The conservation status of Tricholepis khuzestanica Parishani an endemic species of Iran

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 Dept of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran Univ. of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

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

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

10.22092/irn.2026.370761.1681

Abstract

Shimbar Protected Area, located in the southern Zagros Mountains of Iran, harbors remarkable habitat diversity resulting from the interaction of both biotic and abiotic factors. Variations in elevation, slope, and the presence of numerous rock crevices and other microhabitats have created favorable conditions for high plant species diversity and endemism. Tricholepis khuzestanica Parishani is an endemic species that was first described from this protected area and, to date, is known from only a single natural population in Khuzestan Province. Owing to its extremely restricted distribution, this species requires immediate conservation attention. The present study aimed to describe the botanical and habitat characteristics of T. khuzestanica and to evaluate its conservation status according to the criteria and categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Field surveys revealed that the species is represented by a single, small population comprising approximately 50 individuals occupying an area of about 500 m². The extent of occurrence (EOO) was equivalent to the area of occupancy (AOO), reflecting its highly restricted geographical distribution. Based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN, 2024), considering its extremely limited geographic range, very small population size, and high vulnerability to habitat disturbance, T. khuzestanica is assigned to the Critically Endangered (CR) category. To ensure the long-term survival of this narrowly endemic species, strict protection of its natural habitat through complete exclusion of destructive human activities, together with ex situ conservation by collecting and preserving seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran, is strongly recommended. These complementary conservation measures will help safeguard the remaining genetic resources of this rare species and reduce its risk of extinction.

Keywords

References

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Iran Nature
Volume 11, Issue 2 - Serial Number 57
July and August 2026
Pages 81-86

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