Sahand Protected Area

The Sahand Protected Area is located in East Azerbaijan Province and, according to official documents of Iran's Department of Environment, covers an area of 66,330 hectares. It was declared a protected area in 1390 (2011) and includes parts of the highlands leading to the Sahand mountain range. Geographically, it extends across the counties of Osku, Tabriz, Maragheh, Bonab and Ajab Shir, and because of its size and biodiversity it is considered one of the important environmental conservation areas of northwestern Iran.

In terms of biodiversity, 156 plant species have been identified in the Sahand area, 26 of which are endemic and found only in this ecosystem. Plants such as milkvetch (gavan), black milkvetch (siyah-gavan), spurge and mountain medicinal species grow on the slopes and play an important role in the stability of the ecosystem. The area is also a valuable wildlife habitat; species such as the Armenian mouflon, brown bear, wolf, fox, wildcat and bats can be seen here. According to the Osku Department of Environment, the mouflon population reached 490 animals in the latest census, a 5% increase over the previous year.

The Sahand Protected Area can usually be reached via the cities of Tabriz, Osku, Maragheh and Bonab. Its broad slopes offer visitors landscapes full of wildflowers and green pastures during the warmer seasons, especially spring and summer. The best time to visit is when the vegetation is at its freshest and the springs are full. However, responsible nature tourism is essential here: damaging vegetation, entering sensitive habitats, leaving designated trails or allowing excessive livestock grazing can disturb the natural balance of this valuable ecosystem and reduce its quality in the long term.