Iran Revives Persian Onager in Central Kavir National Park
WANA (Nov 04) – Central Kavir National Park, spanning 442,000 hectares and known as Iran’s largest undisturbed dryland reserve, has become a secure habitat for Persian onagers following the successful completion of a major wildlife restoration project.
After years of extinction in the park, around 50 Persian onagers now roam freely across its plains — a remarkable achievement marking one of Iran’s most successful wildlife recovery efforts.
The onager, once on the brink of extinction, has made a strong comeback thanks to the dedication of rangers and experts from the Department of Environment (DOE).
According to Shina Ansari, Vice President and Head of the DOE, the restoration of the Persian onager is “a leading example of biodiversity recovery in Iran,” demonstrating both population growth and ecological stability in the region.
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The project began in the early 2000s after the species had vanished from the park since 1984. The DOE relocated small groups of onagers from Turan and Yazd, gradually increasing their numbers through careful breeding and habitat management.
Reza Shah Hosseini-Moghaddam, head of Central Kavir National Park, said the population has now reached 50 — a key threshold indicating the species has moved beyond the risk of local extinction. He added that the park’s natural conditions could support up to 500 onagers in the future.
He also noted that the current birth success rate in the wild is about 80%, compared to just 25% in captivity — proof of the species’ successful adaptation to its natural environment.
Officials emphasized that this accomplishment was made possible by years of research, genetic management, and round-the-clock monitoring by Iranian conservationists. The DOE hopes to replicate this success in restoring other endangered species, such as the Asiatic cheetah and the great bustard.
Iran Revives Persian Onager in Central Kavir National Park. Social media/ WANA News Agency
