The conservation status of Hyoscyamus malekianus (Solanaceae) in Iran

Hyoscyamus malekianusis a perennial herbaceous and saxicolous species. It belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is characterized by dwarf habit, racemose inflorescence and rather long pedicels. This species grows in cervices of rocks on slopes of M. Taftan, Sistan and Baluchestan, SE Iran. In the present study, the conservation status of H. malekianus is assessed based on IUCN criteria including the area of occupancy (AOO), the extent of occurrence (EOO), and the size of populations. The results showed that this species had restricted populations, which are growing mainly in rocky areas with deep slopes. The mean average values of AOO and EOO were about 0.5 and 40 square kilometer, respectively. According to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), H. malekianus is classified as a critically endangered species (CR). Regardless of being toxic and inaccessible for livestock on steep slopes, its small habitats are a transit point for livestock and are seriously endangered. To conserve this species, conservation programs are urgently needed.