In Tehran, the Department of Environment (DOE) is implementing a comprehensive set of measures—covering environmental protection, scientific, legal, and operational initiatives—to strengthen the protection of wildlife species and their habitats across the country. These actions are based on a strategic and targeted approach, where priorities are determined by data and the results of scientific research.
The DOE emphasizes a more scientific approach in developing and implementing conservation measures that are adapted to the unique needs of each species and habitat, according to Peyman Valizadeh, an DOE employee, citing IRNA.
Currently, plans have been prepared for the conservation of 25 endangered species, and another thirteen plans are under development. These plans establish a clear framework for species conservation by defining their status, main threats, conservation priorities, necessary actions, and evaluation indicators.
However, the DOE faces several challenges in implementing these measures at both national and provincial levels. One of the most serious problems is securing funding to execute the plans. Another issue is the development of specialized competencies for species conservation. The lack of trained, highly specialized personnel hinders the effective application of conservation action plans.
In this regard, the official representative stressed that training specialized personnel, developing expert capabilities in the provinces, and strengthening the headquarters' scientific and technical capacities are on the agenda.
Regarding measures taken to combat illegal wildlife trade, Valizadeh noted that to improve coordination among responsible agencies, the DOE has established a National Committee for Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade. This committee has already held three expert meetings. Furthermore, the development of a comprehensive plan to prevent and combat this trade is concluding, and a comprehensive program on this topic is being prepared.
To manage human-wildlife conflicts, efforts are focused on shifting from a reactive stance to identifying critical hotspots, understanding the causes of conflicts, and implementing preventive measures. The DOE has identified certain conflict hotspots for species such as leopards, black bears, and herbivores. Data collection on black bears is underway in the provinces of Hormozgan and Kermanshah.
Moreover, Valizadeh added that the DOE has signed agreements with the National Environmental Fund and the Agricultural Insurance Fund to support local communities and compensate them for losses.
He also emphasized that accurate information on species distribution, habitats, migration routes, and ecological corridors significantly enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
In this context, the DOE, in collaboration with Shiraz University, conducted research to create detailed distribution maps to determine migratory and dispersal corridors for herbivores and predators. These maps will serve as a management tool for habitat conservation, preventing and regulating human-wildlife conflicts, determining conservation priorities, and properly utilizing intelligent monitoring systems and conservation programs, thereby providing a more precise basis for conservation decision-making, according to Valizadeh.
The official representative continued that the DOE intends to ensure funding, train qualified human resources, and promote intersectoral cooperation to create an integrated system that utilizes scientific information, field data, local community potential, and executive body capabilities to develop and implement conservation plans for each species and habitat.
Iran is among the 20 countries in the world with a high level of biodiversity and is home to numerous plant and animal species. However, in recent years, certain actions have led to habitat destruction and pushed many species to the brink of extinction.
To date, over two million plant and animal species have been identified worldwide, of which Iran has 43,000. There are 11 types of ecosystems globally, including aquatic, terrestrial, natural, and artificial, and Iran possesses nine of them. Out of 42 types of wetlands worldwide, 41 types have been found in Iran.
According to the Department of Environment, approximately 2,000 animal species have been identified in the country's ecosystems, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fish, as well as about 1,200 fish species. Among these species are 210 mammal species, 640 bird species, 300 reptile species, 23 amphibian species, and 350 freshwater fish species.
Statistically, Iran can be considered a cradle of global genetic diversity. It is recognized as one of the countries with high biodiversity even in international classifications. Nevertheless, Iran's biodiversity, like that of the entire world, faces numerous challenges such as habitat destruction, overhunting, drought, and climate change.
Research indicates that 148 vertebrate species in the country are threatened with extinction, including critically endangered, endangered, and critically vulnerable species. In light of the current situation, there is a call for joint efforts to protect biodiversity, as the future of the Earth, the future of life, and the future of coming generations depend on today's decisions and actions.