Irano-Turanian Region Research Articles

Saharo-Sindian endemic flora of Egypt: critical checklist, floristic analysis, habitats, and phytogeographic distribution

The Saharo-Sindian region is characterized by savannas, semi-deserts, and hot deserts. This floristic region includes Morocco, Mauretania, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, South of Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, in addition to the Sind region. The Sudano-Zambezian region, part of the Paleotropical Kingdom, and the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions, included in the Holarctic Kingdom, share a significant portion of their flora with the studied region. This study initiates the examination of the Saharo-Sindian endemic plants occurring in Egypt. Its objectives include assessing the list of endemic plants within this floristic region, and studying various aspects such as: life forms, habitats, rarity forms, flowering times, dispersal types, and phytogeographical distribution. Twenty field trips were conducted from spring 2020 to September 2023, investigating different regions in Egypt. In addition, all the previous studies performed in the investigated area, scientific literature, and specimens from the region housed in different herbaria have been taken into consideration. The inventory of plants that are endemic to the Saharo-Sindian floristic region in Egypt comprises 126 plant taxa (109 species, 17 subspecies) distributed across 87 genera and 37 families. These endemics are found in 11 habitat types, with the most abundant occurrences observed in inland rocky areas (82 taxa) and temperate shrublands (57 taxa). Moreover, South Sinai stands out as the richest region for Saharo-Sindian endemics, hosting a remarkable 83 taxa, which constitute 65.9% of the total endemics. Among these, the chamaephytes group leads with 56 taxa, followed by the therophytes with 32 taxa. Pogonochores (45 taxa) are the most represented dispersal type. This study holds significant importance in evaluating a critical checklist of plants endemic to the Saharo-Sindian region in Egypt, contributing to our understanding of species diversity in regions facing severe anthropogenic disturbance. This list provides a foundational reference for future monitoring programs.

Evolutionary history of an Irano-Turanian cushion-forming legume (Onobrychis cornuta).

The Irano-Turanian region is one of the largest floristic regions in the world and harbors a high percentage of endemics, including cushion-like and dwarf-shrubby taxa. Onobrychis cornuta is an important cushion-forming element of the subalpine/alpine flora of the Irano-Turanian floristic region. To specify the genetic diversity among the populations of this species (including individuals of O. elymaitica), we employed nrDNA ITS and two noncoding regions of plastid DNA (rpl32-trnL(UAG) and trnT(UGU)-trnL(UAA)). The most striking feature of O. cornuta assemblages was the unexpectedly high nucleotide diversity in both the nDNA and cpDNA dataset. In the analyses of nuclear and plastid regions, 25 ribotypes and 42 haplotypes were found among 77 and 59 accessions, respectively, from Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Network analysis of the datasets demonstrated geographic differentiation within the species. Phylogenetic analyses of all dataset retrieved O. cornuta as a non-monophyletic species due to the inclusion of O. elymaitica, comprising four distinct lineages. In addition, our analyses showed cytonuclear discordance between both nuclear and plastid topologies regarding the position of some O. cornuta individuals. The underlying causes of this inconsistency remain unclear. However, we speculate that chloroplast capture, incomplete lineage sorting, and introgression were the main reasons for this event. Furthermore, molecular dating analysis indicated that O. cornuta originated in the early Pliocene (around 4.8 Mya) and started to diversify throughout the Pliocene and in particular the Pleistocene. Moreover, O. elymaitica was reduced to a subspecific rank within the species.

An Overview of the History of Bellevalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) Infrageneric Classifications and Evaluation of Cilia at Leaf Margins to Determine the Position of Species in the Classification

