Iran Launches Conservation Initiative to Protect Endangered Species Amidst Habitat Threats

Animals are part of a complex chain of ecosystems that, without even one of them, many other species will disappear further down the line.

Iran (IMNA) - "With the aid of non-profit organizations, the Department of Environment plans to safeguard threatened species by setting up conservation committees and encouraging cooperation with the public, rangers, experts, and government agencies," a DOE official named Hamid Zohrabi said.

Threatened Species

Numerous factors pose a hazard to vulnerable wildlife species, such as fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Wildlife populations that are in danger of extinction are losing ground to human-caused habitat destruction, fragmentation, and modification, including road and dam construction, agricultural and housing construction, logging, grazing of livestock, mining industries, and the application of pesticides.

Amphibians are the most vulnerable among the approximately 128 animal and vertebrate species that are currently in danger of going extinct in the nation, some of which are not in excellent health. There is a threat to the preservation of the yellow deer, black bear, Asiatic cheetah, and Persian zebra.

There are two natural environments in Iran where zebras may be found: the Turan conservation area, located in the southern part of Semnan province, is home to around 250 zebras, while the Bahramgur protected area, situated in the southeast of Fars province, is home to 1,200 zebras. About 1,500 Persian zebras have been estimated to be in Iran's nature despite the fact that both international and national laws classify zebras as endangered.

The Asiatic cheetah is the second most endangered animal in Iran. The population of this species in the country is thought to be less than thirty, not counting the cheetahs that are most likely yet unidentified. One of the most significant animals on the planet is the Persian golden deer. These deer fall under the EN category and the red list, which indicates that they are listed as potentially extinct, on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's list.

A restricted number of habitats at "Ashk" Island, West Azarbaijan province, and "Dez" National Park, Khuzestan province, have seen the release of deer. In the provinces of Ilam, Yazd, Fars, West Azarbaijan, and Mazandaran, they are also housed in breeding and reproduction facilities.

Another threatened species in the nation is the Asian black bear, sometimes referred to as the Baluchi black bear. It inhabits forests primarily, particularly those with mountains at elevations between 500 and 2,700 meters. It is extremely rare in the provinces of Kerman, Hormozgan, and Sistan-Baluchestan.

Plans of action for the conservation of species

For the purpose of conserving 23 endangered species, the DOE has created action plans, which are now being carried out nationwide. The proposals are designed to protect 86 endangered species, including hunting birds, Persian zebras, Persian golden deer, brown bears, black bears, and cheetahs.

The most recent data from the DOE states that 86 species in the country are in risk of going extinct. Action plans will be made for twenty additional endangered species by the Department of Environment

About 19 species of Bustards and 25 species of Cheetahs have been detected in Iran; Marzieh Mousavi, an official with the DOE, stated in May that among endangered animal species, bustards and Asiatic cheetahs are in a more dire position.

She said that in Turan, Miandasht, and its surrounding regions, efforts are being done to enhance their number through habitat conservation and prey management.

To ensure that the vulnerable animals remain alive if they ventures outside of protected areas, DOE is working to strengthen the role of local communities and the business sector in fostering a more sustainable way of life and enhancing their protection.

News ID 801752

Tags

Your Comment

You are replying to: .