Salehieh Wetland, Nazarabad

Salehieh Wetland is located near the city of Nazarabad in Alborz Province. It is one of Iran's natural wetlands and was registered as a National Natural Monument in 1354 (1975). Salehieh Wetland is home to a wide variety of birds and wild animals and is a popular place for recreation and tourism. The wetland covers 300 hectares, although its area has shrunk today because of water shortages.

The vegetation of Salehieh Wetland is very diverse thanks to the varied climate and the presence of several water sources. Here you can see many kinds of aquatic, semi-aquatic and land plants. Some of the most important aquatic plants of Salehieh Wetland are reeds, wetland tulips, duckweed, azolla and sedge, while some of the most important land plants are the prosopis (mesquite) tree, kaz (tamarisk) trees, wild pistachio trees and thyme bushes. The vegetation of the wetland changes throughout the year. In spring the wetland is covered with colourful flowers, and in autumn the leaves of the trees turn a range of colours. Because of its high biodiversity, the wetland is one of the most important wildlife habitats in Iran. Many kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians can be seen here. Some of the most notable birds are flamingos, swans, ducks and storks, and the mammals include wild boar, foxes, jackals and hares.

The best time to visit Salehieh Wetland in Nazarabad depends on the season and your own taste, but in general spring and autumn are the best seasons. In these seasons the weather is cool and pleasant, and migratory birds are present in the wetland. Salehieh Wetland is open around the clock, but the best times to visit are early in the morning or at sunset. It is a protected ecological zone, and any interference with the birds and wildlife, as well as hunting, is prohibited. There are no particular facilities at Salehieh Wetland, and it is an unspoiled area. There is no need to worry, though, because the wetland is close to the cities of Nazarabad and Hashtgerd in Alborz Province, and you can go there if you need anything. Boating is not allowed in the wetland, because it is a shelter for migratory birds.