Challenges for Conservation of the Persian Squirrel (Sciurus Anomalus) in Zagros Oak Forests

Protecting the environment requires sufficient knowledge about ecosystem components and their interactions. Persian squirrel is one of the most important mammals in the Zagros forests. This species is dependent on forest habitats. The conservation status of this species has not been investigated, and the IUCN has classified it under the least concern class. This native species faces threats such as widespread destruction of Zagros forest due to climate change, pests and diseases, construction projects, grazing, land use change and so forth. Totally, there is little information about the evolutionary history, geographic range, ecological aspects, distribution and biological conditions of the Persian squirrels. The effects of destruction of Zagros forests on this species are not clear. The most important threats to this species are deforestation, hunting and agriculture. Unfortunately, in recent years, this valuable animal has become a pet in Iran, encouraging illegal catch and sell of the species. We expect the species will become threatened in near future. In this study, based on the review available literature about the Persian squirrel, the existing challenges and prospects of protecting the Persian squirrels have been discussed.