Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran
Authors
1
Associate Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, (AREEO), Kermanshah, Iran.
2
Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, (AREEO), Kermanshah, Iran
3
Research Expert, Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Kermanshah, Iran
4
Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
10.22092/irn.2026.370463.1668
Abstract
Nepeta assadii Jamzad is a perennial, cushion‑form subshrub with a woody base and is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This species is a local endemic restricted to Kermanshah Province in western Iran. Its conservation status was evaluated according to IUCN criteria, including extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and population size. The mean AOO and EOO values were calculated as 0.03 and 6.477 square kilometers, respectively. Based on these results, N. assadii is classified as Critically Endangered (CR). It occurs in highly fragmented populations on steep, rocky slopes with inclines exceeding 40%. Although all recorded individuals were mature, fruit production and reproductive success were low. Because in‑situ conservation is widely recognized as the most effective and economically sustainable approach for plant protection, safeguarding these habitats is essential. To ensure the species’ survival, it is advised to store its seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank and to cultivate specimens in the National Botanical Garden of Iran. Additionally, the habitats of this endemic species must be protected by the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization.
Keywords
)