The conservation status of three Iranian endemic species of Saxifraga

Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran

Authors

1 Assistant Prof., Botanical Garden of Nowshahr, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization AREEO, Nowshahr, Iran,

2 Associate Prof., Botanical Garden of Nowshahr, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization AREEO, Nowshahr, Iran

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

10.22092/irn.2025.367632.1619

Abstract

The conservation status of three Iranian endemic species of Saxifraga—Saxifraga iranica Bornm., S. ramsarica Jamzad, and S. wendelboi Schönbeck-Temesy—belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, was assessed and classified according to the IUCN threat categories and criteria. In line with IUCN guidelines, three key criteria were applied: Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and population size. Based on field investigations and plot sampling, the Area of Occupancy of S. iranica was estimated, and the species was designated as Critically Endangered (CR). Similarly, considering both the Area of Occupancy and Extent of Occurrence of S. ramsarica and S. wendelboi, these two species were also classified as Critically Endangered (CR). The primary threats identified were overgrazing and consecutive years of drought. Given their ornamental value and the challenges associated with seedling establishment in rocky, mountainous habitats, these species are suitable candidates for ex-situ conservation in botanical gardens. Propagation efforts should be prioritized, and the collection and storage of their seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran would further enhance their ex-situ conservation. Concurrently, in situ conservation measures, including the protection of their natural habitats by the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, are essential to ensure the long-term survival of these endemic species.

Keywords

References

Aghaahmadi, M., Mahmoodi, M. and Jamzad, Z., 2014. Distribution patterns of Iranian species of Saxifraga with their phytogeographical significance. Rostaniha, 15: 85–93. DOI:10.22092/botany.2014.101233.
Jalili, A. and Jamzad, Z., 1999. Red data book of Iran, a preliminary survey of endemic, rare & endangered plant species in Iran. Research Institute of Forest & Rangelands Publication. 748 p.
Schönbeck-Temsey, E., 1967. Saxifragaceae, In: K H. Rechinger(ed.), Flora Iranica, No. 42, Akademische Druck-u. Verlagsanstalt und Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Graz & Wien.
Jamzad, Z., 1993. Studies on Saxifragaceae flora of Iran. Iranian Journal of Botany, 6 (1): 137-142.
 
 
Iran Nature
Volume 10, Issue 2 - Serial Number 51
July and August 2025
Pages 101-107

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics