Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The subnival–nival vascular plant species of Iran: a unique high-mountain flora and its threat from climate warming

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Biodiversity and Conservation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study provides a first country-wide overview of the vertical distribution patterns and the chorology of vascular plant species that occur in the uppermost elevation zones in Iran. The current distribution patterns are discussed with respect to potential warming-induced species losses. Iran’s subnival and nival vegetation zones are found at elevations above 3600–3900 m in a highly fragmented distribution across Alborz, Zagros, and NW-Iran. Based on literature research and on field observations, all vascular plant species living in the subnival–nival zone of Iranian mountains were identified (151 species) and classified into three altitudinal groups: Group A comprises species that occur mainly in subnival–nival habitats (51 species). Group B are species being common in subnival–nival areas but are equally present in the alpine zone (56 species). Group C are species that can reach to subnival areas but also grow in alpine, subalpine and sometimes lower altitudes (44 species). The chorological patterns differ among the three groups. The percentage of species being endemic to Iran decreases from group A, to B and C, with 68, 53 and 20%, respectively. A narrow altitudinal distribution at high elevations is clearly related to a small-scaled geographical distribution range. The outstanding rate of high-altitude endemism appears to result mainly from orographic isolation of the country’s highly scattered cold areas and by the absence of extensive Pleistocene glaciations. The narrow distribution of most of Iran’s cold-adapted mountain flora and the low potential of alternative cold habitats render it highly vulnerable to climate change.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agakhanjanz O, Breckle S-W (1995) Origin and evolution of the mountain flora in middle Asia and neighboring mountain regions. In: Chapin III FS, Körner C (eds) Arctic and alpine biodiversity: patterns, causes and ecosystem consequences, Ecological Studies. Springer, Berlin, vol 113, pp 63–80

  • Ajani Y, Noroozi J, Levichev I-G (2010) Gagea alexii (Liliaceae), a new record from subnival zone of southern Iran with key and notes on sect. Incrustatae. Pak J Bot 42:67–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Akhani H (2004) A new spiny, cushion-like Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from south–west Iran with special reference to the phytogeographic importance of local endemic species. Bot J Linn Soc 146:107–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akhani H (2007) Diversity, biogeography, and photosynthetic pathways of Argusia and Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) in South–West Asia with an analysis of phytogeographical units. Bot J Linn Soc 155:401–425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanca G, Cueto M, Martínez Lirola M-J et al (1998) Threatened vascular flora of Sierra Nevada (Southern Spain). Biol Conserv 85:269–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bobek H (1937) Die Rolle der Eiszeit in Nordwestiran. Zeitschr Gletscherk 25:130–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Bobek H (1953) Zur eiszeitlichen Vergletscherung des Alborzgebirges, Nordiran. Carinthia 2:97–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Bornmüller J (1906) Beiträge zur Flora der Elburzgebirge Nord-Persiens, Bull Herb Boiss, Genève, vol 6, pp 605–620, 765–780

  • Breckle S-W (1974) Notes on Alpine and Nival Flora of the Hindu Kush, East Afghanistan. Bot Not (Lund) 127:278–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Breckle S-W (2004) Flora, Vegetation und Ökologie der alpin–nivalen Stufe des Hindukusch (Afghanistan). In: Breckle S-W, Schweizer B, Fangmeier A (eds) Proceedings of 2nd symposium AFW Schimper-foundation: results of worldwide ecological studies. Stuttgart-Hohenheim, p 97

  • Breckle S-W (2007) Flora and vegetation of Afghanistan. Basic Appl Dryland Res 1(2):155–194

    Google Scholar 

  • Breckle S-W (2009) Ökologie der Vegetation und der Höhenstufen im Zagros-Gebirge (Iran). In: Gratzl K, Kostka R (eds) Die Bergwelt des Iran. Weishaupt-Verlag Gnas, Austria, pp 48–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Buhse F (1899a) Flora des Alburs und der Kaspischen Südküste. Bisherige Forschungsergebnisse aus diesem Gebiet. Arbeiten des Naturforscher-Vereins zu Riga. Neue Folge. 8. Heft. WF Häcker, Riga

    Google Scholar 

  • Buhse F (1899b) Reisebemerkungen aus dem östlichen Albursgebirge in Persien. Bull Soc Imper Natur Moscow 34:363–383

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis PH (ed) (1965–1988) Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, vols 1–10. Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh

  • Dirnböck T, Dullinger S, Grabherr G (2003) A regional impact assessment of climate and land-use change on alpine vegetation. J Biogeogr 30:401–417

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engler A, Irmscher E (1919) Saxifragaceae: Saxifraga. In: Engler A (ed) Das Pflanzenreich 69 (IV.117). Verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann, Leipzig, pp 449–709

    Google Scholar 

  • Essl F, Staudinger M, Stöhr O et al (2009) Distribution patterns, range size and niche breadth of Austrian endemic plants. Biol Conserv 142:2547–2558

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Favarger C (1972) Endemism in the montane floras of Europe. In: Valentine DH (ed) Taxonomy, phytogeography and evolution. Academic Press, London, pp 191–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferrigno JG (1991) Glaciers of the Middle East and Africa—glaciers of Iran. In: Williams RS, Ferrigno JG (eds) Satellite image atlas of glaciers of the world. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1386-G. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, pp 31–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilli A (1939) Die Pflanzengesellschaften der Hochregion des Elbursgebirges in Nordiran. Beih Bot Cbl 59:317–344

