Gahar Lake; a biological reserve in Oshterankuh (Lorestan province)

Gahar Lake with an area of 59111 square kilometers, is located in the southeast of Doroud and in the protected mountains of Oshterankuh in Lorestan Province with an altitude of 2350 meters above sea level. The lake is composed of two parts, a large area (Kale Gahar) and a small area (Kore Gahar). The annual rainfall of the region is about 933 mm, which is mostly in the form of snowfall. Snow plays the role of a natural reservoir in the Oshterankuh area and is important in supplying water to the lake. Being located between Oshterankuh Mountains and Protected areas has created rare environments for biodiversity. Accordingly, it is one of the hotspots of speciation and shelter of endemic plants in the country, which needs to be seriously considered and supported at the national level. Based on the results of this research, Gahar Lake Basin is facing serious threats, including the limitation of the lake’s capacity in the number of tourists, irresponsible tourism, picking the beautiful and endemic species of the region, the risk of lowering water level of the lake, and construction. Also, the lake is faced with garbage and waste from tourists. It is noteworthy that the natural resources and pristine environment of the region should not be sacrificed for the prosperity of tourism. The way that the authorities have pursued to promote tourism will only lead to the destruction of natural and biological reserves that have been handed down to us from generation to generation.