According to KhabarOnline, due to the ongoing drought and severe winter cold in Shahroud County, wildlife access to natural food resources has been minimized. This situation poses a serious threat to the survival of herbivorous species, including ibex, wild sheep, and goats, increasing the risk of hunger, weakness, and mortality.

The Shahroud Environmental Protection Agency has emphasized the necessity for prompt and planned intervention in this matter. The distribution of supplementary fodder is currently on the agenda. According to KhabarOnline, the environmental protection unit of Shahroud County has officially and structurally prioritized the distribution of supplementary fodder.

Ali Akbar Ghorbanloo, the head of the environmental protection unit in Shahroud County, stated that this initiative will be implemented regularly in sensitive habitats and areas facing food shortages as a continuous and prioritized program. He mentioned that the aim of this official action is to alleviate nutritional pressure, assist in the sustainability of species populations, and prevent potential fatalities.

In parallel with government actions, a grassroots movement called “Fodder Donation” has also emerged. A group of philanthropists and nature enthusiasts in Royan, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, has initiated the “Fodder Donation” campaign. As part of this humanitarian initiative, several shipments of fodder, including hay and dried corn, have been purchased and transferred to pre-determined and secure areas within the habitats.

This grassroots initiative plays a significant role in meeting some of the urgent needs of wildlife. The environmental officials in Shahroud County have expressed gratitude for the valuable participation of the public and emphasized that during these challenging times, voluntary assistance can significantly reduce wildlife conflicts with residential areas and help prevent fatalities.

However, an important warning has also been issued, urging all citizens to ensure the health of animals and prevent undesirable dependency, as well as to observe security considerations. Any assistance should only be coordinated with wildlife rangers and conducted in authorized and designated areas; this coordination ensures that supplementary feeding is carried out scientifically and properly.