Iran Reports 27 Asiatic Cheetahs in Latest Count

The Asiatic cheetah population in northeastern Iran now stands at least 27 individuals, according to Bagher Nezami, head of the Asiatic Cheetah Conservation Project. Nezami stated the updated count on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting in early January. Officials previously recorded 17 cheetahs in protected areas. The new total includes 21 adults and six cubs.

Five of the identified cheetahs live in breeding sites and six remain in captivity. The subspecies differs genetically from African cheetahs, with a smaller head and shorter legs. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Asiatic cheetah as critically endangered. The animal is considered a national symbol in Iran.

Airstrikes have focused on western Iran, leaving the northern and southern Khorasan provinces where cheetahs live largely unaffected by direct strikes. Indirect effects of the conflict that began February 28 now threaten conservation programs. Several new individuals were recorded in the Khorasan provinces before the conflict started.

The subspecies survives only in arid regions of northeastern Iran.