Mohammad Mahmoodi | Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (original) (raw)

Papers by Mohammad Mahmoodi

Frontiers in Plant Science, May 26, 2023

Although the mountains in SouthWest Asia are a global biodiversity hotspot, our understanding of ... more Although the mountains in SouthWest Asia are a global biodiversity hotspot, our understanding of their biodiversity, especially in the commonly remote alpine and subnival zones, is still limited. This is well exemplified here by Aethionema umbellatum (Brassicaceae), a species considered to have a wide yet disjoint distribution in the Zagros and Yazd-Kerman mountains of western and central Iran. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic data (based on plastid trnL-trnF and nuclear ITS sequences) show that A. umbellatum is restricted to a single mountain range in southwestern Iran (Dena Mts., southern Zagros), whereas populations from central Iran (Yazd-Kerman and central Zagros) and from western Iran (central Zagros) belong to species new to science, A. alpinum and A. zagricum, respectively. Both new species are phylogenetically and morphologically close to A. umbellatum, with which they share unilocular fruits and one-seeded locules. However, they are easily distinguishable by leaf shape, petal size, and fruit characters. This study confirms that the alpine flora of the Irano-Anatolian region is still poorly known. As the proportion of rare and local endemic species in alpine habitats is high, these habitats are of prime interest for conservation efforts.

BMC plant biology, Mar 20, 2024

y species trap litter, increase soil quantity and nutrients, harbor microbial life for nutrient r... more y species trap litter, increase soil quantity and nutrients, harbor microbial life for nutrient recycling, moderate temperature, store moisture, capture solar warmth, and act as wind shelters. Cushion plants are often considered nurse plants or facilitators of alpine habitats, providing a save rooting substrate for non-cushion species [3, 4]. Cushion-forming life is one of the most widespread evolutionary convergences, emerging at least 115 times in numerous clades of Angiosperms [2]. Fabaceae is one of the 62 families that contain the largest number of cushion-forming species belonging to several genera, such as Astragalus L., Onobrychis Mill. Anarthrophyllum Benth, and Lupinus L [1]..

Iranian Journal of Botany, 2019

Rostaniha, Aug 22, 2012

The geographic distribution of Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) was analyzed using a database of 12377 ge... more The geographic distribution of Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) was analyzed using a database of 12377 geo-referenced observations. In the old world (including Asia, Africa and Europe) there are ca. 2900 euploid species classified in 166 distinct sections. In this study using geographic information system (GIS) by means of DIVA-GIS (ver. 4) distribution map of some more important sections in the old world was illustrated. A grid of 50 × 50 km cells were used to map the biodiversity and species richness. These maps showed west Asia with over half of all species and ca. 1000 endemics is most significant region. Our studies demonstrated biodiversity centers of Astragalus chiefly located in Iran and Afghanistan. Complementarily analysis for determining conservation management priorities according to mathematical models (Rebelo Algorithm) has been done and locations were illustrated on map. Rare species were specified based on extent of distribution area, number of observations and maximum distance between observations of each species. Also, variations of species richness along with increasing of altitude indicated that ecological optimum for Astragalus is ca. 2000 m. In conclusion based on our present-only data and "Ecological Niche Modeling", predictive distribution map for the entire old world using BIOCLIM model has been provided.

Nordic Journal of Botany, Dec 14, 2016

Erysimum damirliense, a new species of Brassicaceae from Zanjan and Ardebil provinces (northwest ... more Erysimum damirliense, a new species of Brassicaceae from Zanjan and Ardebil provinces (northwest Iran) is described and illustrated. The new species resembles E. uncinatifolium and E. elbrusense, but is easily recognized by its life form, basal leaf margin, indumentum of cauline leaves, number of flowers in the main raceme, fruit width and style length. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences confirm that the new species is distinct from morphologically similar species.

Willdenowia, Dec 7, 2013

BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Journal of Systematics and Evolution, Mar 24, 2020

Although mountain ranges are often recognized as global biodiversity hotspots with a high level o... more Although mountain ranges are often recognized as global biodiversity hotspots with a high level of endemism, diversity and biogeographic connections of isolated and weakly explored mountains remain poorly understood. This is also the case for Shirkuh Mts. in central Iran. Here, Yazdana shirkuhensis gen. & spec. nov. (Caryophylleae, Caryophyllaceae) is described and illustrated from the high alpine zone of this mountain. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data show that Y. shirkuhensis is related to Cyathophylla and Heterochroa (tribe Caryophylleae). The newly described genus and species accentuate Shirkuh Mts. as a center of endemism, which harbors a high number of narrowly distributed species, mostly in high elevations reaching alpine habitats. As this area is currently not protected, a conservation priority is highlighted for high elevations of Shirkuh Mts.

