TEHRAN -- Iran stands as a 
biodiversity hotspot, boasting an impressive array of 37,500 animal species and more than 8,000 plant species. The country is home to 579 bird species, 214 mammals, 309 marine fish species, and a wealth of invertebrates, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
In fact, invertebrates make up more than 94% of Iran’s animal species, yet they often fly under the radar in conservation discussions. While Iran’s fauna is diverse and abundant, the country also faces significant challenges in preserving these species, including critically endangered ones like the Persian zebra.
Hope is on the horizon for the Persian onager, thanks to recent strides made in the Kavir National Park. The birth of four foals has brought the total zebra population in the park to eight this year, a sign that ongoing conservation efforts are beginning to show results.
The Persian onager has faced drastic population declines over the years, but with continued efforts, there’s a possibility for recovery. Once common across large swaths of West Asia, Central Asia, and China, the Persian onager’s population has dropped to an estimated 50 individuals. This underscores the urgency of conservation measures aimed at safeguarding this iconic species.
In recent years, targeted conservation actions have led to significant progress. In 2018, a bold move saw nine zebras relocated from the Turan National Park in Shahrud, marking the beginning of a long-term plan to rebuild the population in Kavir. Then, in 2022, another 10 onagers were brought in, further strengthening the efforts to re-establish a stable zebra population in the park.
However, challenges remain. Reproduction for Persian onagers is slow, with survival rates for foals remaining low — only about one in three foals make it past infancy. The survival of male foals is particularly precarious, as adult males often reject them. Additionally, the species’ long gestation period further complicates breeding efforts, making each birth a significant event.
Recognizing the need for a more structured and comprehensive approach, President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed the Department of Environment (DOE) to create a detailed preservation plan for endangered species in Iran. This strategy will address a variety of environmental factors, from habitat restoration to sustainable management, with a particular focus on the Persian zebra.
This directive comes at a time when the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reported that 154 vertebrate species in Iran are critically endangered. With the support of both local and international partners, Iran is taking a step toward securing the future of its vulnerable species.
While the news from the Kavir National Park is encouraging, the path forward for the Persian onager remains fraught with challenges. Despite the successes, the species still faces the grim reality of low reproductive rates and high infant mortality. The survival of the foals born this year will be a crucial factor in determining whether the recent population growth can be sustained.
Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable. With continued conservation work, a combination of habitat enhancement, relocation efforts, and strategic planning could ensure that future generations of Persian zebras thrive.