Current view: Text account
Site description (1994 baseline):
Site location and context
The mountain of Oshtrankuh (4,330 m) in the high central Zagros c.80 km south-west of Borujerd. Gaharl lake, of glacial origin, c.1.75 km long and 600 m wide, lies at 2,350 m in the central valley, with a dense stand of very old
Salix trees. Other habitats include some
Quercus forest and
Pistacia-
Amygdalus forest on the lower slopes, several fast-flowing perennial mountain streams, montane steppe, alpine meadows, rocky mountain slopes and high crags. Plants include
Daphne angustifolia,
Euphorbia species and
Circium congestum. Land ownership is public.
See box for key species. The breeding bird fauna is characteristic of the high Zagros and includes some woodland species typical of lower elevations. Other notable species include
Dendrocopos medius,
Melanocorypha bimaculata,
Hirundo rupestris,
Ficedula semitorquata,
Parus lugubris,
Pyrrhocorax graculus,
Montifringilla nivalis and
Emberiza buchanani.
Hippolais icterina was thought to have bred in 1974. At least 81 species have been recorded in the reserve.
Non-bird biodiversity: Mammals: Canis lupus (V), Ursus arctos (rare), Panthera pardus (rare), Capra hircus aegagrus (rare) and Ovis ammon (rare).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The whole site was designated a Protected Area in 1970. No threats are known.
Data-sheet compiled by Dr D. A. Scott, reviewed by Dept of Environment.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Oshtrankuh Protected Area (Iran, Islamic Republic of). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/oshtrankuh-protected-area-iba-iran-islamic-republic-of on 23/11/2024.
