Bamdezh Wetland

Bamdezh Wetland is one of the five large wetlands of Khuzestan Province, covering an area of four thousand hectares. It is not only one of the sights of Shush, but also a destination for domestic and international ecotourists, because it is a stopover for migratory birds from Siberia and East Africa. The wetland is fed by the Shavur River, and several factors keep it going: a high groundwater table, heavy soil texture, the low-lying terrain of the area, rainfall and winter flood flows, as well as return water from farmland. The water leaving the wetland passes through a branch called Kharur and, after flowing through the Tavana Canal, empties into the Dez River. Because the inflow of water drops when the gates are closed and the Shavur Dam is filling, the wetland runs low on water from early Farvardin until mid-Aban.

The vegetation of Bamdezh Wetland has two distinct looks, one in spring and one in autumn. In spring, annual plants and most perennials grow, and from Esfand to Ordibehesht the wetland has a green, pasture-like appearance. In autumn, the salt-loving plants of the area grow more. 134 plant species grow in this wetland, including special types such as Caspian camelthorn, manna (taranjabin), licorice, thistle, reed and gagleh. This vegetation helps the wetland provide a suitable habitat for a variety of animals.

The animal habitats of Bamdezh Wetland are divided into two main parts: aquatic and land. In the aquatic part there are plants such as reed and cattail, which provide a safe environment with good cover for the area's wildlife, especially native birds and nesting birds. The middle parts of the wetland have no plant cover and hold mostly floating plants; this area is a good place for feeding and resting for aquatic animals, especially migratory birds. Various kinds of water and shore birds live in this wetland, such as waterfowl, herons, marbled ducks and swans. Besides birds, other animals such as wild boar, fox, jackal, wolf, hyena, marten, bats, shang (Persian squirrel-like small mammal), Caspian turtle, snakes and various freshwater fish are also found in the area. We suggest travelling to Ahvaz from late Aban to late Esfand, because this is the best time to travel and to visit Bamdezh Wetland; Ahvaz has pleasant weather in this period, which will greatly add to your enjoyment of the trip.