The conservation status of Azilia eryngioides (Pau) Hedge & Lamond an endemic species in Iran

Azilia eryngioides is a flowering species of Apiaceae family and the only member of the genus Azilia. It is endemic to Iran and grows in the Zagros mountainous areas. The conservation status of the Azilia eryngioides was defined based on IUCN Red List Categories. According to the field survey and plot sampling, Azilia eryngioides occupies an area of 2.1 Km2</sup>, and the extent of occurrence is 2478 Km2</sup>. The species is Critically Endangered (CR) due to its area of occupancy, population size, severely isolated populations, and limited regeneration due to limited seed production and habitat quality. Field observations showed that the lack of management and inappropriate exploitation such as non-observance of the grazing season and degradation of habitat were the main threats to this rare species. Defining protected habitat by Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Management Organization, ex-situ conservation in National Botanical Garden of Iran & Zagros Botanical Garden and in the plant natural resources gene bank are suggested to be considered for the conservation of this species.