A comprehensive international study has revealed that Iran hosts 75 distinct species of Melanocrommyum. This major discovery establishes the country as a global hotspot for unique plant biodiversity. Alireza Dolatyari from the National Center for Genetic and Biological Resources led the research project. Furthermore, international collaborators from Uzbekistan, China, and Turkey contributed essential datasets to complete the analysis.
Researchers meticulously analyzed thousands of georeferenced occurrence records alongside advanced phylogenetic data to evaluate species richness. Consequently, the findings confirm that the broader Irano-Turanian region serves as the primary evolutionary center for these plants. Meanwhile, secondary centers of endemism appear prominently in northwestern Iran and specific regions of Uzbekistan. Regional climate variations and solar radiation levels played crucial historical roles in shaping these unique botanical patterns.
The National Center for Genetic and Biological Resources actively preserves biological resources to safeguard local flora from various environmental threats. Moreover, the institution maintains a specialized platform to support sustainable preservation for future biotechnology applications and scientific research. Environmental leaders emphasize that protecting native plant species requires the immediate implementation of targeted conservation projects nationwide. Somayeh Rafiei recently noted that the western Zagros forests represent one of the world’s top 20 biodiversity hotspots.
Iran encompasses nine of the world’s 11 major ecosystem types within its diverse geographical borders. Consequently, the country supports more than 8,500 distinct plant species across various natural landscapes. Officials strongly advocate developing comprehensive gene banks and genome maps to protect vulnerable and disappearing genetic resources. Furthermore, experts prioritize native plants with medicinal properties and drought-resistant traits to support long-term food security.
Despite ranking among the world’s top 20 most biodiverse nations, Iran’s ecosystems face severe environmental challenges. Habitat destruction, drought, and climate change continue to push numerous valuable species toward extinction. Therefore, conservationists urge immediate collaborative action to protect natural habitats for future generations. Ultimately, safeguarding this rich biological heritage remains vital for maintaining global ecological stability and environmental health.