PRESS TV (Tehran, Iran) 10 June 07 Mugger crocodiles threatened by Gonu
The Gonu cyclone has badly damaged cultural heritage sites in the southeastern parts of Iran and endangered the Iranian Mugger crocodile.
"The castles which were under consideration for inclusion as national heritage sites (have been) destroyed by the cyclone", said Adnan Hoseini, the manager of the Cultural, Heritage and Tourism Organization in Sistan Baluchestan.
The cyclone, which tore through the southeastern province of Sistan Baluchestan, also caused severe damage to agricultural land and natural sites in the area.
The cyclone ripped through some 150 palm trees and has threatened the lives of the Iranian Mugger crocodile.
"Although the Iranian Mugger crocodile could survive the cyclone to this point, we have to take measures to save this natural resource", Hoseini said.
Only about 250 crocodiles are thought to live in Sistan-Baluchestan near the Pakistani border.
The Iranian short-muzzle crocodile, referred to by locals as the Gando, grows up to five meters (15 feet) in length and has a reputation for having a timid nature.
Mugger crocodiles threatened by Gonu