The conservation status of two Allium )Amaryllidaceae( species in Iran

Allium is one of the largest genera of Monocots and Iran is one of the most important centers of diversity ofit. Allium austroiranicum is considered as an endemic species of Iran and A. chlorotepalum as an endemicspecies of Isfahan province. The first one is distributed in many habitats in Iran, but the latter has limited distribution and is present only in western regions of Isfahan province. Based on the IUCN guidelines three criteria were used to evaluate the conservation status of these endemic Allium species as follows: extent of occurrence, area of occupancy and number of mature individuals. Our studies have shown that these two speciesare classified as “Endangered” and special attention and full conservation of them is needed. In addition, theirhabitats are exposed to various destructive activities, which may threaten the survival of these species.