Khombi reserve area in North Khorasan Province, the largest habitat of Fritillaria raddeana Legel in the country

The Khombi Forest reserve area is a part of the remnants of Juniperus excelsa community in North Khorasan province, selected as a forest reserve in 2002 to prevent its complete destruction and protected since 2005. There is a unique species of Fritillaria called F. raddeana Regel in this habitat, which is different from other species of this genus in the country due to its yellow flowers. This habitat is located in the heart of the Juniper forests, and simultaneously with the flowering of F. raddeana in April, creates very beautiful landscapes visited by many ecotourists. The reserve includes more than 60 plant species and 65 animal species. Due to the destruction of valuable habitats of F. raddeana in North Khorasan province over the past years, it is necessary to consider the measures needed to further protection of habitats and increase public awareness of this valuable species by authorities.