Summary: Currently the wildlife of our country is in an unfavorable condition, and it has even deteriorated considerably since 20 years ago and is getting worse day by day. Of course, it is so difficult to discuss the issue when we refer to a vast country such as Iran with a great variety of wildlife and climatic conditions without having accurate data on the wildlife population, and without having them and their habitat under constant view, considered to be two fundamental principals in wildlife administration.

The statistics taken in 1975-6 show that some 150,000 rams and antelopes existed in the nation's protected areas, while possibly a greater number inhabited the unprotected areas, considered to be our natural wealth, and a symbol of healthy ecosystems, denoting that favorable living conditions and an appropriate cycle of materials and energy were at work in the habitat. It is so unfortunate that currently in a large country like Iran only a limited number of them are observed, and it may be said that the total number of these two species inhabiting the protected and free areas have been diminished to less than a tenth since 25 years ago.

The following report are excerpts from an interview with Dr. Bahram Kiabi, a wildlife expert and ecologist in Iran.

Text: There are areas in Iran known as protected areas including national parks, conserved areas, or areas where hunting is prohibited. If we take a close look at their background, we will see that the majority of them have been chosen on account of the existence of numerous species of prominent and distinguished wildlife inhabiting in such areas. We may refer to national Golestan Park in northeastern Iran, Turan area in Semnan province, the summer resort area of Orumieh Lake and its islands, as well as many other areas known only for their significant species of wildlife, specially giant mammals who have a special status in our national culture and among our people. Therefore, currently three or four decades after the establishment of protected areas the issue of administrative planning, and international criteria have been brought up. But the appearance of such protection first originated on account of the presence of a number of giant and huntable beasts in these areas.

Administration of wildlife in Iran on ecological basis and from scientific point of view, which is now under consideration, is in its primary stages, and still several decades after the appearance of protected areas, and despite all the efforts made to protect such areas, considering that many gamekeepers and other hardworking staff have sacrificed their lives to this end, and though many experts have tried their best to organize the indicated areas despite the shortage of facilities, and suitable scientific communications, unfortunately we have witnessed a great lag and unfinished projects, which unavoidably affects the status of our nation's wildlife. The conversion of the application of lands, the pressure inserted by excessive grazing of cattle, and non fundamental exploitation of natural environment, specially in recent years when protected areas have equally been affected, has actually ended up in leaving such areas as islands surrounded by cultivated areas, villages, and cities, while the encircled ring is becoming narrower. Though many of such pressures have been unavoidable, a comprehensive nationwide administrative scheme would make it possible to protect the wildlife and to benefit from it properly.

Currently the wildlife of our country is in an unfavorable condition, and it has even deteriorated considerably since 20 years ago and is getting worse day by day. Of course, it is so difficult to discuss the issue when we refer to a vast country such as Iran with a great variety of wildlife and climatic conditions without having accurate data on the wildlife population, and without having them and their habitat under constant view, considered to be two fundamental principals in wildlife administration.

It should be noted that the shortage of facilities cannot always account for the severe decrease in the nation's wildlife population, yet more significant is the observation of the issue, which will bring up many questions; such as: "How does wildlife benefit us, and what is the use of spending money and energy in order to protect it?" By the way, how important is to protect wolves, leopards, and other carnivorous beasts? What is the role of wildlife in our life, and how much should be spent on it? However, beyond all the details, it should be said that despite all the posed questions, if the administrators of wildlife and natural resources believe that wildlife is an inseparable part of all ecosystems including that of desert, forests, mountains,.. etc., and if the wildlife is left at its natural habitat, we dare say that rarely ever such an issue known as wildlife will exist any more.

Bears, boars, as well as many other beasts inhabiting in forests and non-forest areas are considered the principal and inseparable parts of the ecosystems of those areas. To prove such a communication cycle requires long-term research, which has not yet been conducted as suited to a great country like Iran, and it has been limited to some sporadic and inconsistent research conducted on special beasts in various parts of the nation. The issue is needed to be examined multilaterally, accurately, and continuously; while general discussion will not lead to any favorable achievement.

The statistics taken in 1975-6 show that some 150,000 rams and antelopes existed in the nation's protected areas, while possibly a greater number inhabited the unprotected areas, considered to be our natural wealth, and a symbol of healthy ecosystems, denoting that favorable living conditions and an appropriate cycle of materials and energy were at work in the habitat. It is so unfortunate that currently in a large country like Iran only a limited number of them are observed, and it may be said that the total number of these two species inhabiting the protected and free areas have been diminished to less than a tenth since 25 years ago.

