The Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran are ancient temperate woodlands that have survived for millions of years along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. These lush, mystical forests are biodiversity hotspots, home to rare species like the Persian leopard and Caspian red deer, with towering trees draped in moss and ferns. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, they represent one of the planet’s oldest forest ecosystems, offering a glimpse into a primeval landscape that predates the last ice age.​​​