Key facts
- A war in Iran has coincided with the breeding season for endangered falcons, impacting their habitats.
- Conservationists are concerned about habitat degradation and pollution from airstrikes on military facilities.
- Smuggling of prized hunting birds, driven by Iran's economic crisis, has historically depleted falcon populations.
- Access to critical wildlife sites on Persian Gulf islands has been severely restricted due to ongoing conflict.
- An oil slick has been reported near a vital breeding ground for turtles and birds on Shidvar island.
A recent war in Iran, coupled with a deepening economic crisis and long-standing environmental challenges, is severely complicating efforts to protect the country's diverse and endangered wildlife. Conservationists are struggling to safeguard species like the Saker and red-naped Shaheen falcons, whose breeding seasons have been disrupted by conflict. Veterinarian Reza Kiamarzi noted that some nests were located near military bases that were struck during the war, raising concerns about the impact of explosions and noise on egg-laying and chick-rearing.
Beyond the immediate effects of the war, Iran's wildlife faces threats from smuggling, exacerbated by the nation's crashing currency. Prized hunting birds are illegally traded to clients in Arab Gulf states for foreign currency. Ironically, military zones, previously considered secure from poachers, have now been directly affected by the conflict.
Wildlife expert Jamshid Parchizadeh fears that airstrikes targeting military facilities in desert and mountain areas have degraded critical habitats for endangered species such as Asiatic cheetahs, Persian leopards, and brown bears. He warned that such strikes can cause habitat destruction, water and soil pollution, and disturb animals, causing them to abandon their territories.
Iran's fragile, water-scarce climate, combined with a growing population and decades of mismanagement and drought, already put immense pressure on its biodiversity. The war has further restricted access to vital wildlife sites on Persian Gulf islands, some of which are crucial for biodiversity and located near key oil and energy industries. Reports indicate an oil slick may have reached Shidvar island, a significant breeding site for turtles and birds.
Despite these challenges, Iran has a history of conservation, establishing an environmental protection agency early on. However, restrictions in protected areas have sometimes led to tensions with local communities. Conservation groups like AvayeBoom are working to maintain public connection with wildlife, but face uncertainty about their future operations.