At least 25 gazelles have died on Kharg Island following the US-Israeli war against Iran, with widespread damage inflicted on nature and wildlife in the area.
According to Iranian news agencies, At least 25 gazelles have died on Kharg Island following the US-Israeli war against Iran, with widespread damage inflicted on nature and wildlife in the area.
Wars and military conflicts are not limited to the destruction of economic and human infrastructure. Their effects can linger for years on the environment and natural habitats.
Pollution from explosions, disruption of habitat tranquility, destruction of natural resources, and interference with the biological cycles of animal species are among the consequences observed in many regions affected by military crises around the world.
In Bushehr province, the US-Israeli war and attacks — in addition to causing damage to some infrastructure — have raised concerns about the condition of natural habitats, particularly on Kharg Island.
The island, while best known for its strategic role in the oil industry and energy exports, holds significant environmental value alongside its economic importance.
Kharg is considered one of the important habitats of the Persian gazelle in southern Iran. This species has been the subject of conservation programs in recent years, and its population on the island is of particular importance.
The recent events occurred while many animal species were in their breeding and reproductive season — a timing that, according to experts, makes accurate assessment of the impacts even more sensitive.
Environmental activists believe that damage from crises is not limited to direct casualties of species. Stress caused by explosions, forced displacement of animals, disruption of habitat security, and interference with reproductive processes must also be taken into account in final assessments.
25 Gazelles Confirmed Dead
The Director-General of the Environmental Protection Organization of Bushehr province, speaking to Mehr News Agency, commented on the damage to wildlife on Kharg Island.
"During the recent attacks, 25 gazelles were killed on Kharg Island," he said. "This has been examined and documented by environmental experts in the province."
He added that the timing of these deaths — coinciding with the breeding and reproductive season of animal species — has doubled the need for thorough investigations. For this reason, he said, the final assessment of the impacts will be conducted after the breeding season ends.
The official noted that specialized assessments to determine the full extent of environmental damage are continuing. If study results indicate a decline in the population of affected species, a final report will be submitted for follow-up at the national level through the government.
Referring to measures taken to document the damage, he stated: "Documenting the effects of the war on Kharg Island's environment is on the agenda, and this matter is being pursued through relevant national authorities."
"The environment belongs to all generations," he continued. "Its protection must be considered in both normal and crisis conditions. We will strive, in cooperation with responsible bodies, to assess the various dimensions of this damage scientifically and expertly."
Environmental Damage Beyond Direct Casualties
A wildlife expert and biodiversity researcher, speaking to Mehr News Agency, said: "Direct casualties of animal species are only part of the effects of military crises on the environment. The indirect effects of such events usually become apparent in the long term."
"During the breeding season, any disruption to the habitat can affect reproductive success," the expert added. "Stress from loud noises, involuntary displacement of animals, and changes in natural behavior are factors that may play a role in reducing survival and birth rates."
The expert emphasized: "It is essential that monitoring of the gazelle population on Kharg Island be conducted over different time periods to properly assess the real effects of this event on the species' population status."
"If a significant population decline is observed," he noted, "special conservation programs must be put in place — including strengthening habitat protection, restricting disruptive factors, and, if necessary, implementing population restoration plans."
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