Dasht-e Barm Forest
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Dasht-e Barm Forest (Persian: جنگل دشت برم), also known as Mian Kotal Recreation Area, is the largest oak forest in Iran and the Middle East.[1] It is located in the central district of Kazerun County, southwestern Iran.[2] The forest is part of the Arjan and Parishan Protected Area, listed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.[3][4]
| Dasht-e Barm Forest | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
 The Dasht-e Barm Forest in Kazerun County | |
  Location in Iran | |
| Location | Kazerun County, Fars Province, Iran |
| Nearest city | Kazerun |
| Coordinates | 29.555397°N 51.887943°E |
| Area | 260 km2 (100 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,500–2,400 m (4,900–7,900 ft) |
| Designation | Protected area / Biosphere reserve |
| Governing body | Department of Environment of Iran |
The Mian Kotal protected zone, which forms part of this forest, is the main habitat of the Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) and several other rare species.[5] Within the forest also lies the Mian Kotal Caravanserai, the only completely stone-built Caravanserai in Iran.[6]
Geography
The Dasht-e Barm Forest lies on the southernmost slopes of the Zagros Mountains in southwestern Iran, about 20 km east of Kazerun. Approximately 35 km of the Kazerun–Shiraz highway passes through this forest, making it one of Iran’s most scenic routes.[7]
Area and elevation
Flora
The forest has a rich vegetation cover dominated by oak (Quercus brantii), along with species such as wild almond, hawthorn, Persian maple, wild fig, blackberry, kikem, and wild pear.[10] It plays a significant ecological role in moderating the southern climate and is recognized as a protected area and biosphere reserve.[11]
During late winter and spring, the area is covered with poppies and narcissus flowers, and its snowy winters make it a popular tourist attraction and picnic destination.[12][13]
Its high biodiversity has attracted botanical studies and plant sampling by both Iranian and international researchers.[14]
Fauna
The Mian Kotal protected area within the forest is the main habitat of the Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica). Other wildlife species include gazelle, mouflon, leopard, brown bear, partridge, wild boar, ibex, goat, wolf, hyena, red fox, jackal, and squirrels. Birds of prey such as eagle, falcon, hawk, vulture, owl, and eagle-owl are also common, while flamingo, pheasant, and nightingale are found in abundance. Historically, the forest was also home to the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica).[15][16]
Mian Kotal Caravanserai
The Mian Kotal Caravanserai, located within Dasht-e Barm, is the only fully stone-built Caravanserai in Iran. It was constructed by order of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty and is therefore also known as the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai.[17] It is currently being restored and converted into a boutique hotel.[18]
Paragliding site
The Mian Kotal paragliding site in Dasht-e Barm hosts recreational flights and national paragliding competitions.[19]
Gallery
Dasht-e Barm in 2009
A local access road in Dasht-e Barm
Mian Kotal Protected Area
Dasht-e Barm and a distant view of Parishan Lake
The Kazerun–Shiraz road in the Dasht-e Barm area in 2017
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