Alpine and sub-alpine floristic survey of Hashtad Mountain (Central Zagros), Iran

The Hashtad Mountain, with an elevation of approximately ۳۷۷۰ m.a.s.l., is one of the highest peaks of the Zagros Mountains in the west of Isfahan province. The objective of the present work was to study the flora of this mountain across different altitudinal ranges. The results showed that Hashtad Mountain has a rich flora with a high plant diversity. A total of ۲۱۲ taxa belonging to ۳۹ families and ۱۳۵ genera were identified. Asteraceae, represented by ۲۷ species, was the largest family, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae with ۲۶ and ۲۰ species, respectively. Astragalus, with ۲۱ species, was identified as the largest genus. The region was dominated by hemicryptophytes (۵۹%) and chamaephytes (۱۳.۷%) in terms of life form. In terms of geographical distribution, ۶۵.۵% of the identified species belong to the Irano-Turanian region. ۶۳ species (۲۹.۷%) were endemic to Iran, with ۲۱ species (۹.۹%) specifically endemic to the Zagros, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity. However, mining, road construction, and overgrazing are significant threats to the biodiversity of this area. Protection measures, including defining protected areas and regulating human activities, are necessary to conserve the biodiversity of Hashtad Mountain.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biodiversity ، conservation ، Endemism ، Floristic study ، Isfahan