Conservation Prioritization of Iranian Amphibians

Document Type : Animal environment

Authors

1 Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Agricultural and Natural Resources Campus, University of Tehran

2 Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environmental Energy, Islamic Azad University, Research Center of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The amphibian decline and extinction crisis demands urgent action to prevent further large numbers of species extinctions. Lists of priority species are an important tool for the Effective allocation of scarce conservation resources. Amphibians of Iran consist of 22 species belonging to six families. In this study we have analyzed 15 species of Iranian amphibians for conservation prioritization based on their phylogenetic position and threat status. A recently described method for conservation and management priority setting, as applied in the international EDGE of Existence program, was used in this study. Our results show that Persian Cave Salamander (Iranodon gorganensis) and Lorestan Mountain Newt (Neurergus kaiseri) are at the top of our list of priorities for conservation and need urgent action for conservation. We have suggested management and research guidelines such as captive breeding, for the top priority species in the list for Iranian Amphibians. Also we suggested introduction of future protected area using habitat suitability molding in combination with habitat and conservation prioritization.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Animal Environment
Volume 9, Issue 4
January 2018
Pages 131-136

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