Bio-diversity

Building on the work of existing projects of GEF SGP on species listed below as they are focal species in their areas, to address wider target groups and sharing information on the species, why it is special, the encounters with the local communities and the officials and what we have done and can continue doing for conservation of their habitats media products will be produced and shown to various target groups as indicated below: Euphrates Softshell Turtle (RAPHETUS EUPHRATICUS) Euphrates Softshell Turtles (Rafetus euphraticus) or Forati Turtles a soft shell turtle are one of the ancient species on earth belonging to about 100 million years ago and are listed in the IUCN Red List. However, in Iran they it is not listed under protected type as there is very little information available on it. Geographically limited to the Euphrates area rivers and the divisions flowing through Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Increased knowledge and awareness on the importance of this endangered species and its only remaining habitant in Khuzestan Province will encourage the community to see its role in participatory conservation and provide a means for dialogue between the community and CSOs and the officials for reaching a common language and literature for enhanced conservation. Gando (Mugger) Crocodile (CROCODYLUS PALUSTRIS) Mugger crocodiles called Gando in local Baluchi language are listed in red IUCN list and are categorized under vulnerable species. Based on international reports, most of the wild species of this crocodile have been completely vanished in the world; however, a small number still exists in India; Iran; Nepal; Pakistan; Sri Lanka and possibly in Bangladesh. About 200 to 300 Gandoos has been reported in Sistan and Baluchestan province in Iran as the most western boundary of the this specie global distribution. The continued droughts and the need for water has increased the conflict between the local people and the crocodile. As the main project is working to raise public awareness regarding the specie and its importance and achieve a participatory solution to optimize irrigation systems and agriculture to protect Gando s habitat, as the water issue is very sensitive, this media product will demonstrate the ways for optimized usage of water to benefit the Gando and the importance of the river banks alternative procedures of community water usage that will allow the community to continue the household activities like washing the cloths, bading and etc. while not polluting the river banks. The efforts of the community to adopt to changes will also be demonstrated as a self reflective educational process. In addition, the government enrichment and conservation sites will be introduced to divert the tourist to this site rather than the natural habitats. The community could also benefit as this site could be potential market for their art for conservation and local products. Emperor Spotted Newt (NEURERGUS KAISERI) The only habitant of Neurergus Kaiseri in Iran and in Lorestan and Khuziatan Provinces. This species is endemic to Iran and has been listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List. The main projects have worked towards changing the category by familiarizing the local sellers and smugglers regarding the national and global importance of this specie. As the coarse of the project continued possibly new habitats plus the keystone areas for conservation were found by the team, which could also effect the category of this species. This media product will demonstrate simple ways in altering the usage of springs and the waterbodies and sensitizing the communities in the threats of new developments in the area which have provided easier access of the outsiders to these sites, therefore an increased threat of smuggling and destruction of these keystone areas.

Iran