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilli A (1941) Ein Beitrag zur Flora des Elburs-Gebirges in Nord-Iran. Feddes Repert Spec Regni Veg 50:263–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Grabherr G, Gottfried M, Pauli H (1994) Climate effects on mountain plants. Nature 369:448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossheim AA (1945–1967) Flora Kavkaza (Flora of Caucasus), vols 3–7. Nauk, Leningrad

  • Hedge IC, Wendelbo P (1978) Patterns of distribution and endemism in Iran. Notes Roy Bot Gard Edinb 36:441–464

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein JC (1982) Les groupements chionophiles de l’Alborz central (Iran). Comparaison avec leurs homolegues d’ Asie centrale. Phytocoenologia 10(4):463–486

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein JC (1991) Endemisme à l’etage alpin de l’Alborz (Iran). Flora Veg Mundi 9:247–261

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein JC, Lacoste A (1999) Observation sur la végétation des éboulis dans les massifs irano-touraniens: le Galietum aucheri ass. nov. de l’Alborz Central (N-Iran). Documents phytosociologiques 19:219–228

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotschy T (1861a) Die Vegetation des westlichen Elbrus in Nordpersien. Österr Bot Zeitschr 11(4):105–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kotschy T (1861b) Der westliche Elbrus bei Teheran. Mitt. der K. K. Oester Geogr Gesell Wien 5:65–110

    Google Scholar 

  • Meusel H, Jäger E, Weinert E (1964) Vergleichende Chorologie der zentraleuropäischen Flora Band I. Fischer, Jena

    Google Scholar 

  • Meusel H, Jäger E, Bräutigam S et al (1992) Vergleichende Chorologie der zentraleuropäischen Flora, Band III. Fischer, Jena

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills MH, Schwartz MW (2005) Rare plants at the extremes of distribution: broadly and narrowly distributed rare species. Biodivers Conserv 14:1401–1420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nagy L, Grabherr G (2009) The biology of alpine habitats. Oxford University Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakhutsrishvili G (1998) The vegetation of the subnival belt of the Caucasus Mountains. Arct Alp Res 30:222–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noroozi J, Akhani H, Breckle S-W (2008) Biodiversity and phytogeography of the Alpine flora of Iran. Biodivers Conserv 17:493–521

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noroozi J, Ajani Y, Nordenstam B (2010a) A new annual species of Senecio (Compositae–Senecioneae) from subnival zone of southern Iran with comments on phytogeographical aspects of the area. Comp Newsl 48:4–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Noroozi J, Akhani H, Willner W (2010b) Phytosociological and ecological study of the high alpine vegetation of Tuchal Mountains (Central Alborz, Iran). Phytocoenologia 40(4):293–321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohlemüller R, Anderson BJ, Araujo MB et al (2008) The coincidence of climatic and species rarity: high risk to small-range species from climate change. Biol Let 4:568–572

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pauli H, Gottfried M, Dirnböck T et al (2003) Assessing the long-term dynamics of endemic plants at summit habitats. In: Nagy L, Grabherr G, Körner C et al (eds) Alpine biodiversity in Europe—a Europe-wide assessment of biological richness and change, Ecological Studies. Springer, Berlin, vol 167, pp 195–207

  • Pauli H, Gottfried M, Reiter K et al (2007) Signals of range expansions and contractions of vascular plants in the high Alps: observations (1994–2004) at the GLORIA master site Schrankogel, Tyrol, Austria. Glob Change Biol 13:147–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rechinger KH (ed) (1963–2010) Flora Iranica, vols 1–178. Akad. Druck-u. Verlagsanstalt, Graz

  • Snogerup S (1971) Juncaceae. In: Rechinger KH (ed) Flora Iranica, No. 75. Akademische Druck u. Verlagsanstalt, Graz

    Google Scholar 

  • Stanisci A, Pelino G, Blasi C (2005) Vascular plant diversity and climate change in the alpine belt of the central Apennines (Italy). Biodivers Conser 14:1301–1318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Takhtajan A (1986) Floristic regions of the world. University of California Press, California (English translation from Russian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vetaas OR, Grytnes JA (2002) Distribution of vascular plant species richness and endemic richness along the Himalayan elevation gradient in Nepal. Glob Ecol Biogeogr 11:291–301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walther GR, Beißner S, Burga CA (2005) Trends in upward shift of alpine plants. J Veg Sci 16:541–548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wendelbo P (1971) Some distributional patterns within the Flora Iranica area. In: Davis PH, Harper PC, Hedge IC (eds) Plant life of South–West Asia. Edinburgh, pp 29–41

  • Zohary M (1973) Geobotanical foundations of the Middle East, vol 2. Fischer, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Parts of traveling and subsistence costs for this study were funded by the GLORIA co-ordination (University of Vienna and Austrian Academy of Sciences/Institute of Mountain research), the association GLORIA-International, Vienna and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Research. We would like to thank Yousef Ajani for his assistance during fieldwork and Iris Wagner for her help in drawing the distribution maps.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Conservation Biology, Vegetation and Landscape Ecology, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030, Vienna, Austria

    Jalil Noroozi & Georg Grabherr

  2. Institute of Mountain Research (IGF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, C/O University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030, Vienna, Austria

    Harald Pauli

  3. Department of Ecology, University of Bielefeld, Wasserfuhr 24-26, 33619, Bielefeld, Germany

    Siegmar-W. Breckle

Authors
  1. Jalil Noroozi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Harald Pauli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Georg Grabherr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Siegmar-W. Breckle
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jalil Noroozi.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Noroozi, J., Pauli, H., Grabherr, G. et al. The subnival–nival vascular plant species of Iran: a unique high-mountain flora and its threat from climate warming. Biodivers Conserv 20, 1319–1338 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-011-0029-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-011-0029-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation