گونه انحصاری

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The genus Calligonum L. belongs to the family Polygonaceae and has valuable tree species and desert shrubs. Up to now, 33 species of this genus have been reported, and 23 are from Iran. More than ten species of this genus are native and exclusive to Iran. The geographical distribution pattern of species of this genus in Iran shows that it is mainly distributed in the central and southern regions of the country, Semnan province with nine species, Hormozgan and Baluchistan with eight species each, Khorasan province with seven species, Isfahan and Kerman with six species each, have the highest number of species, respectively. Due to the natural ability of Calligonum L. species to adapt to harsh environmental conditions such as heat and high desert drought and especially the area of dunes, these plant elements can be used in projects to rehabilitate and strengthen the vegetation of desert sands. In addition, eight species of C. bungei, C. denticulatum, C. intertextum, C. laristanicum, C. leucocladum, C. spinosetosum, C. alatosetosum, and C. stenopterum are present in a low number of habitats and due to human interventions and dominance of droughts (especially the last decade) these species are endangered.

The Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae) has 18 endemic species in Iran. S. persica Boiss. & Buhse is one of the endemic species and has only been collected and reported from three localities in the country. Based on the IUCN guidelines, different categories and criteria were used to evaluate the status of the species as follows: Area of Occupancy (AOO), Extent of Occurrence (EOO), quality of habitat, size of the population, and regeneration. According to the field studies, S. persica occupies an area of 0.6 km2. In the analysis of GeoCAT software, the extent of occurrence was 2720 Km2. Based on our results, the conservation status of S. persica is defined as Critically Endangered (CR). Construction operations and grazing in the habitat of this species are among the life-threatening factors of this species, so it seems necessary to protect this species by protecting its habitat.

Diaphanoptera stenocalycina Rech. f. & Schiman-Czeika is a cushion form species of the Caryophyllaceae family. This species is endemic and known from Mirzabailu plain (in the eastern part of Golestan National Park) and its neighboring area in the west of North Khorasan Province. In the present study, the conservation status of the species was assessed based on the IUCN criteria and categories, including the area of occupancy (AOO), the extent of occurrence (EOO), and the size of populations. Based on these data, the values of AOO and EOO are about 1.5 and 164.078 square kilometers, respectively. Accordingly, the conservation status of the species is classified as critically endangered (CR). The small population, low regeneration rate, and low precipitation are the main factors threatening the species. It is recommended that the conservation programs should consider both wildlife and plant species. Considering the rarity of the species, conserving the seeds in the National Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivating them in botanical gardens is suggested.

Astragalus montis-parrowii Maassoumi & Nemati is a dwarf cushion species belonging to Sect. Aegacantha of Papilionaceae family. This alpine species is a local endemic species in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. The habitat of this species is located in the NE of Kermanshah city, with limited distribution at the pick of Parrow 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 size of populations. Based on field studies and plot sampling, Astragalus montis-parrowii occupies 0.0025 Km2 (2500 m2). According to our results, Astragalus montis-parrowii is defined as a critically endangered (CR) species. Although the difficulty of accessing the habitat of this species is considered an important factor in its conservation, at the same time, it is the main limiting factor for the expansion of its populations. Considering the topographic status of the habitat, this species seems to tolerate adverse conditions. Therefore, research on conservation and prevention of extinction of this species is of particular importance. Furthermore, the habitat of this rare and endangered species needs to be protected by Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Organisation. The ex-situ conservation is also recommended by preserving its seeds in Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivation in the National Botanical Garden of Iran.

Phlomis herba-venti subsp. urmiensis Jamzad is an endemic, perennial plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) in Iran, which is distributed in the mountainous areas of Urmia lake, in the altitude range of 1470 to 1793 m.s.l, in the West Azerbaijan. The conservation status of this taxon was assessed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ph. herba-venti subsp. urmiensis occupies an area of 24 km2, and the extent of occupace is estimated to be 1927.145 sq. km. This taxon is endangered (Endangered / EN) due to its occupancy level, extent of occurrence, population isolation, regeneration and habitat quality. Field observations showed that the habitats of the populations of this taxon due to low slope and relatively deep soil are considered as dryland and due to lack of management, their area is increased every year. On the other hand, consecutive droughts have reduced the reproduction of this plant. Collecting the seed and storing it in the gene bank and providing the possibility of its regeneration as a medicinal and ornamental plant is essential to protect this endemic taxon.

