The conservation status of Cyclotrichium depauperatum, an endemic species of Iran

Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran

Authors

1 Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, AREEO, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Prof., Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extention Organization (AREEO),Tehran, Iran

3 Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization(AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran

10.22092/irn.2023.361523.1504

Abstract

Cyclotrichium depauperatum (Bunge) Manden & Scheng of the family Lamiaceae is endemic to Iran, and its type specimen was collected from Khuzestan Province, Iran. During a national research project for determining the conservation status of Iran's plants, the conservation status of C. depauperatum was evaluated and determined. This species is present in four localities in the southwest of the country. Its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is about 1915 square kilometers. Based on field observations, its Area of Occupancy (AOO) is 4.5 square kilometers. The number of individuals was 250 per population. Based on IUCN criteria B, the Extent of Occurrence of 1915 km2, this species is considered endangered (EN). Still, the species is critically endangered due to the Area of Occupancy (AOO) being less than 10 square kilometers (CR). This species' habitats are highly fragmented and isolated in 4 points. Due to various natural and artificial environmental factors, its population is declining. It is suggested that Natural Resources and Watershed Organization play an active role in the in-situ conservation of this species by protecting its natural habitat. Natural Resources Gen Bank also follows ex-situ conservation.

Keywords


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