Semeskandeh Wildlife Refuge

Semeskandeh Wildlife Refuge is one of the last surviving lowland forests of northern Iran, located in the heart of Mazandaran Province, near the city of Sari. Covering about 1,041 hectares, with a pristine landscape of alder, hornbeam, Persian ironwood and bramble, the area has been recognised as a wildlife refuge since 1975 (1354 in the Solar Hijri calendar). Thanks to its humid Caspian climate and dense vegetation, Semeskandeh has become a safe habitat for rare and endangered species such as the Persian fallow deer and the maral (Caspian red deer), and it has great conservation value.

The refuge shows a high level of biodiversity. Species such as roe deer, jungle cat, jackal, wild boar, pheasant, forest eagle and birds of prey live here. One of the unique highlights of Semeskandeh is the rutting season (the maral mating season), which runs from early Shahrivar to the end of Mehr. During this season, male marals compete in an engrossing contest to attract females, calling with their distinctive roars, and this phenomenon has become a special ecotourism attraction of the area.

The best time to visit Semeskandeh is autumn, when the forest is at the peak of its beauty and the fascinating behaviour of the marals can be observed. The refuge can be reached via the Sari–Neka road and the side road to Semeskandeh village. Visitors must enter the area in coordination with the Department of Environment and follow the principles of responsible nature tourism. Keeping quiet, keeping a distance from wildlife and not leaving any litter are part of this responsibility.