Zolbin Wetland

Zolbin Wetland is located in East Azerbaijan Province, 34 kilometres west of Hashtrud County, between the villages of Zolbin, Qopuz and Qaleh Jooq. The wetland is surrounded by the rain-fed farmland of Zolbin village and lies at an altitude of about 1,650 metres above sea level. It covers an area of about 10 hectares, but in years of low rainfall it shrinks considerably and often turns into a marsh.

The water of Zolbin Wetland is supplied by the surrounding springs and is fresh. The wetland is oval in shape, and its bed along the eastern side is fairly shallow. In the warm seasons of the year, the colour of its water changes because of blooming plankton and algae. Zolbin is one of only three wetlands in Iran where the white-headed duck, an endangered species, breeds, together with Quri Gol and Yaniq wetlands. The presence and breeding of the ferruginous duck and the red-crested pochard, both valuable species, in Zolbin Wetland also make its protection essential.

To reach Zolbin Wetland, first go to Hashtrud County and continue from there towards the west. After reaching Zolbin village, narrow dirt tracks lead you to the wetland. The best time to visit Zolbin Wetland is spring and summer, when the wetland is full of water and birds are present. In other seasons, the water level may drop because water is drawn off for farming. Visitors are also advised to take all of their rubbish with them, stay on the footpaths and avoid lighting fires in inappropriate places, so that the area around the wetland is not harmed.