Bellevalia Lapeyr. (Asparagaceae) underwent numerous changes in infrageneric classification based on morphological characteristics between 1854 and 1980. In 1939, a comprehensive classification was proposed, based on the morphological features of the flowers and leaves of 45 species. This classification, which was unique at the time, divided the genus into four sections and six subsections. In 2021, a phylogenetic study was conducted on 14 Bellevalia species using four plastid genes. The study led to a revised infrageneric classification determined by the presence or absence of cilia at the leaf margins. In this study, morphological characteristics, particularly the presence of cilia at the leaf margins, were assessed for of 40 Bellevalia species and categorised according to the recent infrageneric classification. The results showed that 13 species exhibited glabrous or smooth leaf margins while 27 displayed non-glabrous leaf margins. Three types of cilia were observed in non-glabrous species: a) ribbon-shape, b) turbinate or conical, and c) papilla. Notably, the species with glabrous leaf margins were exclusively found in the Irano-Turanian region, whereas non-glabrous species were distributed throughout the Irano-Turanian, Mediterranean and Saharo-Sindian regions.

Molecular genetics, seed morphology and fatty acids diversity in castor (Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae) Iranian populations.

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) seeds contain a large amount of oil that has several biological activities. In the current research, phytogeographic distribution, seed morphological characteristics, molecular genetic diversity and structure, and fatty acid composition were investigated in nine Iranian castor populations. The cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol was used to extract the nuclear genomes. These were later amplified using 13 SCoT molecular primers. The phytogeographic distribution was determined based on the Zohary mapping, GC apparatus determined the fatty acid composition of the seeds. GenAlex, STRUCTURE, GenoDive, PopGene, and PopART software were used for the statistical analyzes. On phytogeographic mapping, the harvested populations belonged to different districts of the Euro-Siberian and Irano-Turanian regions (Holarctic kingdom). Most of the quantitative morphological traits of the seeds differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between the populations. The AMOVA test demonstrated a large proportion of significant genetic diversity assigned among populations, which were approved by some estimated parameters of genetic diversity such as Nm, Ht, Hs, and Gst. Nei's genetic distance and structure analysis confirmed the existence of two main genotype groups and some intermediates. However, there was no isolation by distance between the genotypes. Unsaturated fatty acids were detected as the main component of seed oil with linoleic and ricinoleic acids. Significant correlations were detected between the main fatty acids of seed oil with seed morphological traits, geographic distance and the geographic parameters of habitats. According to the composition of the seed fatty acids, four chemotypes groups were detected. The classification patterns of the populations based on molecular genetic data, fatty acid composition, and phytogeographic mapping were not identical. These findings indicated that Iranian castor populations had unusual seed fatty acid composition which strongly depended on habitat geographic factors and seed morphological traits. However, the identified chemotypes and genotypes can be used in future breeding programs.

Contribution to Taxonomic Knowledge of Crepis dioritica (Asteraceae): A Threatened Endemic Species in Türkiye

Aim of study: Crepis dioritica Schott & Kotschy ex Boiss. (=Crepis albiflora Babcock) is a threatened endemic species in Türkiye. The aim of this study is to contribute taxonomic knowledge of this species, and to reasses of its IUCN Red List category.
 Area of study: Bolkar Mountains (Niğde) and Irano-Turanian region. 
 Material and methods: The comprehensive floristic studies in type locality of C. dioritica in Bolkar Mountains were carried out. Besides, the specimens previously collected from the type locality and Irano-Turanian region of the species were examined in detail.
 Main results: The typification of the name Crepis dioritica erronously cited as holotype was corrected to lectotype herein. Besides, the IUCN category of the species was reassesed as VU (vulnerable), and its distribution pattern was given in detail for the first time. 
 Highlights: The data obtained from this study can be used for nomenclature and taxonomy of C. dioritica.

Impact of the climatic changes in the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition on Irano-Turanian species. The radiation of genus Jurinea (Compositae)

