Tehran – The conservation programme is trying to protect the great Otis Tarda, the country’s near-extinction.
To support the survival of birds and to strengthen their population, an action plan for species management and conservation has been developed and is currently being implemented by the Environmental Bureau of West Azarbaijan.
Measures adopted so far include continuous monitoring of bird habitat and population, managing landfills, moving far away from species habitats and controlling stray dog populations.
Purchase local farmers’ products in the area, minimise the chances of nest and chicken damage at the end of the breeding season, work with local people, raise local people, and farmers’ perceptions of chicken habitat are among effective measures of DOE for reviving birds.
In addition to maintaining the genetic diversity of the remaining population of the great Bastard, DOE aims to protect and increase chicken populations in their natural habitat by improving and restoring habitat quality and eliminating potential habitat threats.
However, the second phase of the conservation effort focuses on breeding birds in captivity. DOE will also work with international partners and experts to improve genetic diversity.
In 2023, DOE official Hassan Akbari said the great Bastard is the second most endangered species after the cheetah, as there are 20 remaining species.
Western Kordestan and the northwestern provinces of Western Azarbaijan are the main habitats of Iranian birds.
Endangered species
There are many threats to endangered wildlife species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds.
Habitat destruction, fragmentation and correction caused by human-driven activities such as industrial and housing development, logging, crop agriculture, livestock grazing, mines, roads, dam buildings, and pesticide use are threatened at an astonishing rate and at extreme cost to the population of at-risk wildlife.
Currently, around 128 species of animals and vertebrates in the country are at risk of extinction, some of which are not in good condition and amphibians are the most vulnerable in the region.
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