War and economic crisis complicate efforts to protect Iran’s rich but endangered wildlife
Conservation groups say airstrikes and a currency crash are worsening habitat damage and illegal falcon trade as at least 86 species face extinction.
- Following the start of the war, veterinarian Reza Kiamarzi trekked into mountains near Isfahan earlier this year to assess whether explosions and noise affected endangered Saker and Shaheen falcon breeding seasons.
- Wildlife expert Jamshid Parchizadeh warns that airstrikes targeting military sites cause "habitat degradation," including water and land pollution; Iran's water-scarce climate already faced pressure from a population exceeding 93 million.
- Smugglers exploit Iran's crashing currency to illicitly trade prized falcons, while reports suggest an oil slick reached Shidvar, a critical breeding island for turtles and "tens of thousands of birds."
- At least 86 animal species, including the Asiatic cheetah and Persian leopard, remain at risk of extinction in Iran. Conservation groups like AvayeBoom, based in Isfahan, struggle to maintain their mission.
- Historically, Iranian culture maintained deep connections with wildlife through traditional motifs like the Persian lion, unseen in over 70 years. Four years ago, AvayeBoom began campaigns to rebuild public links to nature.
19 Articles
19 Articles
War and economic crisis frustrate efforts to protect Iran’s rich but endangered wildlife
A few days after the US and Israel launched a war on Iran, Reza Kiamarzi decided to trek into the mountains outside his home city of Isfahan in southern Iran. A veterinarian and researcher on birds of prey, his mission was to find nests of endangered falcons high up in the cliffs.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaWar and economic crisis complicate efforts to protect Iran's endangered wildlife
War and economic crises are severely impacting Iran's endangered wildlife populations. Conservationists face immense challenges preserving biodiversity amid ongoing environmental threats. Smuggling and habitat degradation further endanger species like falcons and cheetahs. International sanctions restrict funding for vital conservation organizations in Iran. Despite these obstacles, conservation groups continue their work to protect nature.
Associated Press News
War and economic crisis complicate efforts to protect Iran’s rich but endangered wildlife
War and a deepening economic crisis have created new challenges for conservationists trying to preserve Iran’s rich but endangered wildlife.
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