The conservation status of the endemic species Scrophularia ispahanica

Scrophularia ispahanica Attar & Nowrouzi (Scrophulariaceae) is an endemic species, growing in a limited area of Isfahan Province, Fereidunshahr, in a small population, consisting of scattered individuals. This species has a specific ecological niche. To determine the conservation status of this species according to the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), three criteria of Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and the number of mature individuals as well as habitat quality, population size, and the number of individuals were examined. Based on field evidence and calculations, because of having one population with 300 square meters of occupancy and 3-4 individuals, the conservation status of this species is classified as "Critically Endangered (CR)". It is suggested that the habitat of this species be declared as a protected habitat by the Forests, Range, and Watershed Management Organization. Furthermore, ex-situ conservation must be considered.