WANA (Jun 13) – While public attention during periods of military conflict is typically focused on human casualties, environmental experts are warning that wildlife and natural ecosystems remain among the less visible victims of war.

 

Masoumeh Safaei, Deputy Director of the Wildlife Protection and Management Office at Iran’s Department of Environment, recently reported on the damage inflicted upon the nation’s wildlife during recent attacks.

 

Safaei revealed that at least 25 gazelles have perished on Kharg Island alone. She noted that this figure only accounts for deaths outside of restricted military zones, indicating that the actual death toll is likely much higher.

 

However, the impact of conflict on wildlife extends far beyond direct fatalities. Assessments conducted at animal care facilities and zoos demonstrate that the shock from explosions and intense noise pollution inflicts devastating physical and psychological trauma on animals.

 

The Lavizan Bird Garden in Tehran stands as a prominent example of this collateral damage. According to Safaei, during recent attacks and subsequent explosions near the facility, several birds panicked due to severe stress and the deafening noise.

 

Losing behavioral control, they collided with the walls of their enclosures, resulting in injuries and fatalities. While an exact casualty count for the facility has not yet been released, environmental officials emphasized that the conditions have placed immense psychological strain on the captive species.

 

Similar reports have emerged from a wildlife care center in Alborz Province, noting increased behavioral stress and a limited number of fatalities among certain species.

 

In natural habitats, though no official reports have registered widespread casualties among larger mammals—such as wild goats, wild sheep, or large carnivores—experts assert that a lack of reporting does not equate to an absence of damage. During crises, many animals flee to remote areas or seek refuge in inaccessible terrain, severely complicating accurate damage assessments.

 

Conversely, smaller species are bearing the brunt of the impact. Insects, rodents, reptiles, and burrowing animals living in topsoil or underground are highly vulnerable to blast waves and habitat destruction. Ground- and tree-nesting birds, alongside regional vegetation in affected areas, are also experiencing significant degradation.

 

Shiva Roustaei, an environmental researcher and expert, stated that the indirect consequences of war are often far more extensive than direct casualties. Intense explosions and noise pollution trigger an overproduction of stress hormones in animals, which can suppress immune systems, pave the way for disease, reduce reproductive rates, and ultimately lead to death.

 

Roustaei added that international studies show animals in conflict zones suffer from disrupted migration, feeding, and breeding patterns. Some species experience a rise in miscarriages, while others exhibit signs of severe aggression or depression.

 

Environmental experts emphasize that wildlife constitutes a vital component of national capital and biosecurity. Consequently, documenting ecological damage, monitoring species populations, and implementing habitat restoration initiatives must become integral components of post-crisis management.