Cheetahs left to fend for themselves on Mayamey-Abbas Abad road
Once a sanctuary for the magnificent Asiatic cheetah, the region nestled between Mayamey and Abbas Abad in Semnan Province now stands as a killing ground for this endangered species.
Within this vast expanse of Khar Turan National Park, it is estimated that a mere 20 cats of this rare breed still roam. However, their survival hangs by a thread, as the transit road from Mayamey to Abbas Abad, stretching 50 kilometers along the southern part of the park, has become a deadly obstacle course.
Tragically, every year witnesses the loss of at least one cheetah due to fatal collisions with speeding cars. Over the past 13 years, a heart-wrenching tally of 13 cheetahs has met their untimely demise along this treacherous stretch of road, earning it the grim moniker, Youzkosh (cheetah killer) Road.
Solutions to this pressing issue have been proposed, yet the will to implement them seems to falter. One such measure is the installation of fencing, designed to prevent the cheetahs from venturing onto the road. However, a mere five kilometers, out of the total 100-kilometer stretch (both north and south roads), have been fenced so far, leaving much to be desired.
Another attempt at curbing the danger involves reducing the speed limit from 110km/hr. to 80km/hr. Despite the installation of numerous signs in the area, it appears that few drivers pay heed to these warnings. Even the introduction of eight cameras along the route has failed to yield the desired results.
In response to two collisions in the first half of this year, officials from various agencies have scrambled to compile statistics and reports, proposing solutions such as increased fencing, the installation of speed cameras and provision of high-speed internet connectivity for them, improved lighting, etc.
An eyewitness recently traveled along this treacherous path, going from Tehran to Mashhad on Wednesday, October 18, and returning on October 21, from Mashhad to Tehran.
The eyewitness meticulously documented his or her experiences through a car camera, and uploaded the footage on an online streaming platform. The video provides comprehensive data including location, date, time, and speed, bringing forth the following findings:
Out of the claimed eight cameras installed in the area, only five were found to be active, while the remaining three remained dormant, their camera bases serving as mere reminders of their intended purpose.
The fencing along this perilous route extended a mere five kilometers, falling short of the necessary protective measures.
Despite the registered speed of the eyewitness’s vehicle being below the designated 80km/hr. limit, it became apparent that the majority of drivers paid little regard to this restriction. The video captures a constant stream of cars overtaking that of the eyewitness, including trailers and trucks, emphasizing the widespread disregard for speed limits.
Curiously, certain sections of the road were marked with 90km/hr. speed signs, adding to the confusion and inconsistency of regulations.
Notably absent were police cars stationed along this dangerous stretch.
Lighting fixtures, crucial for ensuring visibility and safety, were installed along a mere two kilometers of the route. Concrete foundations hinted at intentions for further progress, but progress remained stagnant.
Contrary to the Ministry of Communications’ claim of establishing high-speed internet connectivity for the cameras, the reality within this area revealed a different story. Mobile internet connectivity was sporadic at best, often disconnected, or limited to 2G speeds.
Employing smart cameras to calculate average speeds within this range, coupled with instant SMS notifications to drivers, could serve as a proactive measure in curbing reckless behavior.
Sending warning SMS alerts to drivers upon entering this danger zone could potentially save the lives of cheetahs. The cost of these text messages could be offset by fines collected from offending vehicles on the same route.
The video footage shows that the actions taken by responsible authorities thus far have been woefully inadequate. The promises made to protect this endangered species appear to be nothing more than empty words, with little to no verification or follow-through. Regrettably, the road from Mayamey to Abbas Abad seems to have been abandoned to the mercy of fate, leaving the cheetahs to fend for themselves.
Unless effective measures are promptly implemented and drivers take heed of the dangers they pose, the Mayamey-Abbas Abad road will continue to serve as a merciless slaughterhouse for these irreplaceable Iranian treasures.
*This is an edited version of an article originally published by Asriran on October 28, 2023.