The Hyrcanian Forests (Iran’s 50-Million-Year-Old Green Ribbon You Have to See)

Imagine forests that are not measured in centuries but in tens of millions of years. When we say “long ago,” we don’t mean a hundred, three hundred or five hundred years — we mean roughly 50 million years. The Hyrcanian forests are such places: mixed, broad-leaved woodlands that stretch along the Caspian shore and the Alborz foothills. They run through five northern provinces of Iran and have made those regions unusually beautiful and rich in life.

Where are the Hyrcanian forests located?

The Hyrcanian woodlands are relics from the Paleogene era, about 66 million years ago. In that period much of the temperate northern hemisphere was covered by Hyrcanian-type forests. Repeated ice ages shrank these forests, leaving isolated but enduring patches — many of which survive today in Iran. Remnants appear across the north: parts lie in Mazandaran, some in Golestan and others in Gilan. Their ecological importance is high, which is why many Hyrcanian areas are designated protected zones. Examples listed in the article include:

The Hyrcanian belt does not end at Iran’s border: it extends into Azerbaijan, where adjacent parks and reserves also protect these forests. The largest share of Hyrcanian woodland lies in Mazandaran; overall the forests cover roughly 1.9 million hectares, stretching from Astara in Gilan to Golidagh in eastern Golestan.

What are the features of the Hyrcanian forests?

The Hyrcanians are a precious natural heritage and have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They host an extraordinary diversity: more than 3,200 plant species, and they are home to 58 bird and 58 mammal species (figures taken from the article). The Iranian cheetah is also mentioned as living in these forests and is described as being in severe danger of extinction.

Conservation efforts are underway: Iran’s Department of Environment, together with the UN Development Programme, has launched projects to preserve these woods. But the forests face serious human pressures. Illegal logging, uncontrolled grazing, development and other unlawful activities have damaged protected areas in recent years. The article urges readers to reflect — should such important natural museums be lost through neglect?

What is the climate of the Hyrcanian forests?

The Hyrcanian climate is broadly favorable: mild, humid conditions near the Caspian Sea have helped these forests persist. By contrast, in other parts of the world — for example much of Europe — colder climates prevented this type of forest from surviving. Within the Hyrcanian zone, three general climate patterns occur: dry summers, humid autumns, and relatively mild winters. This mix of conditions supports the forests’ rich biodiversity.

Which plants and animals live in the Hyrcanian forest?

Flora :

The article emphasises these tall broadleaf trees and notes that, together with other vegetation types, they produce oxygen and help retain soil moisture. High soil infiltration in forested areas is one reason these ancient woodlands are ecologically valuable.

Fauna :

Beyond their beauty, the forests play important hydrological and ecological roles. The piece closes with an appeal: visitors must take care to keep these areas clean and protect them during visits so they endure for future generations.

In closing

The Hyrcanian forests are a UNESCO-listed global heritage and visiting them across northern Iran — in Golestan, Mazandaran or Gilan — is an unforgettable experience. The article ends with a heartfelt plea: please act responsibly in these forests and respect their cleanliness and preservation. Nature belongs to us all, and protecting it secures our own future.

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