Aq Dagh Protected Area

Aq Dagh Protected Area, is located in the southeast of Khalkhal County. It covers about 64,000 hectares of the Aq Dagh mountain range. Elevation in the area ranges from 600 meters on the bank of the Qezel Ozan River to 3,322 meters at the summit of Aq Dagh, so the area enjoys three types of climate: warm, temperate and cold. In 1378 (Solar Hijri, 1999) the area was approved as the Aq Dagh No-Hunting Area.

In general, climate, topography and soil play a fundamental role in the formation of dense and diverse plant species. Three types of rangeland can be found in this region: summer pastures, winter pastures and forest. The plant species of Aq Dagh include tree and shrub species such as shirkhesht (manna ash), qareh aghaj, qareh mikh, qareh tikan, chali, chaklanqush, wild plum, juniper, jujube, medlar, chobteneh, willow, dushan almasi, tamarisk, qeych, pear and others. Rangeland species include chajam, clover, poppy, pashmaki grass, yemlak, wild mountain garlic, shirsag, borage, yellow onion, various kinds of alfalfa, sheep's fescue, thyme, various kinds of milkvetch and more.

The many natural features create a favorable diversity of wildlife and habitats. In this area you can find a variety of animal species such as leopard, wild goat and ibex, wild sheep, Persian goitered gazelle, various kinds of marten, otter, caracal, porcupine, wolf, fox, weasel, wild boar, jackal, jungle cat, hare, bear, golden eagle, forest eagle, sparrowhawk, vulture, black kite, saker falcon, lil, kestrel, owl, green bee-eater, bee-eater, woodpecker, hoopoe, various kinds of swallows, various kinds of larks, martin, quail, chukar partridge, various kinds of crows, various kinds of snakes, lizards and tortoises, in particular the spur-thighed tortoise.

The Aq Dagh peak, with an elevation of more than 3,200 meters, lies in this area and is considered the second-highest peak in Ardabil Province after Sabalan. Various caves can be seen in the Aq Dagh highlands, drawing many visitors. In addition, numerous springs gush from the heart of this beautiful mountain, feeding many streams. This makes the surroundings of the mountain lush and green and adds to the beauty of the area. One of the springs on Aq Dagh is located at an elevation of 2,000 meters and is very popular among local people.