The Irano-Turanian region is one of the world’s richest floristic regions and the centre of diversity for numerous xerophytic plant lineages. However, we still have limited knowledge on the timing of evolution and biogeographic history of its flora, and potential drivers of diversification remain underexplored. To fill this knowledge gap, we focus on the Eurasian genus Jurinea (ca. 200 species), one of the largest plant radiations that diversified in the region. We applied a macroevolutionary integrative approach to explicitly test diversification hypotheses and investigate the relative roles of geography vs. ecology and niche conservatism vs. niche lability in speciation processes. To do so, we gathered a sample comprising 77% of total genus richness and obtained data about (1) its phylogenetic history, recovering 502 nuclear loci sequences; (2) growth forms; (3) ecological niche, compiling data of 21 variables for more than 2500 occurrences; and (4) paleoclimatic conditions, to estimate climatic stability. Our results revealed that climate was a key factor in the evolutionary dynamics of Jurinea. The main diversification and biogeographic events that occurred during past climate changes, which led to colder and drier conditions, are the following: (1) the origin of the genus (10.7 Ma); (2) long-distance dispersals from the Iranian Plateau to adjacent regions (∼7–4 Ma); and (3) the diversification shift during Pliocene-Pleistocene Transition (ca. 3 Ma), when net diversification rate almost doubled. Our results supported the pre-adaptation hypothesis, i.e., the evolutionary success of Jurinea was linked to the retention of the ancestral niche adapted to aridity. Interestingly, the paleoclimatic analyses revealed that in the Iranian Plateau long-term climatic stability favoured old-lineage persistence, resulting in current high species richness of semi-arid and cold adapted clades; whereas moderate climate oscillations stimulated allopatric diversification in the lineages distributed in the Circumboreal region. In contrast, growth form lability and high niche disparity among closely related species in the Central Asian clade suggest adaptive radiation to mountain habitats. In sum, the radiation of Jurinea is the result of both adaptive and non-adaptive processes influenced by climatic, orogenic and ecological factors.

Phylogenetic position of Dorema within Ferula (Apiaceae)

Dorema (Apiaceae) includes 12 species distributed in the Irano-Turanian region. The genus differs from other genera of subfamily Apioideae in having paniculate inflorescences with simple umbels. Recently, molecular phylogenetic analyses placed six species of Dorema, including the generitype, in Ferula, thus subsuming the former into the synonymy of the latter. The remaining six congeners have not been yet included in molecular analyses. Here, we fill this gap by determining the phylogenetic position of these species. Because of a low resolution in some parts of the Ferula tree in earlier studies, alongside standard set of markers—nuclear nrDNA ITS and plastid rps16 and rpoC1 introns and the rpoB-trnC intergenic spacer—we additionally assessed the utility of nrDNA ETS sequences in resolving infrageneric relationships in the genus. We included 43 ingroup species representing major infrageneric divisions recognised in the most recent taxonomic revision. Although we were not successful in obtaining all markers for all newly studied species, they were placed with high support in one clade within section Peucedanoides together with formerly studied congeners in all maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of nuclear, plastid, and combined data sets. The addition of the ETS marker to the combined phylogenetic analyses confirmed the most recent classification of Ferula with increased branch support in some parts of the tree. However, many branches still remained unresolved. In particular, the monophyly of former Dorema within section Peucedanoides as suggested by morphology has not been definitely confirmed. A new combination and two nomina nova are proposed.

First floristic investigation in archaeological sites of Iran: features and plant richness of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site

ABSTRACT Archaeological areas often become hotspots for biodiversity and refugia for plant species. The management activity of a site permits the conservation of natural habitats. This first contribution to the floristic assessment of an Iranian archaeological site, aims to preserve its natural values. The Pasargadae World Heritage Site (6th century BC) located at the border between the Zagros mountains and the Irano-Turanian region, showed a richness of 244 species, belonging to 38 families and 163 genera. The most represented families are Asteraceae (56), Poaceae (34), and Fabaceae (22). Herbaceous species represented 90% of the flora [therophytes (42%), hemicryptophytes (39%), and geophytes (9%)]. Asiatic, Irano-Turanian, and Mediterranean species are the most recurrent species with a high component of endemic ones. Astragalus ghashghaicus, Taraxacum plicatulum, Acantholimon serotinum, and Linaria farsensis were among the more interesting floristic elements. The comparison with past data, even if limited in quantity, indicated a good floristic conservation status. This research also showed the need to deepen our knowledge of the taxonomic features of this Iranian flora, sometimes still resulting in an ambiguous or unresolved status. The collected floristic data will help in elaborating management protocols, to enhance the cultural and natural value of the site.

