Iran may help Russia to restore the population...

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Russian Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Igor Maydanov and Iran"s Ambassador to Russia Seyyed Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi.

"The two leopards given to Russia by Turkmenistan are currently acclimatizing at Sochi National Park," Maydanov said.

The leopards were brought to the Russian Black Sea resort from the ex-Soviet republic in September.

"To restore the leopard population, at least two pairs of cats are required," the deputy minister said, adding Russia had asked Turkmenistan and Iran to provide two female leopards.

The Iranian negotiator said in his turn he was ready to discuss the issue with the country"s wildlife protection authorities.

During an annual televised question-and-answer session with Russians last week, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for the conservation of endangered animals, including leopards, in the country.

Putin is taking active part in programs to study and

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