Endemic Animals of Iran: Unique Species and Their Habitats
Endemic animals of Iran are unique species that are found only in Iran and nowhere else in the world. The term “endemic” refers to animals (and plants) that live in a specific geographic area and are not found elsewhere. This range can be as small as an island or as large as a continent. Some of these animals, like the Persian lion, are completely extinct, and unfortunately, many others are at risk of extinction.
List of Endemic Animals of Iran
- Iranian Cheetah (Asiatic Cheetah)
- Persian Leopard
- Gando (Mugger Crocodile)
- Caspian Seal (Persian Seal)
- Caracal (Black-eared Fox)
- Persian Blanford’s Fox
- Persian Fallow Deer
- Desert Crow (Desert Raven)
- Iranian Horned Viper
- Luristan Newt
- Iranian Zebra (Persian Wild Ass)
- Lorestan Mouflon
- Iranian Squirrel
- Persian Vole
New species have also been discovered in recent years, and environmental experts believe that more endemic species may be found in the country. Stay with us as we explore the unique animals of Iran.
Iranian Cheetah (Asiatic Cheetah)
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus venaticus
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Iranian cheetah, part of the Asiatic cheetah family, was once found across parts of the Middle East and India. However, today, only a small population survives in the semi-desert regions of central Iran. Known as the national animal of Iran, conservation efforts for the Iranian cheetah began in 2011 due to the threat of extinction.
The primary habitat of this rare and endangered species is the hilly plateaus of Iran, particularly in desert areas such as the provinces of Kerman, Yazd, and Markazi. The name “Cheetah” (Yooz in Persian) means “to leap” or “to hunt,” reflecting the cheetah’s agile hunting style.
The Iranian cheetah is known as the fastest and most elegant land animal. Its distinctive spots cover its entire body, excluding the neck and belly, giving it the appearance that is often associated with the word “Cheetah.”
Its remarkable speed, reaching up to 110 km/h, is one of the key factors that make it prefer open, dry areas over densely forested regions, where its speed would be limited.
Persian Leopard
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Panthera pardus tulliana
- Conservation Status: Endangered
The Iranian leopard is the largest subspecies of leopard in the world and is considered one of the most cunning and powerful members of the cat family. Known as the “Mountain King,” it claims a specific territory in its habitat, never sharing it with another of its kind.
The Iranian leopard is also recognized as the national animal of Iran, with the Golestan National Park being one of its key habitats. However, this native predator can also be found in various parts of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges, extending to the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The “Persian Leopard,” a distinct subspecies, lives only in Iran and is unfortunately facing the threat of extinction, making it a valuable treasure of the country’s wildlife.
Gando (Mugger Crocodile)
- Class: Reptiles
- Scientific Name: Crocodylus palustris
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
The Gando, also known as the Mugger Crocodile, is the only native crocodile of Iran and the largest reptile in the country. It resides in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, particularly in areas like Dashtiari and Rask. This short-snouted crocodile is incredibly powerful, capable of subduing animals weighing over 400 kg with ease. Its body length ranges from three to five meters, with its tail making up half of its length. The Gando’s powerful tail strikes can easily crush the bones of other creatures.
The Gando is often referred to as the “first cunning predator” due to its unique hunting behavior. It places pieces of wood on its head to deceive birds building nests, trapping them with ease. Additionally, the short-snouted crocodile has a fascinating characteristic that endears it to the people of Sistan, despite the potential dangers.
Interesting Fact: The Gando helps prevent drought in its environment.
Gando crocodiles play a vital role in protecting the water levels in ponds and wetlands during the hot season, effectively preventing drought in their habitats. Local people believe that where the Gando is present, drought will be eradicated. To ensure this, they dig deep canals, up to 15 meters, beside rivers and water holes. These canals store water, prevent evaporation, and provide shelter for the crocodiles during the hottest hours of the day.
Caspian Seal (Iranian Seal)
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Pusa caspica
- Conservation Status: Endangered
The Caspian Seal, also known as the Iranian Seal, is one of the rare aquatic mammals in the world and the only mammal species in the Caspian Sea. It resides in the Caspian Sea and the rivers flowing into it. This seal is among the smallest species of seals globally and is often referred to as the “water dog” or “sea dog” by the coastal residents of northern Iran.
The seal’s body is adapted to life in water, with a membrane between its fingers, resembling a swimming fin. Its forelimbs help maintain balance, while its hind limbs aid in fast swimming. Due to its body structure, the seal is not well-suited to walking on land. These creatures spend most of their time in the water, coming ashore only for breeding and occasional resting.