Pollen morphology in Iranian species of Onosma (Boraginaceae)

The genus Onosma is one of the largest genera of the family Boraginaceae, with about 240 species distributed mainly in the mountainous habitats of the Irano-Turanian region. Determining the boundaries of the species in this genus has been faced with several problems, and their relationships are still poorly understood based on the recent phylogenetic studies. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the pollen micromorphology of 40 species of Iranian Onosma by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to identify attributes perhaps important for a subgeneric classification. On the basis of pollen SEM images, three types of pollen shapes were observed, and the prolate pollen shape was predominant. In addition, three aperture types were observed. All species studied had microechinate, perforate, microechinate, verrucae, microechinate, perforate, and verrucate, microechinate exine sculpture. Based on cluster analysis and principal component analysis, the species studied were divided into two main groups showing different quantitative and qualitative traits. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that micro-morphological pollen traits can be used as valuable evidence in the taxonomy of the genus Onosma. However, we believe that palynology alone cannot successfully identify species in this genus and should use comprehensive evidence to identify species.

Biogeography of Rhaponticoides, an Irano-Turanian element in the Mediterranean flora

Floristic relationships between the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean regions have been known from old. However, only a few biogeographical analyses based on molecular data have evaluated the history of steppe plants within the Mediterranean basin. Our study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the migratory and diversification processes by reconstructing the biogeography of Rhaponticoides (Cardueae), distributed in the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. We generated nuclear and plastid sequences that were analyzed by Bayesian inference. We used the resulting phylogeny for dating the diversification of the genus and examining the dispersal pathways. Two clades were recovered, an Irano-Turanian clade and a Mediterranean clade. The origin of the genus was placed in the Anatolian plateau in the Middle Miocene. The genus experienced several diversifications and expansions correlated to the Messinian salinity crisis and the environmental changes in the Pliocene and the Quaternary. Rhaponticoides migrated following two routes reflecting the two souls of the genus: Irano-Turanian taxa colonized the steppes of Eurasia whilst Mediterranean species migrated via eastern and central Mediterranean and North Africa, leaving a trail of species; both pathways ended in the Iberian Peninsula. Our study also confirms that more work is needed to unravel phylogenetic relationships in Rhaponticoides.

Vascular flora of Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area in Central Kopet Dagh Mountains, NE Iran: An annotated checklist

Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area (ZPA) is a part of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province of the Irano-Turanian region. In this research, we present the first checklist of vascular plants of ZPA along with the life-form spectrum, phytogeography, and conservation status. We conducted field surveys through several random collection efforts and vegetation sampling during 2015–2017. A total of 549 species/infraspecific taxa belonging to 69 families and 318 genera are recorded as native and naturalized plants. The most prominent families are Asteraceae (43 genera/72 species), Poaceae (29/44), Brassicaceae (31/43), Fabaceae (15/43), and Chenopodiaceae (24/41). The richest genera are Astragalus (21 taxa), Euphorbia (10), Acanthophyllum (8), and Allium (8). The therophytes (47.2 %) and hemicryptophytes (25.2%) are dominant in the life-form spectrum. Irano-Turanian elements (347 taxa, 63.2%) are the most common plants; however, the area is inhabited by several Iranian and/or Khorassan-Kopet Dagh endemic, rare and narrow-range plants, among which 17 species are threatened. Astragalus androssovianus Gontsch. is also recorded as new to the flora of Iran. Over-grazing and exploiting valuable plants are the most critical threats to the area. The results support more effective protection practices to ensure the conservation of the unique flora of Central Kopet Dagh.

A new classification of C4- Atriplex species in Russia, with the first alien record of Atriplexflabellum (Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae) from North Siberia.

