Conservation value of the flora of Karsanak area in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province

The aim of the present study was to identify Karsank flora and Introduce the area as one of the key priorities for conservation and to determine endangered species and growth forms as well. The method of plant collection in this area was the classical method of regional plant taxonomic study. Collected plants were recognized and families, genera and species were identified using the available Resources. The life form of plant species was determined by using Raunkier’s method. Results showed that, 276 plant species belonging to 43 families and 191 genera into 141 Hemicryptophyte (51/09%), 19 Chamephyte (6/88%), 69 Therophyte (25%), 40 cryptophytes (14/49%) and 7 Phanerophyte(2/54%) occur in the area. Furthermore, threatened species have been analyzed according to the IUCN criteria and Red Data Book of Iran. The most important criteria for determination of the rare species categories have been evaluated. On the basis of this study, four species status include Endangered, Vulnerable, Lower Risk and Critically Endangered is determined. Accordingly, 53 threatened species were identified in this area all belonging to the, Iran - Touran. Of these, 2 species were in endangered class, 8 in vulnerable class, 41 in lower risk class and 2 species in critically endangered class.