ziba jamzad

Lathyrus alamutensis is a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is endemic to Iran and is found in a small region of the Alamut Heights, specifically in Haniz village and Siahlan, located in the northeast of Qazvin. It exists in limited numbers at altitudes ranging from 2200 to 2900 meters above sea level. The conservation status of this species was assessed as part of a project focused on determining the conservation status of plants and ecosystems in Iran. The evaluation was based on the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and considered three criteria: extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and population size. The results indicate that Lathyrus alamutensis is classified as a Critically Endangered (CR) species according to IUCN criteria. Climate change, recurrent droughts, human intervention, land-use change, and overgrazing are significant threats to this species. Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures are necessary to protect it. For in-situ conservation, overgrazing must be controlled by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization of Iran, and the habitat should be designated as protected. Ex-situ conservation should involve the preservation of seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran and cultivation efforts in the National Botanical Garden of Iran.

The genus Astragalus of the Fabaceae family includes over 3000 species worldwide and is known as the largest genus of flowering plants. Iran is considered one of the significant centers for the diversity and speciation of this genus. Astragalus ovigerus is documented as an endemic species from Iran. This study explores this species' population characteristics, habitat conditions, and conservation status. According to the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the conservation status of this species has been determined using three criteria, including Extent of occurrence (EOO), Area of occupancy (AOO), number of mature individuals, and population size and classified as Critically Endangered (CR). To prevent the extinction of this species, its only known habitat should be protected by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization, and human activities should be limited in this habitat. Ex-situ conservation through the collection of seeds and their storage in the Gene Bank of Natural Resources of Iran can play an important role in the survival of this rare endemic species and conserving its genetic resources.

The genus CampanulaL. has 44 species in the flora of Iran, and 18 of them are present in West Azerbaijan province. Seven species are rare, growing in rocky mountainous areas north of the province. The conservation status of species was investigated based on the research method of the national research project and the instructions of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The resulting data were analyzed using GeoCAT software. All seven rare species (C. conferta A.DC., C. coriacea Davis, C. crispa Lam., C. hakkiarica Davis, C. minsteriana Grossh., C. phyctidocalyx Boiss. & Noe and C. propinqua Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) were evaluated. According to the extent of occurrence (EOO), the area occupancy of the species (AOO), the average number of adults in the population, and other indicators, they are placed in the critically endangered category (CR). All habitats, especially the pasture habitat of C. phyctidocalyx, are exposed to exploitation, and the rocky habitats are severely affected by drought and the above factors. The lack of vitality of the bushes and the failure to produce mature seeds indicate this issue. Collecting the seeds of these species and protecting them in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran as ex-situ conservation, along with in-situ conservation by protecting the habitats of these rare species by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organizations, are the solutions for their conservation.

Species of Teucrim section polium are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. This section contains the most diverse and taxonomically complicated taxa. Iran represents four species of section Polium including T. polium, T. stocksianum, T. capitatum, and the new species described in this paper, T. khuzistanicum sp. nov. During the floristic studies in Khuzistan province, interesting plant materials of the genus Teucrium were collected, expanding our understanding of this genus and resulting in some discoveries. Teucrium khuzestanicum is described as a new species from Iran. The new species is characterized by caespitose habit, long, dense oblong-cylindrical spike-like inflorescence, 1-3 mm long pedicles, and leaf dentations. It is closely related to T. yemenense, but differs from it in indumentum, calyx shape, and flower size and color. Teucrium capitatum, T. polium, and T. stocksianum are the other related species that differ from T. khuzestanicum in their habit, leaf shape, and inflorescence. Furthermore, Teucrium capitatum L. is reported here for the first time in the flora of Iran. In addition, illustrations of the new species, images of the herbarium specimens and living plants in their natural habitat, and an identification key to the species of section polium in Iran are presented, and a geographical distribution map of the new species and its relatives in Iran is provided.

