At least 25 deer killed on Iran’s Kharg Island following US-Israeli strikes, officials say

At least 25 deer have been confirmed dead on Iran’s southern Kharg Island following attacks during US-Israeli aggression against Iran, with environmental officials warning the actual toll is likely significantly higher.

The deaths represent one of the most visible impacts of the war on Iran’s wildlife, highlighting the often-overlooked environmental consequences of armed conflicts beyond human casualties.

“The latest reports indicate that at least 25 deer have died on Kharg Island,” said Masoumeh Safaei, deputy director of Iran’s Office for Wildlife Protection and Management. 

“This figure only covers areas outside military zones, and the real number of casualties is higher than what has been recorded so far,” Safaei was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency. 

Environmental experts warn that the effects of warfare on wildlife extend far beyond direct fatalities. 

Explosions, habitat destruction, and prolonged exposure to intense noise can leave lasting physical and psychological scars on animal populations.

According to Safaei, severe stress caused by nearby blasts also affected animals held in captivity. 

At Tehran’s Lavizan Bird Garden, some birds reportedly lost control of their behavior amid the shock of explosions and collided with enclosure walls, resulting in injuries and deaths.

“Some birds experienced extreme fear and stress due to the powerful sounds of explosions,” she said, noting that authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

Reports have also emerged from a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation center in Alborz Province, where officials observed heightened behavioral stress among animals and a limited number of fatalities.

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While no large-scale losses have yet been officially documented among species such as wild goats, wild sheep, or large carnivores in natural habitats, specialists caution that the absence of reports does not necessarily indicate the absence of damage.

Many animals retreat to remote or inaccessible areas during periods of war, making comprehensive assessments difficult. 

Smaller species—including insects, rodents, reptiles, and animals living near or below the soil surface—are considered particularly vulnerable to blast waves and habitat destruction.

Shiva Roustaei, an environmental researcher, said the indirect consequences of war can be more severe and long-lasting than immediate casualties.

“In many cases, the indirect effects of war are far more extensive than direct losses,” Roustaei was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency. 

“Explosions and intense noise pollution increase the production of stress hormones in animals, weakening their immune systems and increasing the risk of disease, reduced reproduction, and even death.”

She added that international studies have shown wildlife in conflict zones often experience disruptions to migration routes, feeding patterns, and breeding cycles.

“In some species, miscarriage rates increase, while others display aggressive behavior or symptoms associated with depression,” she said.

Environmental specialists stress that wildlife constitutes an important part of a country’s natural heritage and ecological security. 

They say documenting losses, monitoring affected populations, and implementing habitat restoration programs should become key components of post-conflict recovery efforts.

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