While pigeons are usually used to represent peace, things are not so peaceful for two suspected 'spy' pigeons that were caught near Natanz, Iran's controversial uranium enrichment facility.
"Early this month, a black pigeon was caught bearing a blue-coated metal ring, with invisible strings," a source told the Etemad Melli newspaper.
While Iran insists that the nuclear programme is only used to generate power for civilian use, the controversial uranium enrichment facility has been the center of an international feud for the past five years.
This is not Iran's first brush with animal espionage. Last year the local Iranian media reported the arrest of 14 squirrels for espionage.
"The squirrels were equipped with the spy gear of foreign agencies, and were stopped before they could act, thanks to the alertness of our intelligence services," the IRNA news agency reported.
Spying Pigeons
Iran Arrests Two Spy Pigeons
Trend Themes
1. Animal Espionage - There is an opportunity to develop and market anti-animal espionage technology and services.
2. Surveillance Technology Miniaturization - There is an opportunity to develop and market miniature surveillance technology for surveillance and security purposes.
3. Bio-inspired Technology - There is an opportunity to develop technology inspired by animal behavior, such as bird flight and squirrel agility.
Industry Implications
1. Surveillance - The surveillance industry could develop new anti-animal espionage technology and surveillance products with miniaturized sensors.
2. Security - The security industry could apply bio-inspired technology to design new forms of surveillance and security measures.
3. Animal Welfare - The animal welfare industry could advocate for the ethical treatment of animals in surveillance and espionage activities.