Shadegan Wetland

The Shadegan International Wetland is one of the largest wetlands in Iran. It lies in southwestern Iran, south of the city of Shadegan in Khuzestan Province. At the World Wetlands Conference held in Ramsar, it was decided that the three wetlands of Shadegan, Khor Musa and Khor al-Amaya would be recognized together under the name Shadegan Wetland.

The most important mammals of the Shadegan International Wetland include the wild boar (locally called khanzir), the jungle cat (locally called bozon), the jackal (locally called chalib almay), the wolf and the dolphin. To date, the wetland has been home to 152 bird species and 40 mammal species. Besides these animals, many fish live in the Shadegan Wetland near the village of Sarakhiyeh. Some of these fish come to the waters of Shadegan from the Bahmanshir, Jarrahi and Karun rivers to spawn.

The best time to visit the Shadegan Wetland is from Azar to Farvardin (roughly late November to April), so that you avoid the hot, humid weather of Ahvaz. In addition, if you visit the wetland in the cold season, you are more likely to see migratory birds. At this wetland you can enjoy boat rides, watch birds such as flamingos, pelicans and Indian green bee-eaters, and take in the remarkable, rich diversity of habitats. Tourist facilities around the Shadegan Wetland include parking, a mosque, a restaurant and essential amenities such as restrooms.