Echinops shulabadensisMozaff. is endemic to the southeastern regions of Lorestan province. This species grows in the oak forest, in sunny areas with poor soil in some parts of Shulabad and Tayan. These areas are in the Irano-Turanian region's mountainous places and have an elevation range of 2019 to 2400 meters above sea level. In this research, the conservation status of this plant was investigated based on the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and population size. According to field studies, plots were established, and an analysis was performed using GeoCAT software. Echinops shulabadensis occupies an area of 3.24 km2. Its occurrence was 391.208 km2. Although its presence in the protected areas of Oshtrankouh(Tian–Azna) is important to some extent in the survival and preservation of the species, due to the rarity and small size of its populations, they should be specially monitored. In addition to in-situ conservation, ex-situ conservation should be provided by preserving its seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran and cultivating them in the Lurestan Botanical Garden and the National Botanic Garden of Iran.

Nepeta crispa Willd (local name: Moffarah) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. This species is endemic to Iran. Its habitats are Alvand Mountain in the central part of Hamedan province and Garin Heights on the border between Hamedan and Lorestan provinces, at 2300 to 3400 meters above sea level. In this study, the conservation status of this endemic species was determined based on IUCN categories and criteria: extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), population size, and habitat quality. According to the results of this study, the species is classified as "Critically Endangered". In addition to climate change and temperature increase as a global factor in changing the habitats and living conditions of plant species, indiscriminate harvesting of this aromatic species, creation of tourist attractions in the area, overgrazing, and granite mining from the habitats of this species are other factors that threaten this species. Planting and propagation of N. crispa in Bu-Ali Sina Medicinal Plant Garden in Hamedan and promoting the culture of its cultivation by villagers instead of wild harvesting have been effective measures to protect the habitat of this species. Furthermore, protecting the seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank of Iran is the other effective ex-situ conservation procedure. The sowing of the seeds in its known habitats and the management and protection of these habitats are among the priority programs that must be recognized by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization of Iran as an in-situ conservation procedure.

Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. is a perennial species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This species is a local endemic of Yazd province. It is distributed in the S and SW of the province in humid valleys in the N and E of mountainous areas with a slope of 15 to 20%. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: the extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and size of populations. According to field survey and plot sampling, N. asterotricha occupies an area of 0.06 Km2, and the extent of occurrence was 250.2 Km2. Thus, according to the results of this study, N. asterotricha is recognized as "Critically Endangered." Field observations showed that lack of management and inappropriate exploitation, such as non-observance of the grazing season and habitat degradation, are the main threats to this rare species. Given the importance of conserving endemic and critically endangered species, it seems necessary to define their natural habitat as protected habitats by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization, as well as storing seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank and research on species recovery in its original habitat or its cultivation in National Botanical Garden of Iran.

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.

Scutellaria nepetifilia is a shrubby species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This species is found in Hamadan, western Iran, but less in Lorestan and Isfahan. In this study, the conservation status of Scutellaria nepetifilia was assessed based on IUCN categories and criteria using three criteria: extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and population size and habitat quality. This study classifies it as "Endangered". This species' habitats are threatened by various destructive factors such as overgrazing and granite mining. Therefore, the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization must declare its distribution area a protected habitat. Ex-situ conservation by conserving this species' seeds in the Iranian Natural Resources Gene Bank and cultivation in botanical gardens should be done. Public awareness and education on the importance of protecting nature and plants can play a vital role in conserving plants in their natural habitats.

Cousinia kermanshahensis Attar, Ghahr, & Assadi is a biennial herbaceous species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This species is endemic to Kermanshah province, west of Iran. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and size of populations. Based on field studies and plot sampling, C. kermanshahensis occupies 0.03 km2. The extent of occurrence was estimated to be 1.929 km2 using GeoCAT software. According to our results, C. kermanshahensis is a critically endangered (CR) species. Although the spiny leaves and capitules protect the plant from grazing, the limited populations around the village can pose a serious threat to it. By preserving its seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivating them in Iran's National Botanical Garden, ex-situ conservation is recommended. Furthermore, Natural Resources and the Watershed Management Organization should protect this endemic species' habitats.

