The conservation status of Cousinia raphiostegia Rech.f. (Asteraceae)

Cousinia raphiostegia Rech.f., is a perennial and spiny herbaceous species belongs to the family Asteraceae. This species is endemic to South Khorassan, E Iran. It is easily separated from its close relative species by the large stem leaves which covers the capitules. In the present study, the conservation status of Cousinia raphiostegia is assessed based on IUCN criteria including area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occupancy (EOO) and the size of populations. Contrary to available data, this species is present in large parts of the province, albeit in spots. The results showed that the values of AOO and EOO are about 119 and 29000 km2, respectively. Based on these data, C. raphiostegia is classified as endangered (EN). The leathery spiny leaves and capitules is an advantage which not only protects it from grazing but also caused the population growth in intensively disturbed areas. The developmental projects, however, can seriously threaten these populations.