The conservation status of Astragalus dianat-nejadii , as an endemic species

Abstract

Astragalus dianat-nejadii is an endemic species in Iran and it is distributed in Arasbaran region in East Azarbaijan province. The conservation status of this species was studied based on the criteria of the international union for conservation of nature (IUCN). The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of the species was calculated using geocat software. Also, to determine the number of mature individuals, several plots were located in the habitat and their number was estimated. This species was subjected to critically endangered due to three criteria of EOO, AOO and number of mature individuals. Although this species is not grazed by livestock due to its woodiness and thorns, but its habitat is affected by human impact such as road construction and etc. Therefore, it needs to be protected as a unique genetic reserve. In order to protect the habitat and prevent the extinction of this species, it is highly recommended to collect seeds and store them in the Natural Resources Gene Bank, propagate and plant them in botanical gardens, sowing in the main habitat and to fence a part of the habitat.