selected projects

Wildlife data collection with a ranger in Touran Biosphere Reserve, Iran

Optimizing monitoring of the endangered Persian leopard and its prey using ranger’s patrolling data (2016-2018)

I was the Project Manager of this pilot project to optimize the collection, the analysis and the use of ranger-collected law enforcement and wildlife monitoring data using the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) framework in Iran. Moreover, we expanded the application of camera traps for monitoring Asiatic cheetah and Persian leopard in Touran Biosphere Reserve.

Mouflon, Varjin Protected Area, Iran

National ungulate monitoring techniques assessment (2014-2016)

I was the Scientific Director of this project aimed at evaluating population monitoring methods applicable to six ungulate species in Iran. We designed a 'decision tree' based on which protected area managers and conservation agencies could identify the most applicable monitoring method for their study area and species based on parameters such as landscape features, budget, precision and analytical expertise.

Caspian seal; Photo: A. Khaleghi Hamidi

Quantification and elimination of threats to Caspian seal (2008-2009 & 2011-2012)

I was the in-country Project Coordinator managing various activities in reducing the conflict between local fishermen and the Caspian seal and finding alternative methods than lethal control in reducing losses. Moreover, we conducted public awareness campaigns and monitoring of Caspian seal mortalities along the Iranian Caspian Sea coast.

Persian leopard, Golestan National Park, Iran; Photo: PWHF

​Status assessment of endangered Persian leopard in its last stronghold: eastern Alborz Mountains, Iran (2015-2016)

I was the Project Manager in assessing the connectivity of Persian leopard habitat using a combination of top-down remote sensing methods and bottom-up interview surveys with the local communities. Moreover, we assessed the determinants of human-leopard conflict in this landscape. The results of this project is under revision for publication in a scientific journal.

Persian leopard, Golestan National Park, Iran; Photo: PWHF

Conservation of the Persian leopard in Golestan National Park (2011-2012)

I was a project Collaborator, involved in camera trapping and population assessment of Persian leopard in Golestan National Park, the oldest protected area of Iran. Moreover, I assisted in assessment of human-leopard conflict and interview local poachers.

Bamu National Park, Iran; Photo: M. Kazerouni

Persian leopard conservation in Bamu National Park, southern Iran (2008-2010)

I was the co-project manager in the first population estimation of Persian leopards using camera traps in Iran, which resulted in identification of six adult individuals in this national park (far lower than previous guesstimates). We later focused on public awareness, education of local communities on the importance of wildlife conservation, and efforts in better understanding the poachers' illegal behavior incentives.

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Supporting & consulting other conservation initiatives

Lead assessor, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020 assessment for Afro-Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica)

Annapurna Mountain Range from Kang La Pass, Nepal; Photo: B. Clement

Building the capacity of Himalayan communities in Nepal for snow leopard conservation (2019 - present)

Co-assessor, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020 assessment for urial (Ovis vignei)

Co-assessor, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020 assessment for mouflon (Ovis gmelini)

Persian leopards, Bamu National Park, Iran; Photo: PWCS

Status assessment of Persian leopard in the Fars Province, Iran (2017-present)

Pallas' cat, Kavdeh, Iran; Photo: EWF

Status assessment of Pallas’ cat in Alborz Mountains, Iran (2015-2017)

Afro-Asiatic wildcat, Golestan National Park, Iran; Photo: PWHF

National assessor, wildcat status in Iran (2011)

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Snow leopard, Tajikistan; Photo: T. Rosen

Snow leopard conservation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (2018-present)

Zagros Mountains, Iraq; Photo: H. Raza

Rehabilitating the transboundary habitat of the Persian leopard through the creation of a peace park (Iraq and Iran) (2018-2019)

Co-assessor, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 assessment of leopard (Panthera pardus)

Co-assessor, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 assessment for caracal (Caracal caracal)

Mouflon, Varjin Protected Area, Iran

Population monitoring of the Alborz mouflon in Varjin Protected Area, Iran (2006-2007)

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Asiatic cheetah, Bafgh Protected Area, Iran

Camera trapping and radio-collaring of Asiatic cheetah in Naybandan, Touran and Bafgh protected areas, Iran (2005-2008)

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Expert Group Memberships

IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group (since 2009)
IUCN SSC Bear Specialist Group (since 2016)
IUCN SSC Caprinae Specialist Group (since 2017)
IUCN WCPA, various networks (since 2014)