Astragalus dianat-nejadii is an endemic species in Iran and it is distributed in Arasbaran region in East Azarbaijan province. The conservation status of this species was studied based on the criteria of the international union for conservation of nature (IUCN). The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of the species was calculated using geocat software. Also, to determine the number of mature individuals, several plots were located in the habitat and their number was estimated. This species was subjected to critically endangered due to three criteria of EOO, AOO and number of mature individuals. Although this species is not grazed by livestock due to its woodiness and thorns, but its habitat is affected by human impact such as road construction and etc. Therefore, it needs to be protected as a unique genetic reserve. In order to protect the habitat and prevent the extinction of this species, it is highly recommended to collect seeds and store them in the Natural Resources Gene Bank, propagate and plant them in botanical gardens, sowing in the main habitat and to fence a part of the habitat.

Cousinia raphiostegia Rech.f., is a perennial and spiny herbaceous species belongs to the family Asteraceae. This species is endemic to South Khorassan, E Iran. It is easily separated from its close relative species by the large stem leaves which covers the capitules. In the present study, the conservation status of Cousinia raphiostegia is assessed based on IUCN criteria including area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occupancy (EOO) and the size of populations. Contrary to available data, this species is present in large parts of the province, albeit in spots. The results showed that the values of AOO and EOO are about 119 and 29000 km2, respectively. Based on these data, C. raphiostegia is classified as endangered (EN). The leathery spiny leaves and capitules is an advantage which not only protects it from grazing but also caused the population growth in intensively disturbed areas. The developmental projects, however, can seriously threaten these populations.

The genus Tulipa L. is one of the most beautiful plant genera in Iran's flora, which has 12 species and one variety, among which T. ulophyla is endemic. A review of the geographical distribution pattern of Tulipa showed that Khorasan, Tehran, Golestan, and Hamedan provinces with 8, 7, 6, and 6, have the highest number of species, respectively. They are geographically distributed in all regions of Iran. Various biochemical compounds including carotenoids, anthocyanidins, delphinidin, cyaniding, and pelargonidin determine the color of tulips. The main constituents responsible for tulip scents are monoterpenoids, terpenoids, benzoids, and fatty acids. Based on a survey on the geographical distribution of the species, four species, including T. sogdiana, T. ulophylla, T. hoogiana, and T. lehmanniana, in Iran, are present in a low number of habitats, which means that any habitat damage may threaten these species. Due to the potential of ornamentation of tulip species, they can be used in landscape designing and flower farming by horticultural research

Pterocephalus wendelboi is a bushy species, belonging to Dipsacaceae family. This species is endemic to Hormozgan province, south Iran, distributed in M. Geno (Bandar Abbas) and M. Anve Pardi (Bastak) at 1800-2300 meters a.s.l. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species including extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and size of the population. According to field studies and establishing plots, Pterocephalus wendelboi occupies an area of 0.003 km2. According to an analysis by GeoCAT software, the extent of occurrence was 412.5 km2. Based on this research, Pterocephalus wendelboi is assigned as a critically endangered (CR) species. In order to conserve this species, collecting the seeds and keeping in natural resources gene bank and doing research on species regeneration methods are urgently needed.

The conservation status of Tanacetum paradoxum, an Iranian endemic species of Asteraceae, was evaluated and defined based on IUCN threat categories. It was studied according to three categories: area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and the number of mature species in populations (based on field visits). The only habitat of this species is in the center of Fars (on the road of Sarvestan to Fasa, Post-e Chenar, Cheshmeh Mordi), in a cold semi-arid region. Its habitat is located in the Zagros area. Tanacetum paradoxum occupies an area of 560 m2 with scattered individuals in the area. Based on IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), it is a critically endangered species. The habitat of this species is affected by human activities. The field observations indicated that the lack of management and inappropriate exploitation such as degradation of habitat by road construction and the transport of vehicles in the region, mining, power pole, land use change, construction of the olive garden, and agriculture were the main threats to this species. Therefore, special attention and full conservation of the species habitat are needed.