3 Persian zebras born in Semnan’s National Park

TEHRAN, Aug. 31 (MNA) – Director of Semana’s Environmental Protection department said three Iranian onagers are born in Turan National Park in Semnan. “We finally got to see the birth of three Persian onagers in Turan Natioanl Park this August,” said Abbas Ali Damangir and that “after three years of waiting, three Persian onagers have been born in the reproduction and maintenance site of Turan Natioanl Park in Shahrood, Semnan." He stated that zebras normally give birth in spring and the three-month delay in delivery is being scrutinized. Persian onager or Iranian Zebra is categorized under 'critically endangered' and 'extremely rare' species. “Extreme heat, this year’s drought, and reproduction in captivity are the most likely factors to delay the time of delivery,” stated he. Damangir maintained that Semnan has two reserves; Turan Shahrood Biosphere Reserve and the Central Desert Reserve which comprise 68% of the country's whole biosphere reserves. He asserted that “Turan Shahrood Biosphere Reserve is Iran’s largest reserve and is home to 41 different species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles and two species of amphibian, which are all considered rare on a global scale."