A glance at Azadkuh, one of the high peaks of Central Alborz with unique plant diversity and its environmental hazards

Azadkuh (Shahzadeh Kaj-Gardan), with an altitude of 4355 meters a.s.l. and a rocky view, is the tenth highest peak in Iran and the fourth highest peak in central Alborz Range in Mazandaran province, north of Iran. The high mountains are very important in terms of biodiversity due to having a large number of endemic and rare species. Due to harsh mountainous conditions, including the lack of access roads and difficulty of the climbing, there is no accurate and correct information on plant and animal biodiversity. The results of this study showed that about 250 plant species were growing in Azadkouh area, including 70 endemic and 40 rare species. Considering the small size of the study area, the rate of endemism and rarity, shows its importance in terms of biodiversity. However, many mountaineers enter the area each year due to the high altitude, but overgrazing is a major cause of environmental degradation and a threat to biodiversity.