Iran moves to tighten protections around ‘Bat Cave’ in Ilam province

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization has called for strict conservation measures around the so-called “Bat Cave” in the western city of Ilam, saying the site ranks among the country’s most valuable natural habitats. The organization’s Director General for Habitat Management and Conservation, Vahid Hayirabadi, inspected the cave along with nearby hot springs and natural tar deposits during a visit to Dehloran county. Hayirabadi said the cave stands out nationally for the density and species diversity of its bat population. Field surveys of its fauna and flora, he said, make it necessary to formally place the area under “first-class protection” status, a designation that imposes sharp restrictions on human activity around the cave. The official said conservation conditions would be pursued alongside the promotion of nature-based exploration tourism. Authorities are also preparing an investment prospectus for the development of the Dehloran hot springs area; once technical assessments are complete, the prospectus will be opened to investors through a general tender.