Tehran: The number of Persian onagers, an endangered species known as the Persian wild ass or Persian zebra, has surpassed 50 at Kavir (Garmsar) National Park, according to a provincial official.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Saeed Yousefpour, Director-General of the Environmental Protection Department of Semnan Province, shared this positive development during a ceremony celebrating ‘National Ranger Day and Revival of Persian Onager.’ The event was attended by Shina Ansari, vice president and head of Iran’s Department of Environment.

Yousefpour attributed the revival of the Persian onager population to the dedicated efforts of environmentalists and the support provided by experts and managers. He emphasized that, despite the unique conditions of Semnan Province, including its extensive protected areas and critical biosphere reserves, the population growth of the Persian onager was largely due to the commitment and sacrifices made by rangers.

He noted that the Persian onager had been extinct in the Kavir National Park since 1984. However, through strategic planning and the transfer of individuals from Turan National Park, the population has now grown to over 50.

Yousefpour also highlighted the need for additional manpower and equipment for Semnan rangers, given the province’s specific climatic conditions and capacities. He paid tribute to the 154 martyrs in the field of nature protection and environmentalism, acknowledging their enduring legacy alongside their living colleagues.

The Persian zebra, once widespread across Iran’s central plains, faced a severe decline due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and water scarcity, bringing it to the brink of extinction.