TEHRAN – A Persian yellow deer was born on Sunday in the Arsanjan breeding site, southern Fars province, the first of this species born since the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (March 19).

This 300-hectare site was launched in the Iranian calendar year 1390 (March 2011-March 2012) with seven yellow deer, Rokna news agency quoted Hassan Ebrahimi, an official with the Department of Environment as saying.

The number of yellow deer has now reached 118, including live-caught deer and those transferred to neighboring provinces, 95 yellow deer were identified in the region, showing an increase of 30 percent year on year, IRNA reported.

Creating a safe and comfortable breeding environment is a key factor for boosting the deer population in the center, Ebrahimi said.

“The center is known as one of the successful breeding sites in the country,” he added.

According to Ebrahimi, ongoing monitoring of the region, providing security, ensuring timely feeding, and implementing optimal management practices are the most important indicators for the successful growth of this valuable species in this part of the country.

The 30 percent increase in the growth of this valuable species last year indicates that all the biological conditions have been met, and some 25 new deer calves are expected to be added to the current population this year.

Endangered species

There are many threats to endangered wildlife species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds.

Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and modification caused by human-led activities such as industrial and residential development, logging, crop farming, livestock grazing, mining, road and dam building, and pesticide use have taken an extreme toll on threatened and endangered wildlife populations at an alarming rate.

Currently, about 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 this area.

Persian zebra, Asiatic cheetah, black bear, and yellow deer are in danger of extinction.

Zebras exist in two habitats in Iran; one is in the Turan protected area in the south of Semnan province, where there are about 250 zebras, and the other is in the Bahramgur protected area in the southeast of Fars province, where 1,200 zebras are kept.

The Persian zebra population is estimated to be around 1,500, although the zebra is considered an endangered species according to both national and international regulations.

Asiatic cheetah ranks second among Iran's endangered species. Including the cheetahs that have probably not been identified, the population of this species in Iran is estimated to be below 30.

Persian yellow deer is also one of the most important species in the world. According to the list provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these deer are in the EN category and the red list, which is considered to be in danger of extinction.

The deer have been released in a limited number of habitats in "Ashk" Island, West Azarbaijan province, and "Dez" National Park, Khuzestan province.

They are also kept in reproduction and breeding centers in Ilam, Yazd, Fars, West Azarbaijan, and Mazandaran provinces.

Asian black bear, which is known as the Baluchi black bear, is another endangered species in the country. It lives mainly in forest areas, especially in mountainous areas at altitudes of 500 to 2,700 meters, and is found in Kerman, Hormozgan, and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces in very low quantities.

Paying attention to the biodiversity and wildlife inside the country will not work alone, and it is important to use international capacities to manage the current critical situation and prevent the extinction of endangered species.

MT/MG