Conservation status of Tanacetum paradoxum (Boiss.) Bornm in Iran

The conservation status of Tanacetum paradoxum, an Iranian endemic species of Asteraceae, was evaluated and defined based on IUCN threat categories. It was studied according to three categories: area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and the number of mature species in populations (based on field visits). The only habitat of this species is in the center of Fars (on the road of Sarvestan to Fasa, Post-e Chenar, Cheshmeh Mordi), in a cold semi-arid region. Its habitat is located in the Zagros area. Tanacetum paradoxum occupies an area of 560 m2 with scattered individuals in the area. Based on IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), it is a critically endangered species. The habitat of this species is affected by human activities. The field observations indicated that the lack of management and inappropriate exploitation such as degradation of habitat by road construction and the transport of vehicles in the region, mining, power pole, land use change, construction of the olive garden, and agriculture were the main threats to this species. Therefore, special attention and full conservation of the species habitat are needed.