The conservation status of Cousinia raphiostegia Rech.f. (Asteraceae)

Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran

Authors

1 Assistant Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO),Tehran, Iran.

2 Research Expert, Khorassan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center /AREEO/, Mashhad, Iran

3 Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization /AREEO/, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Cousinia raphiostegia Rech.f., is a perennial and spiny herbaceous species belongs to the family Asteraceae. This species is endemic to South Khorassan, E Iran. It is easily separated from its close relative species by the large stem leaves which covers the capitules. In the present study, the conservation status of Cousinia raphiostegia is assessed based on IUCN criteria including area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occupancy (EOO) and the size of populations. Contrary to available data, this species is present in large parts of the province, albeit in spots. The results showed that the values of AOO and EOO are about 119 and 29000 km2, respectively. Based on these data, C. raphiostegia is classified as endangered (EN). The leathery spiny leaves and capitules is an advantage which not only protects it from grazing but also caused the population growth in intensively disturbed areas. The developmental projects, however, can seriously threaten these populations.

Keywords

Iran Nature
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 26
January and February 2021
Pages 143-148

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