The Caspian Seal is a crucial part of the Caspian Sea’s ecosystem. Even the seal’s droppings contribute to the food chain in the sea, and its potential extinction would pose a significant threat to the Caspian ecosystem. Furthermore, these seals help regulate the population of sick aquatic animals by consuming them, thus maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
Caspian Seals follow a strict annual migration pattern. They migrate to deeper and colder waters when the temperature rises, and they spend the spring, summer, and fall in Iranian waters. For breeding, they migrate to the icy regions of the northern Caspian Sea.
Caracal (Black-eared Cat)
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Caracal caracal
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The Caracal, also known as the black-eared cat, lynx, or Iranian wild cat, is one of the most beautiful wild cat species in the world. It primarily inhabits desert and semi-desert regions, particularly along the edges of the central Iranian desert. Its large, triangular black ears are the largest in the cat family, and with their exceptional hearing sensitivity, they significantly assist the caracal in locating prey. The caracal’s coat color and excellent camouflage abilities in the desert also contribute to its success in hunting.
Larger than domestic cats, the caracal has a long, cylindrical body and long legs, which allow it to make impressive jumps. These powerful leaps enable it to capture birds efficiently. Additionally, it can easily hunt larger animals by leaping onto their backs and using its strong jaws to bite and tear at their throats.
The caracal’s body is highly adapted to the dry, water-scarce desert environment. It meets its water needs by consuming fresh meat, unlike other carnivores that might rely on water or vegetation. Unfortunately, human-induced factors such as habitat destruction, reduced prey availability, and hunting for fur have pushed the caracal onto the endangered species list in Iran.
Persian Blanford’s Fox
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Vulpes cana
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Among the four fox species in Iran, the Blanford’s fox—also known as the Afghan fox or Persian Blanford’s fox—is considered the smallest, rarest, and most beautiful. This monogamous and elusive animal is native to eastern Iran. It is solitary by nature and due to its shy and reclusive behavior, it is primarily nocturnal, rarely seen during daylight.
Its very long and bushy tail and large ears are its most distinctive features. The large ears, filled with blood vessels, help the fox dissipate desert heat. However, unlike other desert-dwelling foxes, the soles of its feet lack fur, which means it doesn’t have insulation from hot desert sands.
Blanford’s fox is known for being playful, intelligent, and an exceptional climber, even among various animal species. It is also omnivorous, feeding on everything from insects found in the desert to seedless grapes and ripe melons, which are among its favorite foods.
The fox’s strikingly beautiful fur has made it a target for poaching, putting its population at risk. As a result, the species is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which includes species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction now, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled.
Persian Fallow Deer
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Dama dama mesopotamica
- Conservation Status: Endangered
The Persian fallow deer is one of the world’s rarest and most beautiful mammals, and one of the three deer species native to Iran. Recognized as the national animal of Iran, it is considered by some to be the most beautiful deer species in the world.
Historically, the primary habitats of the Persian fallow deer were the Zagros Mountains and the western and southwestern provinces of Iran, including Khuzestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Ilam, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Lorestan, and Fars. The ideal habitats for this native deer were open woodlands, particularly the deciduous forests and wild pistachio groves of the Zagros region, as well as the tamarisk forests along the Dez and Karkheh rivers in Khuzestan. Today, the largest remaining population can be found on Ashk Island in Lake Urmia, although the drying of the lake has placed this population at severe risk of extinction.
In Iranian culture and history, the Persian fallow deer symbolizes care, nobility, and humility. Its graceful appearance and agility have long been associated with purity, spirituality, goodwill, renewal, and rebirth. The deer’s antlers, which fall off in winter and regrow in spring, are compared to trees and are considered a symbol of regeneration and life.
Depictions of deer and their antlers can be seen in ancient Iranian art, such as the petroglyphs of Teymareh, the pottery of the Sialk civilization in Kashan, the carvings at Taq Bostan in Kermanshah, Persepolis, and even in the famous Pazyryk carpet—the oldest known woven carpet in the world—and Baluchi rugs, all indicating the historical abundance and cultural importance of deer in Iran.
Pleske’s Ground Jay (Zāgh-e-Būr / Desert Jay)
- Class: Birds
- Scientific Name: Podoces pleskei
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The Pleske’s Ground Jay is the only bird species endemic to Iran, found exclusively in the central plateau of the country. Also known as the Desert Jay or Būr Morgh, this bird is considered a symbol of Kerman city and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Belonging to the passerine order and the crow family (Corvidae), this sandy-colored bird is well-camouflaged in its desert habitat. It measures around 24 centimeters in length and has evolved to blend into the arid environment, making it difficult for predators to spot.
