Bidouieh Protected Area

Bidouieh Protected Area is located in Bardsir County, Kerman Province. Covering more than 168,000 hectares, it is considered one of the most important desert and semi-desert habitats in Iran. The area has been protected since 1375 (1996) and has formed a unique ecosystem with diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, open plains, heights such as Kuh-e Kalleh Gavi and seasonal rivers. Bidouieh is home to valuable species such as the Asiatic cheetah and the gazelle, which makes it even more important for preserving Iran's biodiversity.

The area's vegetation includes more than 260 different species, many of them drought-resistant and of medicinal value, such as wormwood (Artemisia), Ghich, astragalus (Gavan), wild pistachio (Bane), tamarisk (Gaz) and spurge (Euphorbia). This plant diversity provides a suitable basis for rare animal species to live in this climate. Notable wildlife of the area includes gazelles, wild goats and ibex, wild rams and ewes (mouflon), caracal, sand fox, wolf, Asiatic cheetah, houbara bustard, eagle-owl, kestrel and partridge. The area plays a very important role in protecting endangered species and the wildlife of arid regions.

Autumn, winter and early spring are the best times for nature tourism in Bidouieh, when the weather is milder and there is a greater chance of seeing the area's biodiversity. The area can be reached by the roads leading to Bardsir County, but visiting requires following the principles of responsible nature tourism, including not damaging plants, avoiding fires and noise pollution, and fully respecting the animals' habitat. Only by keeping to these principles can the valuable heritage of Bidouieh be preserved for future generations.