Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests are the latest site that its registration in the UNESCO world heritage list is at 2019. They are one of the most valuable forest in the world that is the second natural site of Iran in UNESCO.

There are some other names for these forests. For example, Live Fossils, Natural museum, The Oldest forest of the world in Iran. Also, A reminder of the first period of forest on earth and A Survivor of the Third Age of Geology and The Ice Age are other names.

The location of these forests is in the south of the Caspian Sea. They are sharing between the countries of Iran and Azerbaijan. These multi-million-year-old forests spread across five provinces of Iran. They spread from Astara in north of Gilan province to Golidagh in the east of Golestan province. Just a small part of these forests are in Azerbaijan country.

About the history

Hyrcanian Forests dates back to many years and some even consider their life as dinosaurs. At present, the Hyrcanian Forests have 296 bird species and 98 mammal species. Also, it contains 150 native tree and shrub plants, such as Bush and Evergreen. Among the most important attractions in the heart of these forests, some are more attractive. For instance, Golestan national park, Abr forest in Shahrood, Jahan Nama Protected Area and Bula Protected Area. This area is now one of the ecological zones with Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests name. To clarify, it is one of 200 ecological zones in the world.

These live fossil forests in Iran have three climatic layer. Its summers are dry. It is humid in autumn and mild in winter. The weather conditions in the Hyrcanian area is very favorable. So that, they were able to survive in the north of Iran for millions of years. They are the shelter of many animals.