Capital

Tehran

Official Language

Persian (Farsi)

Fun Fact

Famous for producing over 90% of the world's saffron

National Animal

None

National Bird

Common Nightingale

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Animal Laws of Iran

The Animal Laws of Iran PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Iran. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Iran

Common Nightingale

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Common Nightingale is a small songbird found in woodlands, scrublands, and gardens across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. Although its brown plumage is plain, it is celebrated for its rich, melodious song, often heard during the night and early morning. Common Nightingales feed mainly on insects, spiders, berries, and other small fruits. Their beautiful songs have inspired poets, musicians, and writers for centuries.

Persian Onager

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Persian Onager is a rare wild donkey found in the deserts and semi-arid plains of Iran. Recognized by its sandy coat, pale underside, and slender build, it is well adapted to harsh desert environments. Persian Onagers feed on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation and can travel long distances in search of food and water. Habitat loss, competition with livestock, and hunting have made this species endangered.

Caspian Red Deer

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Caspian Red Deer is a large deer found in the forests and mountain foothills of Iran and the Caucasus. It is recognized by its reddish-brown coat and the impressive branching antlers of mature males. Caspian Red Deer feed on grasses, leaves, bark, and shrubs and play an important role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Habitat loss and hunting have caused population declines in parts of their range.

Asiatic Black Bear

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Asiatic Black Bear is a medium-sized bear found in the forests and mountains of Asia. Recognized by its shaggy black fur and distinctive white or cream-colored chest marking, it feeds on fruits, nuts, insects, honey, and small animals. An excellent climber, it spends much of its time in trees searching for food or resting. Habitat loss and illegal hunting have made the Asiatic Black Bear vulnerable across much of its range.

Latifi’s viper

IUCN Red List: Endangered

Latifi's Viper is a rare venomous snake found only in the mountainous regions of Iran. It inhabits rocky slopes and alpine habitats, where its patterned scales provide excellent camouflage. Feeding on small mammals, birds, and lizards, it helps control prey populations within its ecosystem. Because of its limited range and habitat pressures, this little-known species is of conservation concern.

Mugger Crocodile

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Mugger Crocodile, also known as the Marsh Crocodile, is a large freshwater reptile found in rivers, lakes, marshes, and reservoirs across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Iran. It feeds on fish, birds, mammals, and other animals, using stealth and powerful jaws to ambush its prey. As a top predator, the Mugger Crocodile plays an important role in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations, though habitat loss remains a threat.