For a long time, the systematics of Atriplex was based solely on morphological characters and leaf anatomy. The latest worldwide phylogenetic study of Atriplex significantly improved our knowledge about the relationships within the genus, but a new classification has not been put forward thus far. Here we re-evaluate the taxonomy of C4-species of Atriplex that are native to Russia. Seven species are classified into two sections, A.sect.Obione (incl. A.sect.Sclerocalymma, syn. nov.) (A.altaica, A.centralasiatica, A.rosea, A.sibirica, and A.sphaeromorpha), and A.sect.Obionopsis (incl. A.sect.Psammophila, syn. nov.) (A.fominii and A.tatarica). Although the majority of Eurasian C4-species have similar morphology, leafy inflorescence is a typical character for A.sect.Obione. The members of A.sect.Obionopsis are characterised mostly by aphyllous inflorescences, but some species (A.laciniata, A.pratovii, and A.tornabenei) have leafy inflorescences. Geographically, almost all members of A.sect.Obione are confined to Central Asia, although A.rosea is a typical Mediterranean element and A.argentea occurs in North America. The representatives of A.sect.Obionopsis are distributed mostly in the Mediterranean and the Irano-Turanian floristic region. The alien status of A.rosea, A.sibirica and A.tatarica is discussed. Atriplexflabellum, a desert species from the Irano-Turanian region, is reported for the first time from Russia (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, North Siberia) as a casual alien. This species occupies a phylogenetic position distant from both aforementioned sections. An identification key to all C4-species of the genus growing in Russia is given, and a sectional checklist with updated nomenclature and revised synonymy is provided.

From Western Asia to the Mediterranean Basin: Diversification of the Widespread Euphorbia nicaeensis Alliance (Euphorbiaceae).

The Mediterranean Basin is an important biodiversity hotspot and one of the richest areas in the world in terms of plant diversity. Its flora parallels in several aspects that of the Eurasian steppes and the adjacent Irano-Turanian floristic region. The Euphorbia nicaeensis alliance spans this immense area from the western Mediterranean to Central Asia. Using an array of complementary methods, ranging from phylogenomic and phylogenetic data through relative genome size (RGS) estimation to morphometry, we explored relationships and biogeographic connections among taxa of this group. We identified the main evolutionary lineages, which mostly correspond to described taxa. However, despite the use of highly resolving Restriction Site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing data, relationships among the main lineages remain ambiguous. This is likely due to hybridisation, lineage sorting triggered by rapid range expansion, and polyploidisation. The phylogenomic data identified cryptic diversity in the Mediterranean, which is also correlated with RGS and, partly, also, morphological divergence, rendering the description of a new species necessary. Biogeographic analyses suggest that Western Asia is the source area for the colonisation of the Mediterranean by this plant group and highlight the important contribution of the Irano-Turanian region to the high diversity in the Mediterranean Basin. The diversification of the E. nicaeensis alliance in the Mediterranean was triggered by vicariance in isolated Pleistocene refugia, morphological adaptation to divergent ecological conditions, and, to a lesser extent, by polyploidisation.

Is the vegetation archetype of the Garden of Eden located in the Irano-Turanian region and safe against climate change?

Is the vegetation archetype of the Garden of Eden located in the Irano-Turanian region and safe against climate change?

Five new records and two new reports of Cotoneaster Medik. (Rosaceae) for the Flora of Iran

Cotoneaster Medik. is an important and taxonomically complex group due to numerous and variable forms. Therefore, it is an interesting object for taxonomical studies. Five new records, including Cotoneaster transcaucasicus Pojark., C. minutus G. Klotz, C. afghanicus G. Klotz, C. aitchisonii C. K. Schneid., C. ellipticus Hort ex Loudon are identified for the first time from Iran. Moreover, C. meyeri Pojark. and C. insignis Pojark. are reported for the second time for the Flora of Iran and for the first time based on exact location and sample collection. These taxa are compared with their closest relatives. A morphological key, taxonomic treatment, color photographs, and distribution map are provided for the mentioned species. All the introduced species belong to Irano-Turanian region or ecotones of Irano- Turanian and Eurosiberian regions.

Phylogeny and Historical Biogeography of Veronica Subgenus Pentasepalae (Plantaginaceae): Evidence for Its Origin and Subsequent Dispersal.

