Arasbaran Forest with 70000 hectares has been known by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Recently, about 9000 hectares of these dense forests have reformed from “protected area” to “national park” which is a good news. Arasbaran National Park, this precious treasure is located in Kalybar, East Azerbaijan, and also it is nominated for being the UNESCO world heritage site. Arasbaran National Park in Kaleybar is home to many species including trees such as wild pomegranate, apple, and pear, bushes such as raspberries, blackberries, and barberry. There are also various types of mushrooms, flowers, and plants. In addition, wild mammals like wild goats, Armenian ram, hog, black bears, wild cats, leopards, foxes, jackals, and wolves live in this forest. Visiting a small part of the forest is allowed, but other parts need permission. High mountains, various trees and animals with unique view astonish visitors of this region. Numerous hot springs spread all over the region and Motaalleq Hot spring is one of them which is one of the biggest of its kind. In 2007, Iran tried to place this protected area on the UNESCO list.
