Miandasht Wildlife Refuge

Miandasht Wildlife Refuge in North Khorasan Province is one of the most valuable protected areas in Iran, covering 84,435 hectares. With its diverse geological features, ranging from vast plains to low mountains and rolling hills, the area provides a suitable habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Miandasht has been protected since 1973 (1352 in the Solar Hijri calendar). At that time, with about 3,500 Persian gazelles (goitered gazelles) and a number of cheetahs, it was considered one of the foremost habitats of both species.

In terms of biodiversity, Miandasht is regarded as one of the richest steppe regions in Iran. Although it lies in an arid and semi-arid climate, the seasonal Kal-e Shur River flowing through the area means that water shortages are not particularly severe. The refuge's vegetation consists mainly of plants resistant to drought and salinity, such as tamarisk, camelthorn and milkvetch (astragalus). These plants not only help maintain the balance of the ecosystem but also serve as shelter and a food source for wildlife. Miandasht Wildlife Refuge is known in particular as a habitat for endangered species such as the Asiatic cheetah and the gazelle. In recent years, thanks to protective management and environmental measures, the populations of these species in the area have increased.

Even so, visiting this area requires written permission from the North Khorasan Department of Environment. The best time to visit Miandasht Refuge is spring and autumn, when weather conditions are more favourable for tourism in the area.