The conservation status of the endemic species Karvandarina cartilaginea (Mozaff.) Parishani, Mirtadz. & Bordbar

Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran

Authors

1 Associate 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 Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization(AREEO), Tehran, Iran

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

10.22092/irn.2026.370451.1667

Abstract

The endemic species Karvandarina cartilaginea (Mozaff.) Parishani, Mirtadz. & Bordbar belongs to the family Asteraceae, genus Karvandarina, and subgenus Pseudojurinea. In earlier treatments of the Flora of Iran, this taxon was described as Jurinea cartilaginea Mozaffarian within the subfamily Carduineae (Cass.). However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified its taxonomic position, and the currently accepted name is Karvandarina cartilaginea. The holotype specimen was collected from the Tang Takab region. The conservation status of this species was evaluated in accordance with the criteria established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), specifically considering Area of Occupancy (AOO), Extent of Occurrence (EOO), and population size parameters. Field investigations demonstrated that the species is restricted to only two habitats in Khuzestan Province and the adjacent border area with Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province, confirming its strict endemism to Iran. Two small and spatially isolated populations were identified, each comprising approximately 30 mature individuals. The area of each occupied habitat was estimated at nearly 0.5 km². Based on the IUCN Red List criteria, particularly categories B1 and B2 (geographical range) as well as criteria C and D (small population size and limited number of mature individuals), K. cartilaginea is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). Its habitats are severely affected by anthropogenic disturbances, especially recurrent fire and uncontrolled grazing, which represent the primary threats to this endemic species. Therefore, immediate conservation measures, strict habitat protection, and designation as a genetic reserve are strongly recommended. The species reproduces sexually through seeds, and habitat enclosure and effective management would likely facilitate its natural regeneration and local expansion.

Keywords

References

Dinarvand. M. & Jamzad, Z., 2020. Plant diversity of Khuzestan and dust sources in the southwest of Iran, with a checklist of vascular plants. Phytotaxa 434(3): 219-254. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.434.3.3
IUCN, 2017. Guidelines for using the IUCN red list categories and criteria ver. 13. Prepared by the standards and petitions subcommittee, 108p.
Mirtadzadini, M., Bordbar, F., Parishani, M. R., Vitek, E. & Rahiminejad, M. R., 2018. Novelties in Cardueae (Asteraceae). Nova Biologica Reperta 5 (3): 337-348. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.434.3.3
Mozaffarian, V., 1988. New species and new plant records from Iran. Iranian Journal of Botany 4: 61-70.
https://powo.science.kew.org
Rechinger, K.H., 1980. Karvandarina. – In: Rechinger, K.H. (ed.), Flora Iranica. 139b: 302-303. – Akad. Druck- und Verlagsanstalt, Graz.
Rechinger, K.H., 1950. Anzeiger der Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch- Naturwissenschatliche Klasse. Wien, LXXXVII.: 198.
 
Iran Nature
Volume 10, Issue 5 - Serial Number 54
January and February 2026
Pages 107-114

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics