Iran, a country in Western Asia, boasts remarkable geographical diversity, fostering a rich array of animal life. Its strategic location, bridging different biomes, creates a unique ecological tapestry. This blend of environments makes Iran a significant hub for biodiversity.
Iran’s Diverse Ecosystems
Iran’s varied topography creates distinct ecological zones, each supporting different forms of wildlife. Towering mountain ranges, like the Alborz and Zagros, feature diverse habitats from high alpine meadows to forested slopes. These mountainous regions provide refuge for various birds of prey, such as eagles and falcons, alongside larger mammals that adapt to cooler climates and rugged terrain.
Expansive central deserts, including the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, present arid and semi-arid conditions. These areas are home to specialized desert-adapted reptiles, small mammals, and some gazelle species. Iran also encompasses lush forests, particularly the ancient Caspian Hyrcanian forests in the north, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These forests harbor a variety of mammals and birds.
Significant wetlands are another prominent feature of Iran’s landscape, particularly in the southwest. These wetlands, some of the most important in Southwest Asia, attract numerous migratory birds for resting and feeding during their seasonal journeys. Freshwater fish and amphibians also inhabit these aquatic ecosystems.
Notable and Endangered Wildlife
Iran serves as a stronghold for several globally endangered species. The Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), considered the largest leopard subspecies, inhabits mountainous landscapes across Iran, particularly the Alborz and Kopetdag Ecoregions. An estimated 550 to 850 individuals reside in Iran, representing more than two-thirds of its global population. These leopards primarily prey on wild goats and urial sheep found on cliffs, though they also target wild boars and deer.
The Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) is critically endangered, with Iran being its sole remaining habitat. As of early 2025, only about 17 Asiatic cheetahs are estimated to remain in the wild, primarily in protected areas of eastern-central arid regions. These cheetahs hunt ungulates like wild goats and wild sheep in desert mountainous terrain. Threats include prey depletion, habitat degradation, and road accidents, which accounted for 52% of cheetah deaths in Iran.
The Iranian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), a subspecies of the gray wolf, thrives in Iran’s diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to arid plains. While classified as “Least Concern” globally, local populations face threats from habitat loss and conflicts with humans due to predation on livestock. These wolves weigh between 55 to 70 pounds and prey on gazelles, deer, wild boar, mountain sheep, and sometimes livestock.
The Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica) is the only marine mammal found exclusively in the Caspian Sea and is listed as endangered. Its population has declined significantly, by over 95% since 2015, dropping from an estimated one million to around 70,000. Climate change, which reduces the amount of floating ice needed for breeding in the northern Caspian Sea, along with pollution and fisheries bycatch, pose threats to this species.
The Persian Fallow Deer (Dama mesopotamica) was once considered extinct in the wild but has seen a rebound due to captive breeding programs. This deer, larger than European fallow deer, with males weighing up to 140 kg, is currently found in Iran and Israel. Its natural habitat includes dense forests, particularly those with tamarisk, oak, and pistachio trees. Despite conservation efforts, challenges like habitat insecurity and poaching continue to threaten its population, which was estimated at 270 individuals in Iran in 2022.
Protecting Iran’s Animal Heritage
Iran’s wildlife faces challenges such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching. Human-wildlife conflict, often arising from livestock predation by carnivores, also contributes to population declines. Pollution of coastal habitats and water resources from oil, industrial, and agricultural activities further threaten aquatic species.
In response, Iran has established various categories of nature reserves, including National Parks, Protected Areas, Wildlife Refuges, and National Nature Monuments. These protected areas, encompassing about 200 sites, aim to conserve the country’s biodiversity. For example, Golestan National Park, Iran’s first national park, protects ancient forests and their inhabitants like Persian leopards and wolves.
Conservation organizations, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, are actively working on initiatives to protect specific endangered species. The Iranian Cheetah Society, for instance, leads efforts to understand and conserve the Asiatic Cheetah. Projects also focus on community engagement, working with local herders and hunters to mitigate conflicts and reduce illegal activities like poaching and overgrazing. Sustainable tourism initiatives are also being explored to generate revenue for conservation projects.