Mazanabad Wetland

Mazanabad Wetland lies 35 kilometres south of Khaf County in Razavi Khorasan Province, close to the village of Mazanabad. It sits at the end of one of the longest saline rivers in Iran, which drains the surface water of a large part of the counties of Kashmar, Mah Velat, Bajestan, Gonabad, Roshtkhar and Khaf. The construction of a gabion earth dam in the area created a unique saltwater ecosystem, which has become one of the most valuable habitats for migratory birds in the east of the country.

The vegetation around the wetland includes reeds, bulrush, algae and tamarisk, which provide natural shelter for birds. More than 25 species of waterbirds and shorebirds have been recorded here, including the marbled duck, ferruginous duck, northern shoveler, red-crested pochard, Dalmatian pelican, great egret, grey and purple herons, tufted duck, cormorant, little and great grebes, coot, mallard, Eurasian teal, gadwall, pintail, black-winged stilt, greylag goose, gull, redshank and white-tailed lapwing. The sighting of the coot has also been reported at this wetland for the first time in Razavi Khorasan Province. The shallow water and the stands of reeds, bulrush and algae provide suitable ground for these birds to nest and feed.

To reach Mazanabad Wetland, take the road from Khaf towards Sangan, and after about 35 kilometres you will arrive at the village of Mazanabad. The best time to visit the wetland is spring and autumn, when it is at its most beautiful and fullest, and the presence of migratory birds is at its peak. When visiting this area, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as not leaving litter and keeping quiet so as not to frighten the birds.