The conservation status of Allium breviscapum Stapf

Allium is one of the largest perennial genera of Monocots, and Iran is one of the most important centers of its diversity and speciation. Allium breviscapum Stapf is an endemic species of Iran and Hamadan province. It is growing in limited habitats and only in parts of Alvand Mountain in Hamedan Province. In this study, the conservation status of this endemic species was determined on the basis of IUCN categories and criteria by using the criteria as follows: the Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), population size, and habitat quality. According to the results of this study, the species is classified as "Critically Endangered". Its habitats are exposed to various destructive factors such as grazing, and granite extraction, which play an important role in threatening this species. Therefore, it is necessary for the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization to declare the distribution area of this species as protected habitat. Ex-situ protection by protecting the seeds of this species in the Iranian Natural Resources Gene Bank and planting some populations of it in botanical gardens should be done. Public awareness and education on the importance of protecting nature and plants can play an important role in protecting plants in natural habitats.