Taxonomy and Biosystematics
Year:2022 | Volume:14 | Issue:52|Papers Count:6

The Booz Daghi region, encompassing an area of 62, 000 hectares, is situated 47 kilometers from Maneh and Semelghan city. This study explored the floristic composition, biological, and chorological spectra of the area through numerous random collections in various habitats and vegetation types, and from 220 plots established in selected plant communities during the growing season of 2021. A total of 252 vascular plant species, belonging to 173 genera and 53 families, were recorded as native to the Booz Daghi region. The most diverse families were Asteraceae (31 species), Poaceae (25 species), Lamiaceae (22 species), and Fabaceae (21 species). The genera Astragalus L. (10 species), Allium L., Convolvulus L., and Stachys L. (each with 5 species) were among the richest. Hemicryptophytes (31. 3%) and therophytes (29. 8%) emerged as the dominant life forms in the region. A significant number of species (63. 5%) were identified as belonging to the Irano-Turanian region. The findings of this study indicate that the Booz Daghi region possesses a relatively rich flora, necessitating special attention and proper planning for the conservation of its biodiversity.

Scorpions are nocturnal predators that primarily feed on invertebrates and other arachnids. To date, 10 species of scorpions from the family Buthidae have been reported in the Sistan region. Sampling was conducted using UV ultralight at night and through direct search or digging during the day in various areas of the Sistan region in 2021 and 2022. Examination of 117 collected scorpion specimens led to the identification of seven species from six genera of the family Buthidae. These include Androctonus cf. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), A. sistanus )Barahoei & Mirshamsi, 2022(, Kraepelinia palpator (Birula, 1903), Mesobuthus rakhshanii sp. nov., Odontobuthus tirgari )Mirshamsi et al., 2013(, Orthochirus persa (Birula, 1900), and Sassanidothus gracilis (Birula, 1900). Mesobuthus rakhshanii sp. nov. was described as a new species for the world fauna. This species, having a dominant population, was collected from all stations in the region. All specimens were preserved in 80% alcohol and stored in the researchers’ personal collection. Species of the genus Androctonus, which are dangerous scorpions, are found in the Sistan region. The identification of hazardous species is crucial for effective health management. This can be achieved by identifying the scorpion fauna in the region and determining the distribution range of each species.

Natural essential oils derived from plants are of significant importance in various markets, including agricultural, pharmaceutical, healthcare, cosmetics, and hygiene industries. Among aromatic plants, thyme holds a special significance. Thyme essential oil, which can be yellow, brownish, or reddish-brown, is obtained through the distillation of leaves and flowers of Thymus vulgaris and other thyme species. It has a range of applications in the healthcare and cosmetic industries. Therefore, exploring different types of thyme for essential oil production is of interest to various industries. A comparative study of dry matter and essential oil production among 108 populations of 9 Iranian thyme species and 4 populations of agricultural thyme (T. vulgaris) revealed that native Iranian thyme species possess significantly higher economic and pharmacological potential than T. vulgaris. Specifically, certain populations of T. kotschyanus and T. daenensis demonstrated higher yields of dry matter and essential oils. The selection of germplasm for cultivation and use could be strategically aligned with the intended product application. For instance, if the aim is to produce thyme as a seasoning or spice, then population 104 of T. kotschyanus, population 60 of T. fallax, population 91 of T. kotschyanus, and population 107 of T. daenensis are suitable candidates. Conversely, for essential oil extraction, population 104 of T. kotschyanus, population 60 of T. fallax, population 90 of T. daenensis, and population 67 of T. fedtschenkoi are preferable.

This study examined the morphometric characteristics of four populations of Megachernes pavlovskyi inhabiting caves in the Zagros Mountains. The length/width ratios of 14 meristic traits from 95 specimens were analyzed. Statistical tests, including ANOVA, MANOVA, PCA, DFA, and cluster analysis, were employed for data analysis. ANOVA results indicated significant differences in 12 characters (p<0. 05). Principal Component Analysis identified three main components, accounting for 64. 98% of the total variance. Given the variation in environmental factors of the studied caves and the impact of morphological traits on ecological factors, the observed morphological differences among populations could be attributed to habitat-specific adaptations of the species.

Nowadays, adventive invasive species are among the most significant threats to biodiversity. In recent years, numerous imported plants exhibiting invasive behavior have been reported along the Caspian coasts, particularly in Guilan province. During a field mission aimed at collecting plant specimens from the Hyrcanian forests in Guilan province, Oenothera indecora Cambess. from the Onagraceae family was collected and identified for the first time in the Siahkalrud area of Chaboksar. This species is reported as a new record for the flora of Iran. Native to South America, it grows outside its native range and is now established as a neophyte in several tropical and subtropical areas. The most important morphological traits of this species have been compared with those of its closely related species, O. parodiana Munz. Additionally, information on the geographical distribution, photographs of the plant, habitat, and the species' distribution in the world and Iran are provided. Furthermore, this alien species was examined and compared in terms of some invasive aspects in the world and Iran.

Collembola. This family is characterized by strong mandibles, molar plates, lateral projections, a strong furca, and short dens. Members of the family are found in a variety of habitats, including soil, under the bark of trees, on seashores, and in commercial mushroom beds. The family Hypogastruridae is not well-known in Iran. However, in recent years, the study of this group of arthropods has been increasing, with numerous reports being presented. So far, 37 species and eight genera belonging to this family have been reported or described in Iran. The genera Hypogastrura Bourlet, 1839, and Ceratophysella Bӧrner, 1932 have the highest number of reported species in the family, with 12 and 8 species, respectively. There is no comprehensive identification key for the species and genera of the Hypogastruridae family in Iran. Therefore, this study aims to develop an identification key for the reported genera and species of the Hypogastruridae family in Iran, to facilitate identification by Iranian researchers.