Tehran – With four foals born in Kabir National Park, the number of Persian zebras has reached eight this year, improving habitat status and demonstrating effective conservation and management of endangered animal animals.
The current population of Persian zebras is estimated at 50, Isna reports.
Conservation efforts include field programs that promote environmental sustainability, such as strengthening natural infrastructure and monitoring water resources.
The Persian zebra is a subspecies of Onagur and is at risk of extinction. Onagers once had a large population in West Asia, Central Asia and China, but are now extinct in most regions.
Known as Little Africa, Kabir National Park is a natural showcase of rare desert and desert plants and wildlife species.
In Iran’s 1397 (2018-2019), nine zebras were first moved from Turan National Park in Sharud in Semnan Province to Kabir National Park. Four years later, another 10 zebras were transported to the same national park, and the number of zebras began to gradually increase.
The low zebra population is due to several reasons. They are not fertile enough, and one in three of this species survives.
The survival chance of male zebra foals is low as male zebras do not accept and kill them, causing a decrease in the zebra population.
Long gestation periods and lack of twin pregnancy are other effective factors in Iran’s zebra-low population.
Preservation of endangered species
President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order mandating the Ministry of the Environment (DOE) to develop a strategic plan to preserve endangered species in the country.
According to the latest report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 154 Iranian vertebrates are extremely at risk of extinction.
“The country needs a comprehensive and operational plan in the environmental sector covering a variety of environmental sectors. It should include goals, assumptions, operational measures, financial resources and results,” the IRNA quoted as saying by the president.
Iran is a rich country in terms of biodiversity, with around 37,500 species and over 8,000 plant species. Additionally, it is home to 579 bird species, 214 mammal species, 284 reptile species, 23 amphibian species, 309 freshwater fish species, and 763 marine fish species from the Persian Gulf, Oman Sea and Caspian Sea.
In addition, approximately 35,283 invertebrates have been identified in the country, of which more than 32,600 are arthropods. Over 94% of the country’s animal species diversity belongs to invertebrates, with less than 6% for vertebrates. At least 26,800 species of insects account for more than 70% of the country’s total species.
Asian cheetahs and ostricis are one of the species that has lost their natural population to under the age of 25, but are at risk of extinction. Furthermore, there are five species of Caspian sturgeons, which are unique in the world, disappearing from the waters of Caspia.
Extinction of species is a natural phenomenon, but the rate at which they disappear is a concern, according to experts. Unfortunately, the current rate of extinction is accelerating in the present era due to human activity. It will have serious consequences for ecosystems and planetary well-being.
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