Sorbus luristanica is a flowering plant from the Rosaceae of Iran. It is distributed in two mountainous regions, Gahar Lake and Kahman Lake in Lorestan Province. This is a deciduous tree with a height of up to 4 m. It is endemic to Iran. The species' conservation status was defined based on the IUCN Red List Categories. According to field survey and plot sampling, Sorbus luristanica occupies an area of 20 Km2, and the extent of occurrence is 717 Km2. Based on the Area of Occupancy (AOO), population size, regeneration, mainly by seeds, and habitat quality, this species' conservation status is classified as Endangered/EN. Field observations have shown that lack of proper management and recreation are the main threats to this rare species. Defining protected habitat by the Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Management Organization and the ex-situ conservation in botanical gardens and Plant Natural Resources Gene Banks are suggested for Sorbus luristanica conservation.

The North Khorasan Province is a transitional region due to its location at the intersection of several phytogeographic regions that harbor diverse vegetation. In the present study, the conservation status of five endemic species of the province, including Astragalus razensis, A. neomaassoumianus, A. neoassadianus, Hedysarum paucifoliatum, and Onobrychis assadii are studied experimentally using IUCN criteria including Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO) and size of population. The results showed that all of these species are restricted to type location. The mean average values of AOO were less than 5 Km2. These species are critically endangered taxa (CR). Among these species, A. neomaassouminaus and Onobrychis assadii are naturally protected from destructive factors like grazing. Considering the small populations of the studied species, protecting their natural habitats as in-situ conservation by the Natural Resources Organization and ex-situ conservation of these species' seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank of Iran is highly recommended.

Kelussia odoratissima is a valuable edible species endemic to the central Zagros highlands, recently introduced to science. It is valuable for its food importance. Although this plant was recently discovered, it has deep roots in the culture of the Bakhtiari people. From the past to the present, a substantial part of the local population's income is provided through it. In this paper, the conservation status of K. odoratissima is evaluated based on criterion B (geographical range) of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. This study shows that this plant's status has reached an alarming level. It is now in the "Endangered/EN" category of the IUCN Red List. Even though a significant part of the distribution area of this plant is protected with the help of the local community and the country's Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, every year, illegal and official harvesting occurs in this area. Therefore, it is necessary to protect a part of its distribution range, including many other endemic species, in the form of an enclosure or protected habitat. Also, due to the complete isolation of the known populations of this plant, it is strongly recommended to keep the seeds of these populations in the Gene Bank of Natural Resources and the National Gene Bank of Iran. Therefore, considering the food and medicinal value of Kelussia odoratissima, there is great potential for its commercialization. Overall, it is essential to promote its cultivation in fields by the Research, Education, and Extension Organization. This is to support and protect it in its natural habitats. This will lead to the survival of this plant and a stable economic and currency source for the country.

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.

Salvia bazmanica belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This species is endemic to Iran, Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Based on the existing literature, it is restricted to localities. This species is one of the few Salvia species with small flowers and woody vegetative forms in Iran. In this study, the conservation status of Salvia bazmanica was investigated through the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) using criteria including Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of ​​Occupancy (AOO), population size, and habitat quality. Based on screening the five populations, EOO and AOO were calculated as 10779 and 4.5 Km2, respectively. Furthermore, over-grazing and drought affect species regeneration. With emphasis on these criteria, this species' conservation status is classified as Critically Endangered (CR). It is necessary to prevent severe livestock grazing to reduce species' habitat pressure and ecosystem destruction. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation must be applied to conserve S. bazmanica. To protect the species, it is highly recommended that the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization protect the habitat of this species. The seeds should be preserved in the Natural Resources Gene Bank as an ex-situ program.

