Conservation status of Trifolium kurdistanicum, an endemic species of Iran

Trifolium kurdistanicum S.Yousefi, Assadi & Ghaderi(Fabaceae) is one of the endemic species in the flora of Kurdistan province, distributed in the mountains of Bendol village in the southwest of Marivan. Based on IUCN criteria and categorizes, this species is assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). This species has only one population. Although isolation of the species in a restricted habitat is the main reason for its conservation, it is also the main inhibitor factor for its expansion to create larger populations. Extreme rockfall and soil instability of the habitat of this species are serious threats to its survival. Due to lacking natural corridors for expanding and migration of the species to other similar habitats in the Avroman area, the best ways for such an aim are seeding and sowing in the area that requires sufficient funding and skilled people to be fully familiar with the area and its flora. Botanical gardens and research farms will be other destinations for propagation of this valuable species.