Studying the Coverage Structure and Protective and Medicinal Values of Plant Species in Karsanak Rangelands, Chaharmahal and BakhtiyariProvince

Karsanak rangelands in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province are considered as one of the richest rangelands in this province. Studying the flora of the region revealed that 79 species are medicinal and belong to 13 families. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Lamiaceae respectively with 24, 14and 11 species are the most widespread medicinal plant species in the region. The endangered species of the region were identified on the basis of IUCN criteria and Red Data Book of Iran. Accordingly, 20 endangered species were identified, of which 16 were in lower risk (LR) class, one belonged to the endangered (EN) class, and two were put in data deficient (DD) class. Based on the cover structure, grassy broadleaf with 65 species (82.27%) is the most widespread species and grass-like with one species (1.26%) has the least common growth form. Furthermore, the results of life forms showed that hemichryptophytescomprised 67 percent of life forms which is indicative of cold and mountainous climate of the region.