The conservation status of Acantholimon glabratum Assadi subsp. kashanense Batuli & Assadi; A rare and endemic subspecies from Iran

Acantholimon glabratum Assadi subsp. kashanense Batuli & Assadi is an endemic subspecies in Vishange-e Barzuk highlands and Qhamsar; Qazaan (Isfahan Province, Iran). The very limited distribution of this plant is only on rocks and the alluvial fan ridge of the Kargash Mountain, in the protected area of Barzuk-Ghamsar. Its habitat is located in mountainous part of the Irano -Touranian region and in the altitude range of 2850 to 3100 meters above sea level. The conservation status of A. glabratum subsp. kashanense was defined based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Categories. Referring to the area of occupancy, highly fragmented populations, low regeneration due to limited seed setting and quality of habitat, A. glabratum subsp. kashanense is recognized as “Critically Endangered”. The field observations indicated that excessive livestock surplus on rangeland, eradication by indigenous people, mine exploration activity and road construction in this area were the main threats to this subspecies. Therefore, special attention and full conservation of this natural genetic reserve is needed.