Badr and Parishan Protected Area

The Badr and Parishan Protected Area is one of the important natural areas of Kurdistan Province. It lies south of Qorveh County, on the border between Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces. Covering roughly 43,000 hectares in the highlands of the northern Zagros, it was first designated a no-hunting area in the early 1990s (the 1370s in the Solar Hijri calendar). In 2006 (1385 SH) it was officially upgraded to a protected area to preserve its valuable ecosystems and species. Its mountain landscapes, shallow valleys, rolling hills and continuous ridgelines form a unique natural scene, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for lovers of nature and wildlife.

The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species and is known above all as one of the main refuges of wild goats (Persian ibex) and wild sheep in the northern Zagros. More than 42 bird species have been recorded here, including birds of prey such as falcons, eagles and the Eurasian griffon, as well as several kinds of partridge. Mammals such as wild goats and sheep, foxes, wolves, jackals, wild boar, hares, porcupines and wildcats add to its conservation value. The vegetation is also very diverse, made up of rangeland species and native shrubs and herbs suited to the mountainous, semi-arid climate of the Zagros, which provide suitable habitat for the area's wildlife.

To reach the Badr and Parishan Protected Area, you can set out from the city of Qorveh in Kurdistan and take side roads toward the southern and south-eastern highlands. Natural footpaths through the hills and valleys lead to different parts of the habitat and open up stunning views. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the weather is pleasant and plants and wildlife are at their most active. In winter the harsh cold of the heights, and in summer the heat, can make a visit difficult. It is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism to protect this fragile ecosystem: respect wildlife, do not light fires in nature, and carry out your rubbish.