Behesht-e Masoumeh Wetland

Behesht-e Masoumeh Wetland is a group of desert springs whose waters join together to form permanent ponds. It lies about 20 kilometres south of Howz-e Soltan Wetland, on the eastern edge of the Qom-Tehran freeway. The complex covers up to five hectares and is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the region. Plant species in the wetland include phytoplankton, benthic algae, reeds, submerged plants and grasses, which give the area high biodiversity.

Behesht-e Masoumeh Wetland is a habitat for many kinds of animals. Aquatic life such as artemia and fish lives here, and migratory birds such as ducks, geese, waders, gulls, herons and flamingos are among the species that visit the area. Shore birds such as wagtails, resident birds such as crested larks, and birds of prey such as the marsh harrier, vultures, steppe eagles and crows can also be found in the wetland. In addition, mammals such as jackals and hyenas, as well as flocks of sheep and camels, are found around the area.

The reed beds of Behesht-e Masoumeh Wetland provide a suitable habitat for shore birds, and various kinds of ducks can be seen on the water. The land around the wetland is covered with salt marshes, where salt-tolerant plants and reed beds make up most of the vegetation. With its distinctive growing conditions, the wetland has become an excellent destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers, as more than a hundred bird species, both aquatic and terrestrial, can be seen here over the course of the year.