Unfortunately, today we observe that some valuable species, such as Asian panthers inhabiting Iran, as well as zebras, yellow elks, and many other beasts have gradually been omitted from the nation's wildlife prey, and have been included instead in the long lists of the Union of Nature's Conservation.

What has happened to Iran's wildlife through the recent half a century? Numerous reasons may account for it, including excessive hunting, and violations in issuing hunting permits according to traditional procedures, rather than by conducting scientific research. Iran's wildlife suffers greatly from the current disastrous situation.

Three species of elk exist in Iran. Bucks were in good condition before 60s, but are currently under protection. Wild goat has considerably decreased in number, and needs to be protected. Yellow elk, which is currently a protected beast, and similar to swine was once in abundance, has considerably diminished in number during the recent years. Various species of deer earlier lived over a vast area including Moghan plain, Turkmen Sahra, and parts of Zanjan province, Khuzestan province, the central desert, Kermanshah, Sistan and Baluchestan province, Khorasan province, and almost in every favorable habitat throughout the nation; while there is currently a considerable decrease in its number. Goats, rams, and sheep have a situation similar to deer. Among carnivorous animals, after having observed the extinction of lions and tigers, it is now tigers' turn. Before the 60s, they existed in a remarkable number in the summer resort area of Shahroud, and many semi-dry areas, and the central plains of the desert. While at present its quantity may not even reach 20, or might be just limited to five according to some experts.

Bears and leopards are still in fairly good condition for two reasons. Brown bears are found in many areas, but no estimation is available on their number. However, since they eat almost anything and are highly adjustable, they seem to live in considerable number in West, Lorestan, Central Alborz, and Khorasan province. Black bears have always existed in small numbers, and were limited to the southeastern corner of Iran, and their number is estimated to be limited to 50. Leopards the biggest felidae currently living in Iran, have somewhat adjusted themselves to the new environmental circumstances due to their high nutritional flexibility, which accounts mainly for their constant number. Of course, similar to antelopes, in most areas, due to considerable shortage in natural food, leopards have turned to domestic cattle, which accounts for their falling prey to hunters in recent years.

So far only large mammals have been mentioned, neither of which have a favorable and certain condition. We are actually faced with a wildlife inflicted by crisis, and looking forward to a prospect full of worries. A number of birds live next to the mentioned beasts, a great number of which may be observed in the nation's ponds in winter. Iran welcomes immigrant birds who spend winter in the nation's ponds. Therefore, protection of the ponds is quite significant, and losing them for any reason would mean losing the immigrant birds. Partridges might be the most distinguished birds being currently observed in almost 70-80 percent of the nation. They are among the limited birds who have been immune to hunting and the related violations, and no considerable damage is observed among them.

Not Everything Is Lost Yet

Getting rid of the current crisis, requires the multilateral mobilization of the wildlife forces and experts, to enable us to specify the exact policy of the wildlife with the cooperation of international organizations, in order to find a proper solution. In fact, the first and most important step to be taken to this end, is to identify the current situation. Many points should be clarified on the wildlife population who are in need of urgent aid, including their quantity, their age, and the location of their habitat.

Fortunately, everything is not yet lost, and it may still be possible to compensate. There is a general scientific belief, according to which if the number of the beasts inhabiting an area falls below a definite number which guarantees a healthy community, the indicated population will be genetically vulnerable. Meanwhile, intercourse among relatives, and increased congeniality will lead to a genetic fall in that community.

There may be a wildlife population of 100, 200, or 500 in an area. However, this is just the external aspect of it, while the internal side of wildlife is also important. The genetic or internal structure of any wildlife species indicates whether a good prospect is expected for it, or if it needs special care. Unfortunately, due to the insular effect of wildlife and their increased intercourse among relatives, their genetic situation has deteriorated beyond the crucial point. The measure which has to be taken at present, is to save the healthy wildlife communities, which have not yet reached the crucial point, as soon as possible; and to minimize their congeniality by transferring and maneuvering them genetically, so far as to assure that the community will live a durable life self-supportedly.

Having an administrative plan based on scientific research and assessment, is quite necessary and significant, and if the nation's natural resources and wealth are to be reserved for future generations as well, there is no other choice. We have not yet any proper knowledge on Iran's wildlife, and the exact number of the existing species and sub-species. When the number of birds is stated to be 500, and that of mammal to be 160, they are not definite. Other species may well exist. If proper administration, and principal exploitation of wild life are to be taken as reference, it should be fulfilled on the basis of sufficient knowledge on the existing species and sub-species.

Wildlife is a land's output, which proportionate to its potential and capability, and the fluctuations of its environment, is prone to application and exploitation; while if this simple and significant principal is neglected, the nation's wildlife will end up in disaster.

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