Scorzonera alborzensis is one of the exclusive and rare species collected and reported from only one place in the country (Mazandaran province: between Baladeh and Nour, Siahsang mountains, 3023 m). The genus Scorzonera L. belongs to the Asteraceae family and has 19 endemic species in Iran. Based on the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Area of Occupancy (AOO), Extent of Occurrence (EOO), habitat quality, population size, and natural reproduction of the species were evaluated. According to the field studies, the area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) were estimated at an area of 0.01 km2 (only one locality), and the number of adult individuals is between 15 and 20, with a very low regeneration rate. Therefore, according to our studies, Scorzonera alborzensis is defined as a Critically Endangered (CR) species. Road construction and grazing in this species' habitat are among the life-threatening factors. As a result, the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization needs to protect this species' habitat. Further, ex-situ conservation must be achieved by preserving seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank, growing seeds, and cultivating seedlings in Iran's National Botanical Garden

Cyclotrichium depauperatum (Bunge) Manden & Scheng of the family Lamiaceae is endemic to Iran, and its type specimen was collected from Khuzestan Province, Iran. During a national research project for determining the conservation status of Iran's plants, the conservation status of C. depauperatum was evaluated and determined. This species is present in four localities in the southwest of the country. Its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is about 1915 square kilometers. Based on field observations, its Area of Occupancy (AOO) is 4.5 square kilometers. The number of individuals was 250 per population. Based on IUCN criteria B, the Extent of Occurrence of 1915 km2, this species is considered endangered (EN). Still, the species is critically endangered due to the Area of Occupancy (AOO) being less than 10 square kilometers (CR). This species' habitats are highly fragmented and isolated in 4 points. Due to various natural and artificial environmental factors, its population is declining. It is suggested that Natural Resources and Watershed Organization play an active role in the in-situ conservation of this species by protecting its natural habitat. Natural Resources Gen Bank also follows ex-situ conservation.

Mandragora is a genus of the Solanaceae family, which includes six species worldwide. M. autumnalis Bertol is the only native species of the genus growing in Iran, reported for the first time in 2013 from Khuzestan province in Shimbar Protected Area? Field observations showed that this species is present in the Shimbar Protected area only in 4 locations, its Area of Occupancy (AOO) is about 0.6 square kilometers in total, and its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is around 1.5 square kilometers. An average number of 5 to 25 individuals is observed in each population. Due to the presence of this plant in only one habitat in Iran and the Area of Occupancy, less than 10 square kilometers, and the number of adults is less than 50 individuals. The species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in Iran. Although the habitat of this species is in a protected area, it is heavily influenced by man-made destructive factors due to factors such as deforestation, fire, overgrazing, the presence of nomadic nomads, the villages on the edge of the wetland, and because many tourists to the area. Therefore, these valuable medicinal species face serious threats in Iran and need special attention from the related executive organizations. An urgent protection plan is needed for the conservation of the limited population of M. autumnalis.

Ranunculus dalechanensis Iranshahr & Rech. f. is a rhizomatous perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family. This alpine species is a local endemic in Kermanshah Province, west of Iran. The habitat of this species is located in the South of Sonqor city with a limited distribution near the pick of Dalakhani Mountain. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and population size. Based on field studies and plot sampling, R. dalechanensis occupies an area of 0.0006 Km2 (600 m2). According to our results, R. dalechanensis is defined as a critically endangered (CR) species. The high traffic of climbers and livestock of neighboring villages in the habitat of this species may expose this natural environment and beautiful landscape to destruction. It should be noted that even though this species is poisonous, animal grazing cannot be considered a threat, but it will cause physical damage and uprooting of the plants. The ex-situ conservation is recommended, by preserving its seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivating the species in the National Botanical Garden of Iran and the Zagros Botanical Garden. Ex-situ conservation by Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization is urgently needed.

Iran's forest and rangeland ecosystems are changing or being disturbed under the influence of climate change and human factors. Meanwhile, desert and arid ecosystems are very fragile. The direct effects of misuse or destruction of the ecosystem are more on plants than on other components. Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem belongs to Bignoniaceae. This tree grows naturally in alluvial lands and seasonal riversides as small stands and individual trees in Bushehr, Fars, Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Kerman, Sistan, and Balochistan provinces. It grows in areas with altitudes ranging from 10m (Bushehr province) to 1594 m (Esfandegheh Jiroft) above sea level. Our study showed that there was no living individual in Khuzestan province, and it was distributed in 13 habitats in Bushehr province. Tecomella undulata habitats were affected by extensive grazing, prohibited cutting, death, and land-use change, which are the big threats to this tree. This species produces seeds rarely; therefore, seedling-based regeneration was not observed. Root-shoots-based regeneration was observed in the habitats. Protection, restoration, and development, the establishment of germplasm, seedling production afforestation, and green space development by using T. undulata are recommended. Further research on seedling production by sexual and non-sexual methods is suggested.

