People, Environment
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Persian Fallow Deer Population Up 20%

Persian Fallow Deer Population Up 20%
Persian Fallow Deer Population Up 20%

The population of Persian fallow deer has increased by 20% in recent years, the director of the provincial Department of Environment said.

According to the latest census conducted by the Persian Fallow Deer Research Station in Fars Province, the endangered animal is thriving in Arzhan–Parishan Protected Zone, despite a long drought and climate change.

Hamzeh Valavi attributed the rise in deer population to better living conditions, proper nutrition with supplementary powders and fodder in winter and dry seasons, stricter protective measures and continuous supply of water, Donyaye Safar reported.

“Extensive studies have been done by DOE experts on diseases that afflict these animals to ensure proper care and treatment in case of an outbreak,” he said.

Also known as Mesopotamian fallow deer, the rare animal has been listed as an endangered species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List since 1986. Up until the 1940s, the animal was thought to be extinct.

Native to Iran, the Persian fallow deer can be found in Dasht-e-Naz Wildlife Refuge and Semeskandeh Wildlife Refuge in northern Iran; Ashk and Kaboudan Islands in Lake Urmia and in Fars Province’s Miankotal enclosure in Arzhan and Parishan Protected Zone.

Financialtribune.com