Simple SummaryThe Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region is considered a biodiversity reservoir for adjacent regions. The present phylogeographic study suggests that Veronica subgenus Pentasepalae originated in the Iranian plateau and was dispersed via a North African route to the Mediterranean and the Euro-Siberian regions. These findings highlight the importance of the Iranian plateau as a center of origin for many temperate plant species. Our results also resolve several taxonomic and phylogenetic issues surrounding the Southwest Asian species of this subgenus.Veronica subgenus Pentasepalae is the largest subgenus of Veronica in the Northern Hemisphere with approximately 80 species mainly from Southwest Asia. In order to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among the members of V. subgenus Pentasepalae and to test the “out of the Iranian plateau” hypothesis, we applied thorough taxonomic sampling, employing nuclear DNA (ITS) sequence data complimented with morphological studies and chromosome number counts. Several high or moderately supported clades are reconstructed, but the backbone of the phylogenetic tree is generally unresolved, and many Southwest Asian species are scattered along a large polytomy. It is proposed that rapid diversification of the Irano-Turanian species in allopatric glacial refugia and a relatively high rate of extinction during interglacial periods resulted in such phylogenetic topology. The highly variable Asian V. orientalis–V. multifida complex formed a highly polyphyletic assemblage, emphasizing the idea of cryptic speciation within this group. The phylogenetic results allow the re-assignment of two species into this subgenus. In addition, V. bombycina subsp. bolkardaghensis, V. macrostachya subsp. schizostegia and V. fuhsii var. linearis are raised to species rank and the new name V. parsana is proposed for the latter. Molecular dating and ancestral area reconstructions indicate a divergence age of about 9 million years ago and a place of origin on the Iranian Plateau. Migration to the Western Mediterranean region has likely taken place through a North African route during early quaternary glacial times. This study supports the assumption of the Irano-Turanian region as a source of taxa for neighboring regions, particularly in the alpine flora.

Overall phylogenetic relationships of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) shed light on the origin of the predominantly Caucasian and Irano-Turanian S. orientalis group

Scutellaria is one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae with an estimated 400–500 species with a nearly worldwide distribution. Most species occur in the N hemisphere, with the Caucasus and the wider Irano-Turanian region housing a large number of taxa, many of them considered endemic. We present an overall phylogeny of the monophyletic genus Scutellaria based on rapidly evolving plastid regions (matK-trnK, rpl16, trnL-F). Three well-supported clades are evident, which render the currently accepted S. subg. Scutellaria paraphyletic to S. subg. Apeltanthus, which appears nested in “clade A”, in which the African S. schweinfurthii is sister to all remaining taxa, followed by other lineages of S. subg. Scutellaria. Ancestral states of 12 morphological characters frequently used as diagnostic from subgenus to species level were reconstructed with BayesTraits. The S. orientalis group appears as a major radiation in the Caucasus area and the Irano-Turanian region that may comprise up to a quarter of the species in the genus. This radiation corresponds to a monophyletically defined S. sect. Lupulinaria, characterized by decussate inflorescences and specialized (e.g. cucullate) bracts. Our phylogenetic data present significant resolution at the species level within the S. orientalis group, indicating complex geographically centred patterns of speciation in adaptation to steppe and high mountain habitats, including multiple evolution of pinnate and tomentose leaves. The detailed infrageneric classification of Juzepczuk (1951, 1954) mostly does not reflect natural groups. Citation: Salimov R. A., Parolly G. & Borsch T. 2021: Overall phylogenetic relationships of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) shed light on the origin of the predominantly Caucasian and Irano-Turanian S. orientalis group. – Willdenowia 51: 395–427. Version of record first published online on 23 December 2021 ahead of inclusion in December 2021 issue.

