To the northwest of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province is one of the most beautiful national parks of Iran called Park-e-Bamou or Bamou Park.

Split into eastern and western parts by Shiraz-Isfahan Highway, the park is located 5 kilometers from Shiraz city. Along with the population explosion and expansion of Shiraz, this park began to shrink in size and was converted into a zoological park and then a national park in 1970, IRIB reported.

As one travels along the Zagros chain of mountains from the northwest to the southeast of the country, the altitude gradually becomes lower. As a result, temperatures rise while snow and rains decline remarkably. Yet we find a large variety of flora and fauna in this region.

Located on a high peak reaching 2,700 meters, Bamou Park is spread over 40,000 hectares and includes three mountain ranges extending parallel from the east to the west. On these mountains are narrow plains where deer, ibex, rams, and wild goats abound.

Flamingo, wild duck, pelican, vulture and tortoise also find it a suitable habitat. Studies have shown that there are 32 species of mammals, 91 species of birds, 19 species of reptiles and 3 species of amphibians in this region.

Among the bird species, 18 are protected while 6 are in danger of extinction. Spring begins before April in Bamou Park. One can see wide expanses of different flowers such as primrose, tulip and anemone.

So far, more than 300 species of plants have been classified in Bamou Park, most of which have herbaceous and medicinal values.

In addition to the afore-mentioned animals, the park hosts carnivores like leopard, wolf, hyena, lynx, jackal and fox. There are also birds of prey such as the golden eagle and the buzzard, as well as a variety of other birds like partridge, in the region.

Bamou Park is one of the few regions in Iran where one can see the fauna from near. Since this park is close to scientific institutes, it has become a suitable center for zoological and botanical researches. A lot of people come to the area on weekends to enjoy the serene beauty of the place with their families and friends.