The conservation status of Nannorrhops baluchestanica (Arecaceae) in Iran

Endemic plant species are usually more vulnerable to anthropogenic threats and natural changes and, therefore, hold a higher extinction risk. Nannorrhops baluchestanica is a shrubby species of the Arecaceae family. This endemic species is only recorded from type location in Sistan and Baluchistan province, SE Iran. It is usually associated with its close relative, N. ritchieana. It is, however, easily distinguishable from N. ritchieana by vegetative and reproductive features. In the present study, the conservation status of N. baluchestanica is assessed based on IUCN criteria, including the area of occupancy (AOO), the extent of occupancy (EOO), and the size of populations. The results showed that this species is restricted to central parts of the province and spread as patches or belts at the basin and seasonal riversides. The value of AOO is 4.6 km2. One of the threatening factors for this species is its usage in handicrafts, especially in baskets for date bunch storage. The recent drought condition in the habitat of this species is another threat factor. According to the standard criteria for nature conservation, N. baluchestanica is defined as a critically endangered (CR) species in Iran. Therefore, more efforts should be made to preserve these valuable endemic species.