Hyrcanian Forests

The ancient region of Hyrcania was located south of the Caspian Sea and was well known in classical antiquity.

The Hyrcanian Forests are 25–50 million-year-old temperate deciduous forests stretching across Iran and Azerbaijan.

These forests are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unique and ancient biodiversity.

They host more than 3,200 plant species and support endangered animals such as the Persian leopard, along with brown bears and wolves.

The forests extend from Azerbaijan in the west to near Gorgan in northeastern Iran, covering provinces like Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan.

The name Gorgan is derived from a Persian term meaning “Wolf Land,” which was referred to as Hyrcania by the Greeks.

Despite their ecological significance, the Hyrcanian forests are increasingly threatened by deforestation, logging, and developmental activities.

Sources: DTE & UNESCO