Document Type : Over looking Iranian Nature
Authors
1
Associate Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands,, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Prof., Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection
10.22092/irn.2023.360724.1489
Abstract
Mishineh-Marg Mt., with ca. 4050 m a.s.l., is one of the highest rocky and stony peaks of the Alborz Mountains in Iran, which is situated between Tehran and Mazandaran Provinces. Many highlands and peaks of Iran have prominent and unique flora and fauna, considered undisturbed areas due to the harsh conditions of climbing and accessing. Furthermore, some of these habitats are disturbed and endangered because of overgrazing. The Iranian mountainous areas, especially alpines, have been less studied in terms of flora and vegetation compared to other areas. So, such studies can improve our knowledge regarding biodiversity and the conservation status of the existing species. In the survey conducted in the alpine and semi-alpine regions of Mishineh-Marg Mt. during three years, 287 taxa, including species and infraspecific taxa (subspecies and varieties) of 165 genera, and 48 families have been collected and determined, including 72 Iranian endemics, 20 regional endemics, and 40 rare taxa. Astragalus (17 species), Veronica (8 species), Allium (7 species), Silene, and Tanacetum (each one six species) are the largest genera in this region. Overgrazing, the high numbers of visiting tourists, illegal hunters, and off-road vehicles are the main factors and most problematic issues of environmental destruction in the studied region. According to the high richness of plant species and existing of many endemics and rare taxa in the region, it is suggested Mishineh-Marg Mt. be recognized as a “protected area” by the Iranian Department of Environment Organization.
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