Past, present and future suitable areas for the relict tree Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Juglandaceae): Integrating fossil records, niche modeling, and phylogeography for conservation

Pterocarya fraxinifolia, native to the southern Caucasus and adjacent areas, has been widely introduced in Europe. In this study, we investigate the following: (1) How did its current distribution form? (2) What are the past, current, and future suitable habitats of P. fraxinifolia? (3) What is the best conservation approach? Ecological niche modeling was applied to determine its climatic demands and project the distribution of climatically suitable areas during three periods of past, current, and future (2070) time. Then, an integrated analysis of fossil data was performed. Massive expansion of Pterocarya species between the Miocene and Pliocene facilitated the arrival of P. fraxinifolia to the southern Caucasus. The Last Glacial Maximum played a vital role in its current fragmented spatial distribution in the Euxinian and Hyrcanian regions with lower elevations, and Caucasian and Irano-Turanian regions with higher elevations. Climatic limiting factors were very different across these four regions. Future climate change will create conditions for the expansion of this species in Europe. Human activities significantly decreased the suitable area for P. fraxinifolia, especially in the Euxinian, Hyrcanian, and Irano-Turanian regions. Considering genetic diversity, climate vulnerability, and land utilization, the Euxinian, Hyrcanian, and Irano-Turanian regions have been recognized as conservation priority areas for P. fraxinifolia.

Evolution, systematics and historical biogeography of sand flies of the subgenus Paraphlebotomus (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotomus) inferred using restriction-site associated DNA markers.

Phlebotomine sand flies are the main natural vectors of Leishmania, which cause visceral and tegumentary tropical diseases worldwide. However, their taxonomy and evolutionary history remain poorly studied. Indeed, as for many human disease vectors, their small size is a challenge for morphological and molecular works. Here, we successfully amplified unbiased copies of whole genome to sequence thousands of restriction-site associated DNA (RAD) markers from single specimens of phlebotomines. RAD markers were used to infer a fully resolved phylogeny of the subgenus Paraphlebotomus (11 species + 5 outgroups, 32 specimens). The subgenus was not recovered as monophyletic and we describe a new subgenus Artemievus subg. nov. Depaquit for Phlebotomus alexandri. We also confirm the validity of Ph. riouxi which is reinstated as valid species. Our analyses suggest that Paraphlebotomus sensu nov. originated ca 12.9-8.5 Ma and was possibly largely distributed from peri-Mediterranean to Irano-Turanian regions. Its biogeographical history can be summarized into three phases: i) a first split between Ph. riouxi + Ph. chabaudi and other species that may have resulted from the rise of the Saharan belt ca 8.5 Ma; ii) a Messinian vicariant event (7.3-5.3 Ma) during which the prolonged drought could have resulted in the divergence of main lineages; iii) a recent radiation event (3-2 Ma) that correspond to cycles of wet and dry periods in the Middle East and the East African subregions during the Pleistocene. Interestingly these cycles are also hypothetical drivers of the diversification of rodents, in the burrows of which Paraphlebotomus larvae develop. By meeting the challenge of sequencing pangenomics markers from single, minute phlebotomines, this work opens new avenues for improving our understanding of the epidemiology of leishmaniases and possibly other human diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors.

Distribution patterns and conservation status of Crocus species in Iran, one of the diversity centers of Crocus in the Middle East

Abstract Assessing distribution patterns of valuable taxa plays an important role in the biodiversity conservation of these taxa. The genus Crocus L. (Iridaceae) comprises about 100 species that are distributed mainly in the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The present study purposed to assess the distribution patterns of Iranian Crocus species (including C. sativus L. and 8 wild species) and their conservation status in Iran as one of diversity centers of Crocus in the Middle East. A set of geographic distribution data was compiled through field studies, and reviews of herbarium specimens, iNaturalist, and various Flora. Localities were marked on geo-referenced maps (1/106) of Iran using ArcView version 3.2 (Esri, 2000). The distribution patterns of the taxa were mapped per 0.25° × 0.25° universal transverse Mercator grid cells (25 km2 with the exception of boundary area). Based on the species distribution (SDI) (33%) and species specialization (SSI) (44%) indices, those Iranian Crocus species that are threatened are mainly distributed in Irano-Turanian region. The mountainous ecosystems of Almeh and Western Alborz are important distribution centers of these taxa. Iranian Crocus species with SSI < 0.5 (C. almehensis, C. gilanicus, C. michelsonii, and C. caspius) have the highest conservation value.