List of Endangered Animals in Iran

WANA (Aug 25) – Iran is a country with high biodiversity, which, due to its mountains, forests, deserts, plains, and seas, serves as the habitat of numerous animal species. This land, from north to south and east to west, hosts many species, many of which hold global value.

However, human activities such as deforestation, excessive hunting, water shortages, and climate change have caused a large number of Iran’s animals to face a serious risk of extinction. Familiarity with these species and the reasons for the threats to their survival can be effective in raising public awareness and drawing attention to the necessity of environmental protection.

Endangered Animals of Iran

The list of endangered animals in Iran, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), includes:

Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus). Social media/ WANA News Agency

1. Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)

The Asiatic cheetah, also known as the Iranian cheetah, is the only surviving subspecies of cheetah in the Asian continent, and today it is found only in Iran. This animal mostly lives in the central plains and deserts of the country, such as Touran National Park (Semnan) and the Miandasht Wildlife Refuge.

The cheetah population has drastically declined, with fewer than 20 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Road accidents, prey scarcity, and hunting are among the main threats to this species.

2. Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana)

The Persian leopard is the largest leopard subspecies in the world. Its habitat is mostly in the Hyrcanian forests of the north, the Alborz mountain range, parts of the northeast (Khorasan), and the southeast of the country.

Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana). Social media/ WANA News Agency

This animal plays a vital role in the food chain, and its extinction would disrupt ecosystem balance. Poaching and habitat destruction are the main threats to the Persian leopard.

3. Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus)

The Asiatic black bear, also known as the “Baluchi bear,” is the only subspecies of black bear in Iran, inhabiting the mountainous regions of the southeast (Hormozgan, Kerman, and Sistan & Baluchestan provinces). This animal is nocturnal and feeds mainly on fruits, plants, and insects. Food shortages, habitat destruction, and hunting have put this species at risk.

Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus). Social media/ WANA News Agency

4. Iranian Short-Snouted Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) – Gando

The Gando is the only crocodile species in Iran, living in the rivers and ponds of Sistan & Baluchestan. Local people hold special respect for this animal and even have particular cultural beliefs about it. Recent droughts and water shortages are the most significant threats to the survival of the Gando.

5. Persian Fallow Deer (Dama dama mesopotamica)

The Persian fallow deer (scientific name: Dama dama mesopotamica) is a subspecies of fallow deer that was once on the brink of extinction, but through successful conservation efforts, it was saved from disappearance.

This species was first reintroduced on Ashk Island and, with an increase in population, some individuals were later transferred to their historical habitat in the Zagros region.

Crocodylus palustris. Social media/ WANA News Agency

According to the latest census by the Department of Environment in June 2024, the population of the Persian fallow deer was estimated at around 350 individuals, showing that this species is now on the path of moving beyond the danger of extinction.

Most Persian fallow deer are kept in large enclosed areas, including Dashte-Naz of Sari, Semeskandeh Wildlife Refuge in Sari, Ashk and Kaboudan Islands in Lake Urmia, Miyankotal in Dasht-e Arjan, and the Parishan Protected Area (Dasht-e Barm of Kazeroon) in Fars Province.

In addition, specimens of this species, as well as hybrids of Persian and European deer, are kept in some zoos and research centers in Iran and other countries.

Persian Fallow Deer (Dama dama mesopotamica). Social media/ WANA News Agency

6. Great Bustard

The Great Bustard belongs to the family Otididae, which includes three bird species: the Great Bustard, the Houbara Bustard, and the Little Bustard. Among these three, the Great Bustard has the most critical conservation status. According to the winter 2021 census, only 19 individuals of this bird remain, living in the “Sutav” Plain Wildlife Refuge.

One of the most significant threats to this species is the activity of agricultural machinery such as combine harvesters, which destroy the chicks before they are able to fly. In addition, the shift from dry farming to irrigated farming is also a major threat, since the Great Bustard breeds only in dry-farmed wheat fields, and irrigation of these fields leads to the destruction of eggs and chicks.

Bustard. Social media/ WANA News Agency

7. Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica)

The Caspian seal is the only marine mammal of the Caspian Sea and lives exclusively in this sea. Water pollution, depletion of fish stocks, and illegal hunting have caused a severe decline in its population. The Caspian seal is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.

8. Persian Onager

The Persian onager is another endangered species in Iran, mainly inhabiting the country’s desert regions. This species is found in two main habitats in Iran: first, the Touran Protected Area in the south of Semnan Province, which hosts about 250 Persian onagers; and second, the Bahram-e-Goor Protected Area in the southeast of Fars Province, with a population of over 1,200 individuals.

Pusa caspica. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Considering the species’ natural reproduction, it is estimated that its population has reached about 1,500 individuals in recent years.

The Persian onager is classified as an endangered species under both national and international laws, and protecting its habitats is of great importance for preserving the country’s biodiversity.

9. Felis manul

Felis manul is a small wild feline native to Central Asia and Iran, slightly larger than the domestic cat. It measures about 60 cm in length and weighs around 3.6 kg. Its fur is light gray or dark yellow with vertical stripes and is very dense; it has round eyes, a relatively large head, and short legs.

Persian Onager. Social media/ WANA News Agency

This cat lives in steppes at elevations up to 4,000 meters and mainly hunts rodents, hares, birds, and pikas at dawn and dusk. Its habitat overlaps with that of large rodents and the Afghan pika.

In Iran, the northeast of the country is its most important range, with scattered reports from the central Alborz and the northwest as well. Little information is available about its diet, reproduction, and social behavior. Its main threat in Iran is attacks by shepherd dogs.

Pallas cat (Felis manul). Social media/ WANA News Agency

Main causes of animal extinction in Iran

• Habitat destruction: conversion of forests into farmland and expansion of cities.
• Excessive and illegal hunting: for fur, meat, or illegal trade.
• Reduction of food resources: loss of prey and competition with domestic livestock.
• Drought and climate change: decreased rainfall and water scarcity.
• Road accidents: especially for species like the Asiatic cheetah.

Iran’s wildlife is a valuable treasure of rare and unique species. The Asiatic cheetah, Persian leopard, Baluchi black bear, Gando, Persian fallow deer, and many other animals of our country are at risk of extinction.

If no action is taken today to protect these species, tomorrow only their names may remain in books. Raising awareness, supporting conservation programs, observing hunting laws, and public participation can ensure a brighter future for Iran’s wildlife.