Iran - Harra Protected Area

The reserve located in strait of Khuran, Persian Gulf; between Qeshm Island and the southern Iranian coasts. Much of reserve is taken up by Mehran delta which forms extensive Intertidal flats and has a marshy coastline and vast mangrove formation. There are numerous small islands, creeks and inlets. The climate is subtropical and summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching 4j0c, rainfall is low with an annual total of 100- 300 mm, mainly falling November to April. The reserve contains the stand of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) that named Harra in locally. This stand is largest one in all over the Persian Gulfcountries. This area is of major importance to breeding, wintering and migrant water birds. The main area of mangroves and mudflats with an area of 82,360 hectres was designated as a protected area in 1972. The entire area of mangroves, mudflats and creels was designated as Ramsar Site on 1975 as well as a biosphere reserve in 1976.