The conservation status of Nepeta makuensis Jamzad & Mozaffarian

Nepeta makuensis Jamzad & Mozaffarian is an endemic species from the mint family in West Azarbaijan, Iran, distributed in mountainous areas with a relatively steep slope of Maku, Shut, around Barun dam in the altitude range of 1575 to 1770 m.a.s.l. Three populations of the species were studied based on IUCN Red List categories, and the extent of occurrence was calculated using GeoCAT software. Nepeta makuensis occupied an area of 0.75 km2, and the extent of occurrence was 15 km2. The total number of individuals was about 100, and all of them were mature and had a moderate freshness. The habitat quality was critical due to the construction of a dam, and the process of habitat destruction was high. According to the categories and criteria of the Union for Conservation of Nature, this species was classified in Critically Endangered (CR) category. Due to the habitat characteristics, the study of environmental factors is necessary for the conservation and reproduction of this species in botanical gardens. Furthermore, the in-situ conservation should be a priority, and necessary actions should be taken by the Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Management Organization to declare a protected habitat for this species.