Mangrove forests of Qeshm

Hara mangrove forests mangrove forests in southern Iran, especially in the vicinity of and on the island Qeschm in the Persian Gulf. The Avicennia marina dominated by the species ( with the local name Hara or Harra, حرا ) forest is an important ecological system that serves as a Biosphere Reserve and as such is protected. Commercial use of the Hara forests is reduced to the fish (mainly shrimp ), on tourist boat rides and the minor cutting down for the purpose of animal feed.

Features of the Hara- tree

The hellblättrige Avicennia marina ( Hara- tree ) usually grows to a height of three to seven meters. The salt water plant that sinks regularly in the flood, blooms in yellow flowers and bears from July to August a sweet almond- like fruit. The movement of the water the plant seeds are borne in quieter parts of the water, where they germinate. The area between the northern coast Qeschms and the adjacent south mainland coast is particularly good for this purpose. For this reason, there are also extensive mangrove forests here. The long, narrow, oval -shaped leaves of the tree are characterized by a high nutritional value for livestock, the barley or alfalfa practically equal to that.

A filter system in the Baumborke allows the plant to take up water and desalinate it at the same time.

Extent and importance of the forest

The Harawald on Qeschm and the opposite mainland covers an area of ​​20 square kilometers and is traversed by watercourses.

The area is an important habitat for migratory birds during the winter months, as well as for reptiles, several varieties of fish, arthropods and shells. Green sea turtles and sea snakes poisonous also inhabit these forests. At the domestic birds here include herons, flamingos, pelicans and eagles.