Share this article
Wildlife Featured in this article
- Asiatic cheetah
- Persian leopard
Iran frees scientists who studied big cats
The four were among nine arrested in January 2018
Four biologists who studied big cats have been released after six years of imprisonment in Iran. The scientists were pardoned as part of a mass amnesty at the end of Ramadan.
The four were among nine conservationists arrested in January 2018. One died in prison. The others were sentenced on espionage charges. After the previous release of four of them, none of the nine now remains in prison.
The scientists were researching species including the endangered Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) and Persian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) at the time of their arrest.
The United Nations Environment Programme, which called for the release, welcomed the announcement. “All voices must be heard and protected as we seek environmental stewardship of the one and only planet on which we all depend,” it said in a statement.
PAID AD
Header Image: The imprisoned scientists were researching species including the endangered Asiatic cheetah, seen here Shahrud, Iran in February. Credit: moosa_mazinanian via iNaturalist.
Related Posts
Ethiopian wolves feed on sweet nectar
The wolves could potentially act as pollinators
Wildlife experts use drones to deter predators
To protect humans and livestock, scientists in the western U.S. find drones are an effective, nonlethal hazing method for grizzly bears
Mountain lions change timing of activity in response to recreation
In the greater LA area, mountain lions are becoming more active at night to avoid people