DOE University of Tehran coop to monitor wildlife diseases

DOE, University of Tehran co-op to monitor wildlife diseases

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) and the University of Tehran have developed a joint specialized team to sample and manage wildlife diseases.

Wildlife sampling is one of the most effective strategies for the early detection of the diseases. It helps manage the diseases and prevent their spread, Mehr news agency quoted Hassan Abbasnejad, an official with the DOE, as saying.

The initiative kicked off on February 25, focusing on Shemiranat protected area, initially, he added. It involves collecting samples of vulnerable and prominent species in the region, particularly the species that play a key role in transmitting illnesses, the situation of the habitat, and the whole health of the ecosystem.

Once collected, the samples will be analyzed in laboratory to identify the pathogenic factors. Highlighting that the health of wildlife is directly connected to the health of livestock and the health of human, Abbasnejad said the effort will help prevent the loss of species, save expenses, and speed up reactions to critical situations.

************ Measures for preservation of biodiversity

In February, the DOE elaborated on achievements and measures taken by the administration to protect the biodiversity, ecosystem, and endangered species in the country.

The number of protected areas under the supervision of the DOE has increased from 327 to 330, accounting for 12 percent (19.8 million hectares) of the country’s land area, IRNA quoted Hamid-Reza Zohrabi, an official with the DOE, as saying.

According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, a total of 213 species are endangered.

The country has so far prepared plans for the preservation of 25 endangered species such as Persian cheetah, zebra, Asiatic black bear, yellow deer, lesser white-fronted geese, white-headed duck, Persian salamander, blind cave fish, and luristanica Sorbus (a rare plant species that is native to Iran).

The DOE is preparing thirteen more plans. The population of prominent herbivorous mammals in the protected areas has increased from 227,000 to more than 240,000, and the number of managed invasive species has grown by 400 percent, covering five species, including crucian carp, nutria, raccoon, and rainbow trout.

Monitoring pests and diseases, and fire outbreak in Zagros habitats is another measure taken by the DOE which has led to the identification of Hyrcanian boxwood pest, the awkward silkworm moth in Gilan province, and the wood-eating pest of Aras in Khorasan Razavi province. Given the importance of protecting biodiversity and genetic resources, the DOE is planning to prepare a plan to combat plant pests and pathogens as the main threat to the country’s unique ecosystem.

To protect caves, the DOE has developed caves classification guidelines, and plans for the conservation and sustainable use of the caves in the country. The number of caves with a conservation grade has increased from 7 to 41, indicating an increase of 490 percent.

There are also plans to raise individuals, local communities, and tourists’ awareness of the importance of preserving caves’ biodiversity, and water resources. The DOE is planning to utilize the capacity of collaborative conservation to protect sensitive and important cave ecosystems.

Constant monitoring of caves, particularly tourist caves, preparing caves’ database, identifying and prioritizing caves in terms of protection, assessing the capacity of tourist caves, protecting the biological and physical diversity of caves, and protecting water resources are among the plans to be conducted collectively.

The DOE has also established a working group to monitor wildlife cybercrimes and combat illegal wildlife trade. Wildlife trafficking is the third most profitable crime, following drug and weapon trafficking.

MT/MG

source: tehrantimes.com