Mohammad Reza Majidi, the director of the protected area of Galil and Sarani, faced serious dangers on an unusual workday. Just a few days after his kidney surgery, a bullet passed by his face. He was near armed hunters who were 20 feet away, but he chose not to shoot. With this experience, Majidi pointed out the harsh and exhausting realities of rangers and expressed his reluctance to portray rangers as victims.
Challenges of Being a Ranger in Border Areas
The Galil and Sarani area is located on the border between Iran and Turkmenistan. Majidi explains that wildlife conservation in border areas comes with specific limitations. Unlicensed hunters, aware of these limitations, cross the border, and if they enter Turkmenistan, Iranian rangers are unable to pursue them. He mentions the lack of operational coordination between the two countries, saying: "At a macro level, there are collaborations between the officials of the two countries, but in practice, coordination is difficult."
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Bitter and Sweet Memories of a Ranger
Majidi recounts one of his bitter memories when he and his colleagues were chasing unlicensed hunters. While he was in poor condition due to surgery, despite pain and fever, he was dispatched for an operation. In one critical moment, one of the hunters shot at him, and the bullet passed very close to his face. Referring to this incident, he says: "I am not willing to risk a human life to protect an animal. As much as I can, I try to prevent this from happening."
Majidi also refers to the laws regarding the use of weapons for rangers and emphasizes the importance of making the right decisions in moments of danger. He says: "We must protect wildlife and deal legally with offenders, but our decisions should not be made out of anger or hatred."
He shares his experiences with other colleagues, saying: "We share our experiences and ask each other what decisions we would make if we were in a similar situation."
Love for Wildlife and Nature
Before serving in the Galil and Sarani area, Majidi worked in other areas, including Salouk National Park, and recalls the natural diversity and beauty there. He says: "Seeing a leopard in nature, especially for someone who has just entered this job, is an unforgettable experience."
Majidi emphasizes the importance of respecting the lives of humans and wildlife, saying: "Leopards usually avoid encounters with humans and rarely attack humans. People should be aware of this and reduce their concerns."
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