Conservation status of Nepeta sahandica, an endemic species from NW Iran

Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran

Authors

1 Research Expert, Research Division of Natural Resources Department, East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz, Iran

2 Professor, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Watershed Management and Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran

10.22092/irn.2026.369130.1643

Abstract

The genus Nepeta L. is among the largest genera of the family Lamiaceae in the flora of Iran, distinguished by remarkable taxonomic diversity and high species richness. Owing to this exceptional diversification, Iran is recognized as one of the principal global centers of speciation and diversity for the genus. With approximately 54% endemic species, Nepeta represents the most significant genus of Lamiaceae in the country. Several endemic taxa exhibit extremely restricted geographical ranges, often confined to a single province, and are therefore regarded as rare, vulnerable, or threatened. Nepeta sahandica is a rare endemic species distributed in northwestern Iran, specifically in East Azerbaijan and Ardabil. It occurs at elevations of 3000–3665 m above sea level in the Sahand Mountains and 3000–3600 m in the Aghdagh Mountains. The conservation status of N. sahandica was evaluated in accordance with the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Area of Occupancy (AOO) was calculated as 1.2 km², while the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) was estimated at 103.6 km². Based on these parameters and the limited number of mature individuals, the species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR). Given its narrow distribution range and small population size, urgent in-situ conservation measures should be implemented by the Forests, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organization and the Department of Environment of Iran. Ex-situ conservation strategies may include long-term seed storage in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran, cultivation and propagation at regional research stations in East Azerbaijan and Ardabil provinces, and maintenance within the National Botanical Garden of Iran. Reintroduction into suitable natural habitats could further contribute to the preservation and ecological restoration of this threatened endemic species.

Keywords

References

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Iran Nature
Volume 10, Issue 5 - Serial Number 54
January and February 2026
Pages 115-119

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