Touran Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1976, in Iran (Islamic Republic of). The Touran Biosphere Reserve is located in the Anatolian Iranian deserts, and comprises a variety of salt, gypsum, stone and sandy habitats. It covers clay lowlands and mountains, reaching altitudes of more than 2,200 m above sea level. Communities in the area depend mostly on agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and carpet sewing. Major human impacts on the ecosystem arise from overgrazing, especially by camels, illegal hunting and fuelwood harvesting.