Lashgardar Protected Area in Malayer

The Lashgardar Protected Area lies in the southeast of Malayer County in Hamedan Province and is one of the province's most important natural habitats. Covering roughly 15,500 to 16,000 hectares, it is under the protection of Iran's Department of Environment and has been officially designated a protected area since 1990 (1369 SH). The landscape combines mountains, rolling hills and stretches of plain, creating a varied natural scenery. Elevation ranges from about 1,750 meters above sea level at the lowest points to about 2,928 meters at the highest, which adds to the area's ecological diversity.

Lashgardar is home to a high diversity of plant and animal species, which gives it great ecological importance. More than 220 plant species from various families and genera have been recorded here, including many medicinal and endemic species. Shrubs such as wild almond, hawthorn, sumac and barberry grow alongside medicinal plants such as artichoke thistle, pennyroyal, rhubarb and thyme in different parts of the area. The presence of 18 mammal species, including wild goat and ibex, Armenian mouflon, wolf, fox, badger and hyena, as well as 75 bird species, including the golden eagle, chukar partridge and see-see partridge, shows the environmental value of the area.

To reach the Lashgardar Protected Area from the city of Malayer, head southeast of the county, and keep in mind the Malayer–Arak road, which passes near the village of Pari, one of the access points to the area. The best time to visit this natural habitat is spring and early summer, when the vegetation is at its freshest and a variety of birds can be seen. To protect nature, however, stay on the marked trails, take your litter with you, and avoid any damage to plants and the ecosystem.