PRIORITIZING AREAS FOR CONSERVATION OF ROSACEAE IN IRAN BASED ON THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS

In this study we mapped the Rosaceae species richness with the point-to-grid richness analysis tool DIVA-GIS, using a 10×10 kilometer grid cell and the circular neighborhood option with the 50 km radius, to identify potential areas for conservation of Rosaceae. This analysis is accomplished by 5762 georeferenced observations. The main potential areas for conservation of this family in Iran belong to the Irano-Turanian Region with its two important parts including central Alborz and Zagros Mountains respectively. These areas cover the centre of endemism of the family in Iran. The Rosaceae has 91 rare and 70 endemic species. Mazandaran with the highest number of rare species (23) is one of the most important areas for conservation (in central Alborz).