The conservation status of Zeugandra iranica, an endemic species of Iran

Zeugandra iranica is the only species of the genus Zeugandra of Campanulaceae family. This perennial herbaceous species is endemic of Iran (Kermanshah province). The main distribution of this species is Gahvareh region in Kermanshah province, but also it has scattered distribution in some other habitats in the province. This region includes Oak forests with dominant species of Quercus brantii. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species as follows: Extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO) and size of population. Based on field studies and taking plots Zeugandra iranica occupies an area of 6 ha. The extent of occurrence was estimated about 98000 ha using GeoCAT software. According to our results, Zegundra iranica is defined as a critically endangered (CR) species. As monotypic taxa represents species which could be lost forever and their related genomes do not exist anywhere else in the region, it is recommended that appropriate approaches be taken to prevent extinction of this species.