The camels are not alone. Thanks to its diverse landscapes and climates, Iran is home to a surprisingly rich biodiversity. From rare big cats such as the Asiatic cheetah to Persian leopards, lynx and wolves, to water buffalo, bears, crocodiles and a remarkable array of birdlife including eagles, falcons and flamingos. Stretching from forests and wetlands to mountains and deserts, these varied habitats support a wide range of species - many of them unique to the region. Iran remains the last natural stronghold of the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, with only a small number surviving in the wild today. A wild side worth discovering…