from across the globe visit Anzali to take a glimpse of the spectacular scenes . Anzali WetlandCentral Kavir National ParkCovering an area of 450 , 000 , Central Kavir ( Desert ) National Park is located near the northwestern corner of Iran ' s vast and arid central basins between four provinces of Tehran , Esfahan , Qom and Semnan . This region provides a good example of the desert and arid steppe terrain typical of perhaps half of Iran ' s land surface . This park is under the supervision of Tehran Environmental Directorate from management point of view and provides a good example of the desert and arid steppe terrain typical of perhaps half of Iran . In fact , Central Kavir National Park is a natural exhibition of different species of rare endemic flora and fauna of arid and desert zones . Among them Jebeer Gazelle , Gazelle , Sand Cat , Red Fox , Hare and Chukar Partridge , Great Bustard , Asiatic Cheetah , Wild Goat , Wild Sheep , Persian Ibex and diverse societies of plants may be pointed out . Kavir ( Desert ) National ParkAlthough all of these species have their own importance from Biological Diversity point of view , it is managed primarily to conserve rarer plains species of gazelle , Cheetah , and Houbara Bustard . Sighting of these animals within 150 kilometers of Tehran , together with the resurgence of plant life , will be eye - catching for every visitor and tourist . The region resembles a peninsula surrounded by Salt Lake and other central deserts of Iran . Due to its specific ecological characteristics , it should be registered as one of the Biosphere Reserves for better protection . The unique characteristics of Central Kavir National Park , from several aspects points of view , provide a very suitable arena for multilateral scientific , research , cultural , and educational activities that is incomparable among other national parks of Iran . A chain of low rocky mountains with a northwest - southeast strike and adjacent alluvial plains forms the backbone of this region . Altitudes range from between 700 and 1 , 000 meters on the plain to 2 , 015 meters at the top of Siah - Kuh , the main mountain range . Although vegetation is sparse and large areas appear to be barren , but sufficient winter rainfall will trigger a profuse growth , transforming what seemed to be utter desert into a spring carpet of herbaceous plants . Hara Protected Area ( Biosphere Reserve ) Hara ( mongrove ) Protected Area is situated in the Strait of Khuran , the Persian Gulf between Qeshm Island and the southern Iranian coast in Hormozgan Province with an area of 85 , 686 hectares . It was established in 1972 as a protected area and then in 1975 as a national park , in June 1976 as a Biosphere Reserve and downgraded to a protected area in 1980 . Much of this reserve is taken up by the Mehran delta which forms extensive inter - tidal flats and has a marshy coastline and a vast mangrove formation . There are numerous small islands , creeks and minor estuaries . The climate is subtropical and summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching 45 ° C . Rainfall is low with an annual total of 100 - 300 mm , mainly falling from November to April and contains the largest Avicenna mariana mangrove forest along the Persian Gulf coasts . Mongrove Forest A Palm Tree Scenary 저작 자표 시비 영리 동일 조건