Zagros Mountains, southeastern Iran Photograph by Edward Richards   Western Iran Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests   153,600 square miles (397,800 square kilometers) -- about twice the size of South Dakota Critical/Endangered

· Hyenas of the Highlands
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Hyenas of the Highlands

If you were to hike through the Zagros Mountains of western Iran, you might hear a group of hyenas bursting into laughter. But this is no joke—hyenas often make their famous laughing cry as a warning to others of their kind when strangers or enemies approach. Like other creatures that inhabit this rugged ecoregion, hyenas have effective strategies for protecting themselves.

Special Features

This mountain range parallels the Persian Gulf and consists of numerous parallel ridges, with the highest peaks exceeding 13,120 feet (4,000 m) and maintaining permanent snow cover. Oak species dominate the Zagros highlands, while pistachio and almond are common at lower elevations. Hackberry, walnut, and pear trees are scattered throughout this ecoregion as well. Many large rivers, including the Karun, Dez, and Kharkeh, originate here, draining into the Persian Gulf or the Caspian Sea. Scenic waterfalls, pools, and lakes add beauty to the mountainous landscape.

	The brown bear is protected by Iranian law. Muslims consider bear meat "haram," or forbidden food, and will not eat it. Nevertheless, its numbers are still declining because of illegal hunting and habitat conversion.

Wild Side

In remote areas, this ecoregion still supports populations of such mammals as wild goats, wild sheep, brown bears, and various wild cats including caracals, lynxes and leopards. Hyenas are among the most vocal species found here—and they will eat just about anything, dead or alive. Marsh frogs are another resident creature. They dine on cockroaches, water spiders, and other small arthropods. The rare Caspian snowcock, a pale bird with distinctive white markings, is a prized sight for bird watchers. This ground-nesting bird inhabits highland areas with steep rocky slopes that contain meadows and bushes. Overhead, you might be able to spot the wide wingspans of soaring golden and Bonelli's eagles.

Cause for Concern

Farming, the cutting of wood for fuel, and commercial logging have decimated the forests of this ecoregion. Patches of forest remain only in the most isolated highlands. A variety of medicinal, industrial, and edible plants found in the green pastures of the region are also overexploited.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.