The natural landscape and environmental features of Shadegan wetland

Wetlands are one of the most fertile and productive ecosystems on earth and are valuable centers for biodiversity and human livelihood, as they are considered biological supermarkets. Also, according to some characteristics, they are considered one of the most important wildlife habitats in any country. In general, today, these valuable systems are under extreme pressure due to human activities, increasing urbanization and industrialization, intensification of agriculture and unwise tourism, and excessive exploitation, reducing their hydrological, economic, and environmental performance. Shadegan wetland is one of the largest wetlands in the country, with exclusive features in terms of water quality diversity. This wetland includes all three types of freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater wetlands in the country, with diverse plant habitats and a diverse range of waterfowl and water-dependent animals in its territory, and offers various services to the surrounding human communities. Therefore, in this article, the natural landscape and environmental characteristics of this valuable wetland in terms of climate, hydrology, topography, vegetation, wildlife, human dependence on services of Shadegan wetland, problems and threats, measures, and the solutions are examined and explained in detail.