Iran (IMNA) - The director of environmental protection administration of Khur and Biabanak County said, "Thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, a rare Persian leopard has been spotted for the first time on a camera trap on the territory of Kalate Wildlife Protection Area."
Acknowledging the endeavors of environmentalists to record the first image of a Persian leopard in Khur and Biabanak, Hossein Sheibani noted, "Over the last several years, reports have been documented about the presence of a leopard in this area due to the pug mark trails and prey carcasses in this wildlife habitat; having photographed this endangered species, the presence of the Persian leopard in Kalate protected area where hunting is not permitted within the zone has been confirmed with the efforts of the environmentalists."
He continued, "Kalate No Hunting Zone with an area of more than 133,000 hectares is situated in the arid region of northeastern Khur and Biabanak. Undulating scenery of massive, towering sand dunes, pristine nature and remarkable biodiversity are the distinctive features of this region."
The director of environmental protection administration of Khur and Biabanak County pointed out, "Hunting and trapping are prohibited within the area as wild animals such as the Capra aegagrus, Ovis, Chinkara, and birds such as Partridge and Ptarmigan live there. "
Having short legs, a robust and stocky appearance, Persian leopard is the largest subspecies of leopard which is recognized as “endangered” on the IUCN red list of threatened species; however, spotting the Leopard in Klalate has brought messages of new hope. The main prey of Persian leopards includes mountain goats, bezoar, and wild pig (Sus scrofa).
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