In Garmsar Desert National Park, located in the Semnan province, the recent births of Persian zebras signal hope for the survival of this endangered species. The population, which currently stands at 36, is expected to grow to over 50 in the near future.
This success is crucial for preserving the Persian zebra, a subspecies of the onager that has been critically endangered and is nearing extinction.
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The Persian zebra was once widespread across West Asia, Central Asia, and China. However, it is now extinct in most of these regions, with only small populations remaining in specific areas like Garmsar Desert National Park. The breeding season for zebras starts in the middle of spring, and the timing of these births is essential for the survival of the species in this habitat.
According to Bahram-Ali Zahiri, an official with this country's Department of Environment, the recent births of zebra foals in the park are a key development for the species. Currently, out of the 36 zebras in the park, 11 are immature, and the rest are mature zebras. At around three years of age, zebras reach reproductive maturity. As these young zebras grow, the population will have the potential to stabilize, with the hope of reaching a number of over 50 zebras in the park.
One of the main concerns with breeding endangered species is genetic diversity. To ensure a healthy and sustainable zebra population, it is important to avoid inbreeding, which can lead to genetic disorders. In 2023, to help address this issue, an mature male zebra was relocated from Turan National Park in Shahroud to Garmsar Desert National Park. This transfer is part of an ongoing effort to create greater genetic diversity within the population, and similar transfers are planned for the future.
The Persian zebra, once extinct in Garmsar Desert National Park for nearly 30 years, is now the subject of intense conservation efforts. The first stage of these efforts involved captive breeding, and the second stage focused on reintroducing the species into its natural habitat. Despite these efforts, the zebra population remains low, primarily due to their poor reproduction ability. One out of every three foals born survives, and male zebra foals face a higher risk of death, as male zebras are known to reject and sometimes hurt male offspring. Additionally, the zebra's long gestation period and lack of twin births further complicate their reproduction success.
In 2018, a group of 10 zebras was transferred from Turan National Park to Garmsar Desert National Park as part of a reintroduction program. Unfortunately, only five of those zebras survived. In subsequent years, more zebras were relocated to the park, and the population has begun to show signs of recovery.
This country is home to a rich biodiversity, with more than 8,000 species of plants, 2,000 vertebrates, and 25,000 invertebrates. However, many of these species, including the Persian zebra, face threats of extinction. Habitat destruction, human activities, and environmental challenges have placed immense pressure on wildlife populations across the country.
Conservation of wildlife is essential not only for the species themselves but for maintaining the balance of ecosystems that support all forms of life on Earth. Protecting endangered species like the Persian zebra helps preserve the intricate web of life that sustains both humans and animals. As efforts continue to save this majestic animal from extinction, the recent births in Garmsar Desert National Park provide a glimmer of hope for the future of the Persian zebra and other endangered species in this country.