Phytotaxa, Sep 18, 2015

Iran without indication of the herbarium in which the holotype specimens were conserved. Therefor... more Iran without indication of the herbarium in which the holotype specimens were conserved. Therefore, these names were not validly published (Art. 40.7 of the ICN, McNeill et al. 2012) and need to validation.

The geographic distribution of Astragalus (Fabaceae) in Iran was analyzed using a database of 760... more The geographic distribution of Astragalus (Fabaceae) in Iran was analyzed using a database of 7606 georeferencedobservations. Astragalus occurs in all provinces of Iran, but 88% ofthe observations are in five provinces including Tehran, West-Azerbaijan, Esfahan, Kordestan, and Khorasan-e Razavi.Most species are rare and narrowly endemic: Thelargest distance between two observations of the same species for 451 speciesis Astragalus, 269 selected cells are enough. High species richnessoccurs only in northern half of country especially in north-west of the Iran. Regions with high richness include Central-Alborz Mountain in north, North-Zagros Mountain in west, Mountain of north-west corner of Iran, and Khorasan-Kopet Dagh Mountain in North-East. The highestnumber of species in a grid cell (43 species) occurs in Avaj between Qazvin and Hamedan.Astragalus species occur between 30° N and 38° N. Astragalus species widely distributed in mountainous regions especially between 1000 and 3000 m ...

Plants, 2022

The vast majority of highly valuable species of the Leguminosae in temperate latitudes belong to ... more The vast majority of highly valuable species of the Leguminosae in temperate latitudes belong to the Inverted Repeat-Lacking Clade (IRLC). Despite having a generally conserved monosymmetric floral morphology, members of this group are remarkable with a pronounced diversity of floral sizes, modes of staminal fusion, and pollination strategies. This paper examined androecia and floral nectaries (FNs) in selected genera of the IRLC. External morphology was investigated using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In some cases, the pattern of staminal fusion was additionally examined in transverse sections using light microscopy. Androecia of all selected genera fell into one of four types, viz., monadelphous, pseudomonadelphous, diadelphous or diadelphous reduced (with inner stamens converted into sterile staminodes). However, there was significant variation in the stamens’ mode of contact, as well as the shape and size of the fenestrae providing access to FNs. Some types ...

Willdenowia, 2013

Nova Biologica Reperta, 2021

Centaurea glastifolia, a plant species from the Asteraceae family, is distributed in the Northwes... more Centaurea glastifolia, a plant species from the Asteraceae family, is distributed in the Northwest of Iran. This study carried out to determine suitable habitats and habitat connectivity of Centaurea glastifolia in three Provinces of West Azarbayejan, East Azarbayejan and Ardabil. Seven habitat variables and 36 presence points were selected for habitat modelling using six habitat distribution models of GLM, GAM, MARS, MaxEnt, RF and GBM. The ensemble map resulting from these models was used for habitat connectivity modelling using electrical-circuit method. Results of habitat evaluation revealed that suitable habitats of the species studied were mainly located in West Azarbayejan and east of Ardabil Provinces, for which distance from agricultural lands, mean annual temperature and distance from rangelands had the highest contribution to the model. Habitat connectivity modelling showed that the current density movement was highest in West Azarbayejan. Current density movement between...

Phytotaxa

Hedysarum is the second largest genus of the tribe Hedysareae (Fabaceae), in Iran. Considering th... more Hedysarum is the second largest genus of the tribe Hedysareae (Fabaceae), in Iran. Considering the rising number of species in Iran, a taxonomic revision of the genus is provided, except for a Hedysarum wrightianum group. As a complementary treatment, a diagnostic key to the species and detailed morphological descriptions are supplied. Based on the reliable molecular phylogeny and morphological evidence in the current study, the taxonomy of some species of H. subsect. Crinifera was re-examined. H. criniferum var. melanotrichum with 1-2 segmented, large, elliptic-semi ovate pods, is raised to the species rank as H. melanotrichum. Also, a new variety of H. atropatanum, (var. glabrum) with pods without setae, is introduced from the type locality. Furthermore, some species were synonymized including H. longipedunculatum with H. fallacinum, H. persicum with H. papillosum, H. orumiehense with H. criniferum, H. bojnordense with H. kopetdaghi, H. elbursense with H. hyrcanum as well as H. ka...

