Dehdez Protected Area

Dehdez Protected Area is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled natural areas of the southern Zagros. It lies in Dehdez District of Izeh County, in Khuzestan Province. This mountainous region, with its magnificent landscapes of green hills, dense oak forests, deep valleys and rushing rivers, is known as a safe habitat for many species of plants and animals. Permanent water sources, small lakes and a mountain climate have made Dehdez an attractive destination for nature lovers and ecotourists. Covering 17,533 hectares, it is one of the province's most important ecological areas and was designated a protected area in 1346 (1967).

The vegetation of Dehdez consists mainly of broadleaf and mixed temperate forests, including Persian oak, wild pistachio (baneh), hawthorn, wild almond and wild fig. This plant composition has created a diverse and stable ecosystem that provides a suitable habitat for animals such as the leopard, brown bear, wolf, hyena, wild goat and ibex, wild sheep (mouflon), Persian squirrel and jungle cat. Birds such as the chukar partridge, see-see partridge, eagle, falcon and Eurasian jay can also be seen in the skies over the area, a sign of Dehdez's rich biodiversity.

The best time to visit this remarkable area is spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and nature is at its most beautiful. The area can be reached by the roads from Izeh to Dehdez. Visitors should bear in mind that this is a protected area, and it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including not leaving litter, not damaging the vegetation and not lighting fires, so that this valuable natural heritage is preserved for future generations.