Biosphere Reserve & international Wetland
Covered with beautiful dense mangrove forests, the area has been protected since 1972 under different titles. It was recognized as biosphere reserve and international wetland in Hormozgan Province in the Mehran River delta, this 86581 ha region consists of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Having an altitude range of 0 to 173 m, and mean annual precipitation and temperature of 200 mm and 27°C, respectively, the area has a warm extra-arid climate. Avicennia is the sole plant species of the tidal zone. There also exist species such as bean caper, mountain spinach, different saltworts, glasswort, soda plant, halocnemum strobilaceom, groundsel and seepweed in the vicinity of the area. The region is a winter refuge for a number of migratory birds. The main animal species include dolphin, black rat, brown rat, gerbil, Indian gerbil, cape hare, Indian gray mongoose, different pelicans, cormorant, night heron, Indian pond heron, flamingo, crab plover, sparrow hawk, osprey, vulture, kestrel, saker, heron, spoonbill, sandpiper, tern, marsh harrier, oystercatcher, gull, godwit, Montpellier snake, false cobra, lytorhynchus diadema goddi, green turtle, different crabs, fish species such as, lenkoran, saddle grunt, chub, pomfret, tiger-toothed croaker, catfish, Sardinella and dark-blotched mudskipper. The existence of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the valuable avicennia stands, animal diversity, beautiful landscapes, proximity to population centers and proper access roads have encouraged scientific, research and tourist activities in the region.