Plant Ecology and Evolution, Mar 26, 2020

Background and aims-Narrow endemics, characterized by small distribution areas and small effectiv... more Background and aims-Narrow endemics, characterized by small distribution areas and small effective population sizes are prone to extinction due to low genetic variation caused by genetic bottlenecks and drift together with the danger of habitat loss. Astragalus subrecognitus is an endemic species that only occurs in northwestern Iran in mountain steppe at higher elevations above the Qezel Ozan River in the province Zanjan. Methods-In this study, we investigated the genetic structure of the populations of A. subrecognitus using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) as molecular markers. Key results-We detected two genetic groups, which do however not concur with the geographic origins east and west of the Qezel Ozan River. Extant gene flow between these populations is rather unlikely given their distance of c. 70 km and the lack of suitable habitats for this species in lower areas of the valley in between. Conclusions-From this we conclude that we see an older pattern of geographic isolation that was followed by an exchange of genotypes during a time when migration through the valley was possible. Still, admixture between both genetic clusters was found only in one individual, indicating that broadening of allelic diversity by hybridization between individuals belonging to different genetic clusters might be a slow process. Due to the small size of the population, sparse inhabited area, and also very slow or even lack of regeneration in some places we consider A. subrecognitus according to IUCN Red List criteria as 'endangered' species.

Journal of Systematics and Evolution

Grau (Boraginaceae) is recorded for the first time for the flora of Iran. It was rediscovered in ... more Grau (Boraginaceae) is recorded for the first time for the flora of Iran. It was rediscovered in 2013 in Zanjan Province, NW of Iran, in a wetland habitat far from its previously known habitat after not being documented for more than 100 years. A detailed taxonomic description and photographs are provided to facilitate its identification in the field. Also diagnostic characters to define

Nova Biologica Reperta

The distribution patterns of taxa belonging to the section Hypoglottidei DC. were investigated us... more The distribution patterns of taxa belonging to the section Hypoglottidei DC. were investigated using DIVA-GIS software. Based on Zohary classification, five global patterns, with the exception of widely distributed species, include 1. Centro-Asiatic province, 2. Irano-Anatolian province, 3. Pontic province, 4. East Mediterranean subregion and 5. West Mediterranean subregion, were identified. In addition, the Iranian species of this section were classified in three patterns: 1. Central Zagros 2. Khorasan-Kopet Dagh 3. Central and Eastern Alborz. The maps and distribution patterns of the species were also presented.

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution

Centers of endemism and areas of endemism are important biogeographic concepts with high relevanc... more Centers of endemism and areas of endemism are important biogeographic concepts with high relevance for conservation and evolutionary biology. Turkey is located at the intersection of three global biodiversity hotspots (Mediterranean, Caucasian, Irano-Anatolian) and harbors remarkable levels of plant diversity and endemism. Nevertheless, hotspots of vascular plant endemics have never been identified using formal quantitative approaches in this diverse region. Here, using data on 1,102 endemic taxa of three species-rich families (Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Boraginaceae) we identified (i) centers of endemism based on three well-established indices (endemic richness, range-restricted endemic richness and weighted endemic richness) and (ii) areas of endemism using Endemicity Analysis. A total of 14 grid cells belonging to centers of endemism are identified as hotspots by at least one of the indices. Areas of endemism were identified in southwestern Turkey (West-Taurus), southern and central Anatolia (Anatolian Diagonal), in northeastern Turkey (Pontic-Ala), and in southeastern Turkey (Hakkari). All hotspots of plant endemism in Turkey included high mountains, which are severely threatened by anthropogenic activities. Although the identified centers of endemism cover only 16% of surface area of Turkey they harbor 59% of the endemic taxa, emphasizing their conservation priority. As the majority of the endemic taxa of Turkey are local endemics and narrowly distributed, protection of the identified hotspots would allow a high proportion of likely threatened species to be protected.

Nordic Journal of Botany, 2016

Phytotaxa, 2016

Allochrusa lutea sp. nov. is here described and illustrated from the Zanjan Province, NW of Iran.... more Allochrusa lutea sp. nov. is here described and illustrated from the Zanjan Province, NW of Iran. A comparison with other Allochrusa species is presented. The more similar species is A. persica from which A. lutea differ by shape of ovary and number of ovules, petals color and the ratio of inflorescence length to stem length. A. lutea is to be considered as endemic to the northern-west of Iran.