Despite being a bird, it is primarily ground-dwelling, meaning it spends most of its time walking or running rather than flying. In times of danger, it relies on its strong legs to quickly flee from threats.
Intelligence and Melodic Voice
As a member of the crow family, the Pleske’s Ground Jay inherits high intelligence. It cleverly avoids predators and even hides from birdwatchers and wildlife photographers who travel to Iran’s central deserts just to observe it. Another distinctive trait is its melodic and pleasant song, which draws nature enthusiasts to wait patiently for hours just to hear its tune.
In recent years, this desert bird has been spotted in arid and semi-arid regions across several provinces, including Semnan, Isfahan, Tehran, Yazd, Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, Kerman, Fars, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Golestan.
Persian Horned Viper
- Class: Reptiles
- Scientific Name: Pseudocerastes persicus
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The Persian horned viper is a venomous and potentially dangerous species of viper native to Iran, particularly found in the southwestern region of the country, especially Khuzestan Province. Its primary habitat includes sandy and desert areas, beneath tamarisk shrubs, and in firm soils with acacia trees and annual grasses.
The body of this viper is sandy, yellow-brown, or gray in color, with 4 to 6 rows of brown blotches along its back. It gets its “horned” name from the horn-like structures above its eyes—these are chitinous, arrowhead-shaped projections that resemble horns.
The diet of the Persian horned viper includes a variety of reptiles like worms and lizards, insects, different kinds of rodents, bird and reptile eggs, frogs, and similar small animals. Unlike most snakes that move in a serpentine fashion, this viper moves laterally in a unique sidewinding motion, especially well-suited for sandy terrain.
Kaiser’s Spotted Newt (Lorestān Newt)
- Class: Amphibians
- Scientific Name: Neurergus kaiseri
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
In the southern Zagros Mountains of Iran, within habitats such as Vujen Āb, Balālā, Laft, Kersar, and Koul Sarmāl, lives a vividly colored, spotted amphibian known as the Kaiser’s Spotted Newt, or more commonly, the Lorestān Newt. This unique species is also referred to by other local names such as Kaiser’s Spotted Salamander, Qomsari Newt, Emperor Spotted Newt, and Hajji Bariku.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful salamander species in the world, this endemic amphibian can only be found in a limited region of the Zagros Mountains, specifically in Lorestān Province and parts of Khuzestan Province in western Iran. Its conservation holds both national and international importance.
A Living Fossil
Often called a living fossil, the Lorestān Newt represents a vital part of Iran’s amphibian genetic reservoir. It is a highly evolved species that has adapted well to the local climate, especially thriving in cool, oak-forested streams. Measuring around 14 centimeters in length, this tailed amphibian is visually striking due to its orange or yellow spots and stripes against a dark brown background on its back, and reddish-orange coloration on its underside.
Threatened by Illegal Trade
Its stunning appearance has sadly made it a target for wildlife trafficking, with some individuals ending up as exotic decorations for traditional Nowruz “Haft-Seen” tables. This led to a sharp decline in the population, prompting Iran’s High Council of Environment to ban the sale, purchase, and transport of this species, enforcing strict penalties and imprisonment for violators.
On an international level, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as Critically Endangered on its Red List, and it has been included in Appendix I of the CITES convention, which prohibits all international trade involving the species.
Iranian Zebra (Persian Wild Ass)
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Equus hemionus onager
- Conservation Status: Endangered
The Persian Onager is a subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) that once thrived across the Middle East, Central Asia, and China. However, due to habitat loss and illegal hunting, its population has dramatically declined and the species is now endangered. Today, only a few individuals of this subspecies remain in protected areas such as Khar Turan National Park in Shahrud, Bahram-e-Goor Protected Area in Neyriz, Fars Province, the Panj Angoshti area in Abarkouh, and Bahadoran region in Yazd.
The Persian Onager primarily inhabits steppe and semi-desert landscapes, including rolling hills and open plains, where it feeds on native vegetation. Unlike zebras, it does not have stripes; its coat is a uniform light brown or sandy color. This animal is known for its strength and speed, capable of reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/h, although it usually runs at 40 to 50 km/h and can travel long distances without fatigue.
One notable difference between the Persian Onager and other wild asses is its high dependence on water. While wild asses are typically adapted to arid and desert regions, getting much of their water from plants, the Persian Onager actively seeks out water sources, sometimes traveling up to 20 kilometers from its grazing grounds in search of water.
Another fascinating feature of the Persian Onager is its ability to perceive in three dimensions. Its eyes are positioned in a way that gives it a wide field of vision, enhancing depth perception. This excellent eyesight, combined with keen detection skills, helps it remain highly aware of its environment—an adaptation that significantly contributes to its survival in harsh desert conditions.
