South Khorasan Province, the third-largest province in Iran, covers an area of approximately 150,800 square kilometers in the east of the country. Despite its predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, the province is home to diverse natural landscapes and valuable ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species.
According to the provincial Department of Environment, South Khorasan has 12 protected areas, including nine protected zones and three wildlife refuges. Together, these areas cover around 15 percent of the province.
Environmental officials say the province's biodiversity requires greater protection. According to national conservation classifications, 25 animal species in South Khorasan are endangered, while 88 species are protected. In addition, 14 animal species are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and 45 species are included in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Iranian cheetah, whose main habitat in the province is the Naybandan Wildlife Refuge in Tabas, and the Asian houbara bustard, mainly found in the Krizan Plain in Zirkuh County, are among the species requiring urgent protection. Officials warn that without effective conservation measures, these animals could face extinction.
Other notable mammals in the province include leopards, Pallas's cats, sand cats, lynxes, caracals, wild sheep, ibexes, gazelles, goitered gazelles, foxes and hyenas. Its birdlife includes the golden eagle, saker falcon, bearded vulture, black vulture, Egyptian vulture, bustards, pelicans, flamingos and various species of owls and other birds of prey.
The province is also home to protected and endangered reptiles, including the desert monitor, Iranian horned viper and cobra, as well as spiny-tailed lizards, agamas and geckos.
ahmad shirzadian - seyed mohammad kazemi
