Conservationists believe that fewer than 40 Asiatic cheetahs remain alive in Iran today, and that only two females continue to live in the wild. These majestic animals formerly roamed vast territories from the Middle East to India; the small surviving population now lives only in Iran.
Habitat loss, poaching, and excessive hunting of cheetahs' prey have put this species on the brink of extinction. In the past 15 years, 21 cheetahs were killed by farmers, 15 died in car accidents, and five were killed by hunters.
The Iranian Cheetah Society (ICS) is calling upon the government to take action to protect these critically endangered animals. The ICS is requesting a ban on the construction of new roads and mines near the cheetahs' habitat, the construction of fences around existing roads, and increased participation of indigenous people in conservation efforts. Support from the United Nations would be of tremendous value to ensure that Iran has the resources needed for wildlife protection.
As a worldwide community, we must demand protections for this critically endangered species. Two other big cats, the Caspian tiger and Persian lion, have already become extinct in Iran, and the Caspian tiger is now extinct worldwide. What a tragedy it would be to lose another incredible species as a result of human ignorance and infringement upon the environment.
Cheetahs need your help NOW – please sign and share this petition asking President Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian Department of the Environment, and the United Nations to take immediate and comprehensive action to protect the Asiatic cheetah.
Dear President Hassan Rouhani, Members of the Iranian Department of the Environment, Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme; Erik Solheim, UNEP Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations:
I was deeply saddened to learn that fewer than 40 Asiatic cheetahs remain alive in Iran today, and that only two females continue to live in the wild. These majestic animals formerly roamed vast territories from the Middle East to India; the small surviving population now lives only in Iran.
In the past 15 years, 21 cheetahs were killed by famers, 15 died in car accidents, and five were killed by hunters.
I am calling upon the Iranian government to support the efforts of the Iranian Cheetah Society by prohibiting the construction of new roads and mines near the cheetahs' habitat, erecting fences around existing roads, and generating increased participation of indigenous people in conservation efforts.
I request that the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme provide Iran any support needed to help in conservation efforts.
What a tragedy it would be to lose this incredible species as a result of worldwide human infringement upon the environment.
Please take immediate and comprehensive action to protect Asiatic cheetahs from extinction.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Update #3vor 7 Jahren
We have received a positive response from United Nations representative. He reported that he was happy to see this petition in support of the cheetahs, and would share with those who could be most helpful. Together we are making a difference - thank you!
Update #2vor 7 Jahren
Thank you for continuing to share this petition. As promised, now that we have exceeded a new goal, I have resent the signatures to the petition targets, as well as to additional representatives of Iran and the United Nations who may be able to help save the Asiatic cheetah. I will keep you updated on any developments - thank you again!
Update #1vor 7 Jahren
Thank you so much for signing my petition to save Asiatic cheetahs from extinction. Your signatures have been delivered to their targets. With more than 135,000 signatures, I am very hopeful that we can acquire support for these magnificent animals. Please keep sharing this petition - I will resend the signatures when we reach 150,000. Thank you again!
