TEHRAN –The Department of Environment (DOE) has developed action plans for the conservation of 23 endangered species and the plans are being implemented in the country.

The plans intend to address species such as cheetah, brown bear, leopard, black bear, Persian yellow deer, Persian zebra, and hunting birds from among 86 endangered species.

Over the past few decades, different factors such as land use change, drought, agricultural development, climate change, and mining activities have led to the destruction of natural habitats and the reduction in the number of prey which with the passage of time has declined wildlife population and pushed some species to the brink of extinction.

According to the DOE’s latest report, 86 species in the country are in danger of dying out.

The Department of Environment is planning to create action plans for 20 more endangered species.

In May, Marzieh Mousavi, an official with the DOE, said that among endangered animal species, bustards and Asiatic cheetahs are in a more critical situation, there are roughly 19 species of bustards and 25 species of cheetahs identified in the country.

Of course, the DOE has taken measures to increase the population of these species, the official added.

Efforts are being made to increase their population through habitat protection and prey management in Turan, Miandasht, and its neighboring areas, she noted.

The DOE is trying to improve the role of the private sector and local communities in creating a more sustainable livelihood and increasing their protection so that if a cheetah steps out of the protected areas, it survives.

The official went on to elaborate on the main threats to the survival of species including habitat destruction and road accidents, drought, herd dogs, and invasive species.

MT/MG