Revised checklist of endemic vascular plants of Kazakhstan

Revised checklist of endemic vascular plants of Kazakhstan

28 February 2024 | Serik A. Kubentayev, Daniyar T. Alibekov, Yuri V. Perezhogin, Georgy A. Lazkov, Andrey N. Kupriyanov, Alexander L. Ebel, Klara S. Izbastina, Olga V. Borodulina, Balsulu B. Kubentayeva
This study compiles a checklist of endemic vascular plants in Kazakhstan, based on extensive literature reviews, herbarium collections, and field observations. The research identifies 451 endemic taxa, representing 7.97% of the country's total vascular plant diversity. These endemic species are distributed across 139 genera and 34 families, with the highest concentration in the southern regions, particularly in the mountain ranges of the Kazakh part of the Tian Shan, including Karatau (123 taxa), Dzungarian Alatau (80 taxa), and Trans-Ili and Kungey Alatau (50 taxa). Notably, 107 of these endemic species are legally protected. The study provides detailed information on life forms, life cycles, conservation status, and geographical distribution for each endemic taxon. Herbs are the most represented group, followed by dwarf semishrubs, shrubs, subshrubs, undershrubs, and trees. Perennials dominate the life cycles, followed by annuals and biennials. The distribution of endemic plants is influenced by geological and climatic history, with mountainous regions serving as biodiversity hotspots. The study highlights the importance of further assessments and protections for these vulnerable species.This study compiles a checklist of endemic vascular plants in Kazakhstan, based on extensive literature reviews, herbarium collections, and field observations. The research identifies 451 endemic taxa, representing 7.97% of the country's total vascular plant diversity. These endemic species are distributed across 139 genera and 34 families, with the highest concentration in the southern regions, particularly in the mountain ranges of the Kazakh part of the Tian Shan, including Karatau (123 taxa), Dzungarian Alatau (80 taxa), and Trans-Ili and Kungey Alatau (50 taxa). Notably, 107 of these endemic species are legally protected. The study provides detailed information on life forms, life cycles, conservation status, and geographical distribution for each endemic taxon. Herbs are the most represented group, followed by dwarf semishrubs, shrubs, subshrubs, undershrubs, and trees. Perennials dominate the life cycles, followed by annuals and biennials. The distribution of endemic plants is influenced by geological and climatic history, with mountainous regions serving as biodiversity hotspots. The study highlights the importance of further assessments and protections for these vulnerable species.
Reach us at info@study.space