Maral (Cervus elaphus)(Iranian red deer) is the biggest deer species in Iran, which once found throughout all forested ranges in Alborz and Zagros, but it almost vanished from Zagros ranges and unfortunately the population status is unknown in Iran. Golestan National park with combination of forest and alpine habitats is quiet well-known as Maral’s habitat from the past. Mature stags usually stay in same-sex groups most of the year, but in end of August they start to compete for having harem of hinds, and then defend hinds that they attract. In this period of time they start to bell others for inviting to compete, this ritual called the rut. Unfortunately this rut is transformed to a huge threat to this magnificent Iranian red deer. In this time poachers are trying to compete with these stags but instead of fighting they use their rifles to kill and this brings this species to verge of extinction
Amir Hossein Khaleghi