Diversity centers, Distribution patterns and priorities for conservation of Liliaceae with emphasis on endemism in Iran

Liliaceae include 73 species that covers about 1 percent of Flora of Iran. In addition approximately 27% of mentioned taxa are classified in endemic flora of Iran. Gagea with 31 species is the largest genus liliaceae in scale of Iran. These taxa were categorized based on topographic zonations including basins (less than 300 m a.s.l.), lowlands (300–1000 m a.s.l.), semi–mountainous (1000–1500 m a.s.l.), mountainous (1500–2500 m a.s.l.), alpine (2500–3500 m a.s.l.), and subnivale (3500–4500 m a.s.l.). Iranian Liliaceae included critically endangered (CR): 22 spp, endangered (EN): 5 spp., near threatened (NT): 37spp), vulnerable (VU): 1 spp.), In addition, the Kurdistan–Zagros range and the Atropatenian phytogeographical units feature the highest richness of mentioned taxa and form the first class in conservation value and priority. Several endangered species in this family, a wide range of which is located outside protected areas, so In situ as well ex-situ conservation actions seems to necessary for their conservation.