هیوا قادری

Eryngium pyramidale Boiss. & Hausskn (Apiaceae) is one of the rarest sub-endemic species in the flora of Iran. This rare species grows at an altitude of 1600-2000 meters a.s.l. Based on IUCN criteria and categorized and derived data from GeoCAT (EOO= 13.291 km2; AOO= 0.030 km2), this species is assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). Among the solutions to conserve this valuable sub-endemic species are the comprehensive protection of oak forests in the west of the country by all relevant organizations, preventing unauthorized constructions in the villages of Avroman, as well as ex-situ conservation by protecting its seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran and its cultivation in botanical gardens.

Scorzonera nivalis Boiss. & Hausskn (Asteraceae) is one of the narrowest endemic species in Iran's flora, restricted to the Schahu and Avroman Mountains. IUCN criteria and GeoCAT data (EOO= 339.736 km2; AOO= 4.41 km2) classify this species as Critically Endangered (CR). This species was not collected after it was introduced 156 years ago by Boissier and Haussknecht until 2013 when it was collected for the second time from Schahu Mountain. Later studies conducted in Kurdistan Province added other populations from the Avroaman Mountains to the samples of this valuable species. The most efficient way to protect this species is to help its propagation through seeding and sowing in other similar habitats in the Schahu and Avroman Mountains. Introducing Schahu Mountain as a protected area by the Department of Environment of Iran, preventing livestock from entering the top of the mountain, collecting seeds, and storing them in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran are other effective ways to protect this valuable reserve.

Sternbergia colchiciflora (Amaryllidaceea) is recorded for the flora of Iran from Kurdistan province (West Iran). The species has been collected from rocky oak forests around Bandol Village in Marivan.The geographical distribution of the new record and its distinguishing characters are discussed.

Trifolium kurdistanicum S.Yousefi, Assadi & Ghaderi(Fabaceae) is one of the endemic species in the flora of Kurdistan province, distributed in the mountains of Bendol village in the southwest of Marivan. Based on IUCN criteria and categorizes, this species is assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). This species has only one population. Although isolation of the species in a restricted habitat is the main reason for its conservation, it is also the main inhibitor factor for its expansion to create larger populations. Extreme rockfall and soil instability of the habitat of this species are serious threats to its survival. Due to lacking natural corridors for expanding and migration of the species to other similar habitats in the Avroman area, the best ways for such an aim are seeding and sowing in the area that requires sufficient funding and skilled people to be fully familiar with the area and its flora. Botanical gardens and research farms will be other destinations for propagation of this valuable species.