Vertebrates of Kuh-e-Gorm non-hunting area, Jahrom, Iran: Diversity, conservation and challenges

The Kuh-e-Gorm non-hunting area is located in the northwest of Jahrom city, Fars province, Iran. Since there is no adequate knowledge on fauna of this region, a surveywas conducted on the vertebrate fauna of the region from April 2007 to April 2008. In total, 124 vertebrate species were identified including: 11 fishes (belong to 10 genera, four families and three orders), four amphibians (belong to three genera, three families and one order), 20 reptiles (belong to 20 genera, 10 families and three orders), 70 birds (belong to 54 genera, 31 families and 10 orders) and 19 mammals (belong to 17 genera, 13 families and six orders).Two species namely, Suncus etruscus and Bufo surda surda were reported for the first time from this area which extend their former known ranges in Iran. Presence of Hyla savignyii, Nectarinia asiatica and Lutra lutra are notable in the area in term of geographical distribution range boundaries in Iran. Among identified vertebrates, 86 species are considered as Vulnerable (VU), Least Concerned (LC), Near Threat (NT) and Data Deficient (DD) using the IUCN categories in Red Data Book. Overgrazing and land use changes are the major threats of the wildlife in this area. In order to protect the species and habitat diversity, it is suggested that this non-hunting area to be considered as a protected area.