In this regard, alongside expressing its resolution on this topic, the ICS, as a nonprofit institution tries to clarify some vague aspects of the issue as following:
– The recent actions have taken place through the project of cheetah reproduction in semi-natural condition. A project that has a long and successful history in African countries. In Iran, for the first time, Mr. Jurabchian as project manager of the Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Project (CACP), raised this issue and proceeded to fencing the area in Miandasht wildlife refuge. After that Dr. Akbari, of Natural Environment deputy of Yazd Province, and Hooman Jokar, Project Manager of the CACP, expressed their optimism about the subject.
– In 2018, Mr. Zohrabi, Natural Resources deputy of the Department of Environment (DoE) at the time, held a series of meetings with veterinarians, university professors and experts living inside the country and abroad to examine options for cheetah conservation outside the habitat. Following the analysis and the pros and cons, the DoE decided that these options should be pursued in parallel with habitat protection and that previous efforts should continue.
– Following the request of DoE, the draft proposal to setting up and managing the semi-natural reserve, which was previously prepared by Mr. Jokar in the DoE, was submitted to the ICS for completion. The ICS prepared the activity description, a schedule, etc. This plan was written in such a way that the DoE or any of its provincial administrations could implement it by themselves.
– In September 2017, the ICS planned a trip to send its experts along with the Natural Resources deputy of the time and DoE specialists to visit and observe the achievements of South Africa. The ICS tried to introduce successful conservational experiences of South Africa to DoE authorities.
– The unofficial news and information release about the process of anesthesia and the transfer of cheetahs led to the same result that the ICS had warned about. Some misinformation published on social media caused a wave of discontent and apprehension. This ambiance created a great social cost for the DoE and the project. The ICS asked its consultants (who manage 380 cheetahs in more than 70 areas across South Africa) about the quality of the box conditions and the transfer process, and they confirmed the quality of the box and the device by viewing the photos published on the Internet.
– Cheetahs of Pardisan are on a high-risk and fateful path, and it is necessary for experts, including ecologists, veterinarians, etc. to play an active role in the success of the project.
– Reproduction project in Turan National Park, considering the lessons learned by Pardisan Reproduction Center, can increase its chances for success.
– The reproduction project in Turan National Park, considering the lessons learned by Pardisan Reproduction Center, can increase its chances for success.
– From the ICS’s point of view, the ideal conditions for cheetah reproduction are at least 1,000 hectare fenced area. According to the ICS’s planning in completion of the previous CACP plan, training female cheetahs for hunting should be on the agenda.
– The ICS, in consultation with its consultant, which manages the metapopulation program in South Africa, supports the method of reproduction in multi-thousand-hectare fences located in the natural habitat called reproduction in semi-natural conditions as a necessary approach.
In the end, the ICS and the Environmental Society expect the DoE of Iran to take responsible behavior and to implement the principle of participation by seeking synergetic cooperation of experts and members of the media.