There is a close relationship between biodiversity conservation and food security, and they are two sides of the same coin. Conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems has become a top priority for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Crop wild relatives (CWRs) have adapted to harsh soil and climate conditions and play a unique role in improving crop yields and adapting to different climates. The species of the genus Pyrus have considerable diversity among crop wild relatives of Iran. The conservation status of Pyrus farsistanica is discussed based on criteria B, C, and D (geographic range, small population size, very small or restricted population, respectively) of the IUCN Red List. The exact studies show this species is Critically Endangered (CR). Given the importance of this species and its severe decline, it is essential to take immediate action to propagate this species in botanical gardens and seed banks for long-term preservation. In addition, an education program is needed to educate the public about the importance of the value of this species. Moreover, the conservation of this valuable species as a “nature reserve" is necessary. The Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization should play an effective role in protecting the habitat, and encourage rural people to grow and propagate seedlings in gardens and yards. Seed storage in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran is strongly recommended.

Tanacetum sonbolii is an Iranian endemic species of Asteraceae that grows in west Azarbaijan, Tekab, Baderloo Village at altitudes 2380-2500 m. The conservation status of this species was evaluated and defined based on IUCN threat categories. It was evaluated based on the following categories: area of occupancy, the extent of occurrence, the number of habitats, and the number of mature individuals in populations. According to field studies and established plots, Tanacetum sonbolii occupies an area of 1 Km2 and an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 0.169 km2, with 150 scattered individuals in the area. Based on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), it is a critically endangered species. Factors such as lack of proper development plans, road construction, and high traffic in the area due to tourist attractions resulted in the low quality of habitat and a decrease in population size. Therefore, special attention and conservation of the species habitat by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization are urgently needed. Seed preservation and regeneration in the Natural Resources Seed Bank of Iran are necessary for species conservation and future recreation of its natural habitat.

Allium is one of the largest perennial genera of Monocots, and Iran is one of the most important centers of its diversity and speciation. Allium breviscapum Stapf is an endemic species of Iran and Hamadan province. It is growing in limited habitats and only in parts of Alvand Mountain in Hamedan Province. In this study, the conservation status of this endemic species was determined on the basis of IUCN categories and criteria by using the criteria as follows: the Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), population size, and habitat quality. According to the results of this study, the species is classified as "Critically Endangered". Its habitats are exposed to various destructive factors such as grazing, and granite extraction, which play an important role in threatening this species. Therefore, it is necessary for the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization to declare the distribution area of this species as protected habitat. Ex-situ protection by protecting the seeds of this species in the Iranian Natural Resources Gene Bank and planting some populations of it in botanical gardens should be done. Public awareness and education on the importance of protecting nature and plants can play an important role in protecting plants in natural habitats.

The genus Leucojum L. belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It includes 2 species and each with 2 subspecies. Leucojum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum is a Euro-Siberian element that grows in some swamp forests in the north of Iran. In this paper, the conservation status of this taxon was determined based on the IUCN guidelines, using three criteria, including the area of occupancy, the extent of occurrence, and population size. The area of occupancy (AOO) of L. aestivum subsp. aestivum according to field studies, was measured to be 0.13 km2, and the extent of occurrence in the habitat (EOO) using GeoCAT software was determined to be 1078 km2. According to the results of this study L. aestivum subsp. aestivum is defined as a critically endangered (CR) taxon in Iran. In recent years, due to land-use changes in the plains of Gilan Province, including drying wetlands and turning them into rice fields, poplar cultivation, building, and road construction, the habitats of this plant have been destroyed and now there are small disjunct populations of it. Therefore, determining the protected habitat for this taxon is one of the conservation priorities that should be considered by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization of Iran.