Khibus and Anjilsi Protected Area

The Khibus and Anjilsi Protected Area covers about 3,639 hectares in Qaem Shahr County, Mazandaran Province, and has been registered since 1999 (1378 SH) as one of Iran's four categories of environmental protection. With an elevation range of 250 to 930 metres above sea level, a humid, temperate climate, an average annual temperature of 16°C and roughly 800 mm of annual rainfall, it is considered one of the most valuable forest ecosystems in northern Iran. The Touji River, a tributary of the Talar River, divides the area into northern and southern sections, and together with the dense forest cover it creates an unrivalled habitat for plants and animals.

The vegetation of the Khibus and Anjilsi Protected Area consists of Hyrcanian forests with species such as boxwood, hornbeam, Caucasian oak, beech, Caucasian persimmon (Kharmandi), maple, linden, elm, ironwood, Anjili (Persian ironwood relative), and alder. This plant diversity provides a suitable setting for valuable animal species. In the area you can see animals such as the maral, roe deer, brown bear, leopard, wild boar, red fox and jackal, as well as many birds including the lesser spotted woodpecker, hoopoe, lark, wood pigeon, common redstart and booted eagle. Their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and the high conservation value of the area.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit this forest area, when the weather is mild and the forest landscapes are at their most beautiful. The area can be reached by the roads leading to Qaem Shahr, but given its high ecological value, visitors should follow the principles of responsible nature tourism. Avoiding damage to vegetation, collecting your litter, refraining from making noise or lighting fires, and respecting wildlife are among the most important practices needed to keep this area sustainable.