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Caves are important in terms of biodiversity, historical and archaeological studies of ancient climate, paleontology ecotourism and sport. The number of caves in Iran reach to 3000 which some of them have global reputation ; for example, , Ali Sard Cave (in Hamedan Province) is a very long caves with many tourist attractions and Paroa cave in Kermanshah Province with 26 vertical wells .
There are some endemic species of cave-dwelling animals in Iran; including a kind of blind fish and salamanders.There are also 51 species of bats, tow species of bears, leopard and several species of insects.
In many countries there are institutions responsible for policy making, monitoring and protection of caves. In Iran this duty is upon Speleology National Working Group which is composed of representatives of relevant institutions and non-governmental organizations. Its secretariat is based at the Department of Natural Environment and Biodiversity. |
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