According to KhabarOnline from the Department of Environment, Hamid Zohrahi referred to recent field registrations in this habitat, stating: On June 3, 2026, the known female cheetah “Helia” was observed with only three cubs present beside her; a situation that raised concerns about the fate of the other two cubs in this family. However, during subsequent field monitoring, two young cheetahs were documented in the Miandasht Wildlife Sanctuary on June 22 and June 24, which were definitively identified after specialized examinations by experts from the Asian Cheetah Conservation Project.
According to Zohrahi, a precise comparison of the body spot patterns of these two individuals with the comprehensive database of Asian cheetahs in the country confirmed that these two young cheetahs are indeed the two missing cubs of “Helia.” This identification process utilized comparative analysis of recorded images and archival data, and the results have been scientifically validated by experts from the Asian Cheetah Conservation Project.
The Deputy for Natural Environment at the Department of Environment added that investigations indicate these two young cheetahs, approximately one year old, were observed behaving independently earlier than the typical separation period from their mother for cheetahs. In natural conditions, cheetah cubs usually remain with their mother until about 18 months of age; however, the favorable seasonal and habitat conditions in the Miandasht Wildlife Sanctuary, including an abundance of natural prey, relative habitat security, reduced human conflicts, and ongoing conservation monitoring, may have facilitated the early independence and survival of these two young cheetahs.
He emphasized that field investigations show these two young cheetahs are in good physical health and have successfully exhibited natural hunting behavior in their natural habitat within the Miandasht Wildlife Sanctuary; a fact that indicates their suitable adaptation to habitat conditions and their ability to survive in the wild.
Zohrahi also noted the results of expert evaluations, stating: Based on the assessment of recorded images, the gender of one of these two young cheetahs has been definitively identified as “male,” while determining the gender of the second individual requires further examination due to limitations in the angle of the images, and it is currently declared as unknown.
In conclusion, he emphasized that field monitoring teams, wildlife rangers of the Miandasht Wildlife Sanctuary, and experts from the Asian Cheetah Conservation Project continuously observe the behavior, movement patterns, and physical condition of these two young cheetahs to accurately track their survival and adaptation in their natural habitat. Zohrahi stated: The continuation of such promising registrations, alongside scientific management of the habitat and responsible participation of local communities, can be an effective step towards strengthening the population of the last remaining Asian cheetahs in Iran.
