Document Type : Rare and Endangered Plant Species of Iran
Authors
1
Assistant Prof., Botany Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran,
2
- Researcher, Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Mashhad, Iran
3
- Prof., Botany Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
4
Prof., Botany Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
10.22092/irn.2026.370637.1677
Abstract
Silene renzii Melzh. var. renzii (Caryophyllaceae) is an endemic cushion-form shrub and a rocky species native to the calcareous rocky cliffs of South Khorasan Province in eastern Iran. In the present study, the conservation status of S. renzii var. renzii was assessed based on IUCN criteria, including area of occupancy (AOO), extent of occurrence (EOO), and population size. The results showed that this species has only one population, which grows mainly on calcareous rocky cliffs. The AOO is approximately 0.1 km². According to IUCN criteria, S. renzii var. renzii is classified as critically endangered (CR). Although it grows on rocky cliffs, some accessible individuals have disappeared due to overgrazing. For ex-situ protection, suitable programs such as preserving seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank of the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands and cultivating them at the National Botanical Garden of Iran are suggested. Given its limited habitat, it is recommended that the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization implement effective plans to protect its specific habitat
Keywords
)