Lorestan Mouflon
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Ovis orientalis laristanica
- Conservation Status: Endangered
Among the various wild sheep species native to Iran, the Laristan Mouflon stands out as one of the smallest and rarest wild sheep in the country—and indeed the world. Sometimes referred to as the miniature mouflon, this subspecies has a very limited distribution, restricted to the southern regions of Iran. It can be found in parts of Kerman Province, the southern areas of Fars Province (especially in the protected Hormod region), and western Hormozgan Province (notably in habitats spanning from Bastak and Bandar Lengeh counties to the western side of the Geno Protected Area).
Social Behavior and Breeding
Laristan Mouflon live in herds, but the social structure is stratified. Ewes, lambs, and young males often form separate groups from older rams. By the age of three or four, males typically separate from the female groups and form bachelor herds. During the mating season, these groups reunite briefly, after which the rams once again isolate themselves from the females.
Appearance and Adaptation
The Laristan Mouflon has proportionally large ears and a lighter coat than other wild sheep, typically creamy white to pale tan in color. Its horns, while similarly shaped to those of the Urial sheep—curving downward and forward—are smaller and more delicate. Interestingly, ewes prefer males with longer horns when selecting a mate, which plays a role in natural selection within the species.
These wild sheep prefer to graze during the early morning and late afternoon, spending the hotter hours of the day resting and ruminating. Their diet includes grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves. As an endemic and highly vulnerable subspecies, the Laristan Mouflon is facing serious threats to its survival.
Conservation Challenges
According to the IUCN Red List, the population of the Laristan Mouflon is declining. The main threats to this rare native species include illegal hunting, habitat destruction due to road construction, mining, and oil exploration, uncontrolled livestock grazing, and the sale of its meat. These factors combined pose a severe risk to the long-term viability of this unique and fragile population.
Persian Squirrel
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Sciurus anomalus
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Also known as the Zagros squirrel, Caucasian squirrel, or Red Persian squirrel, this playful and charming rodent is native to the forests of the Zagros Mountains in western Iran. The Persian squirrel plays an important role in the ecosystem and the survival and expansion of Iran’s oak forests.
The Persian red squirrel has a medium-sized body, long bushy tail, large eyes, and relatively long ears. Its back fur is gray with a reddish hue, the underbody is yellowish, and the head and upper side of the tail are reddish-brown. The underside of the tail is lighter in color. Interestingly, the reddish coloration of the tail fades as one moves southward from the northern parts of the Zagros forests (like Kurdistan) to the southern areas (like Fars), where it can become a light yellowish or buff color.
Squirrels are mostly solitary for most of the year, but during winter and spring, they may come together for nest-building. Unlike many other animals, gender equality is observed among Persian squirrels: the larger and older squirrel—regardless of being male or female—usually holds a dominant position in the group.
One of the most significant ecological roles of the Persian red squirrel is its contribution to the preservation and regeneration of oak forests. Its unique feeding behavior directly supports the natural propagation of oak trees, making it a key indicator species for forest health.
Persian squirrels collect acorns and hide them in rock crevices, hollow tree trunks, and especially underground. Since they often fail to retrieve all of the buried acorns during the winter, the forgotten seeds sprout in spring, eventually growing into new oak trees. In this way, Persian squirrels are essential allies in forest regeneration.
Persian Vole
- Class: Mammals
- Scientific Name: Microtus irani
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Class: Mammals
Family: Cricetidae
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
The Persian vole, also known as the Iranian field mouse, is a small rodent endemic to Iran, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It was first discovered in Fars Province, near the city of Shiraz, and later observed in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.
This species belongs to the short-tailed vole family, not hamsters. It is easily distinguished from common mice by its rounded body, flat snout, and short tail. Its fur is sandy olive on the back, lighter on the sides, and milky white underneath, helping it blend into dry environments.
What makes the Persian vole unique is its adaptability. Unlike many rodents that prefer stable habitats, this vole can survive even in extremely arid desert regions, which is rare among small mammals. Though it closely resembles the social vole (Microtus socialis), the Persian vole is less social and more elusive in the wild.
Due to the limited research and rare sightings, much about this species remains unknown. However, its ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it an important example of desert adaptation in Middle Eastern fauna.
Summary
Iranian endangered animals represent the unique biodiversity of the country. From the Persian cheetah to the Asiatic black bear and the rare Zagros newt, these species are symbols of Iran’s rich natural heritage. Learning about these animals is a vital step toward raising awareness and taking action to protect Iran’s fragile ecosystems.
To learn the Persian names of animals, visit: https://melalepersian.com/animals-in-farsi/
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