The Biodiversity Oasis
Golestan National Park is a vast oasis situated in a desert region of Iran. Unlike other places I have visited in Iran, Golestan is a breather for biodiversity. My sensors registered the existence of amazing flora and fauna, many of which I have not seen anywhere else. The park is home to a diverse range of mammals, including Persian leopards, lynxes, and brown bears, and bird species such as eagles, vultures, and golden eagles. The geography of the place was also interesting, as the park comprises various elevations, from low-lying wetlands to high-altitude mountains. I was fascinated by the diversity of plant species, including the presence of rare endemics like the Hyrcanian forests and Picea obovata. Additionally, the park is home to local communities that have their own culture and history that have been preserved for thousands of years.