The Boroueeyeh Wildlife Refuge (پناهگاه حیات وحش برویئیه) is one of Central Iran’s most ecologically significant protected areas. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 2002, this 78,513-hectare expanse was primarily designated to safeguard the populations of goitered gazelle, wild goat, and wild sheep.

Located in the heart of Yazd Province, Boroueeyeh offers a dramatic landscape where mountainous peaks meet rolling plains, creating a vital corridor for Iran’s rare desert and mountain fauna.

Geography and Climate

Boroueeyeh is defined by its diverse topography, with altitudes ranging from 1,590 to 2,860 meters. This elevation creates a temperate semi-arid climate, offering a cooler sanctuary compared to the surrounding desert flats.

• Mean Annual Temperature: 15.5°C

• Mean Annual Precipitation: 200 mm

• Landscape: Characterized by cliffy mountains, vast plains, and numerous natural springs that sustain the region’s life year-round.

Flora: The Green Heart of the Desert

The refuge boasts vigorous rangeland vegetation. The botanical diversity is a mix of medicinal herbs and hardy mountain trees, including:

• Trees & Shrubs: Turk terebinth pistachio, mountain almond, walnut trees, and astragal.

• Herbs & Flowers: Thyme, ziziphora, poppy mallow, wormseed, and acanthophyllum.

Fauna: A Sanctuary for Rare Wildlife

Boroueeyeh is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The intersection of different terrains allows for a high concentration of predatory and herbivorous species:

• Predators: Persian leopard, brown bear, wolf, hyena, caracal, and honey badger.

• Herbivores: Wild goat, wild sheep, goitered gazelle, jebeer gazelle, and wild boar.

• Avifauna (Birds): The refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to the Golden Eagle, Pleske’s Ground Jay (endemic to Iran), Houbara bustard, chukar partridge, and woodpeckers.

Tourism and Accessibility

Thanks to its beautiful landscapes, high biodiversity, and reliable access roads, Boroueeyeh has become a growing hub for nature tourism in Yazd. The presence of numerous natural springs makes it a refreshing destination for trekking and eco-tours.