Decline of endemic Oncocyclus irises (Iridaceae) of Lebanon: survey and conservation needs

The endemic Oncocyclus irises of Lebanon are rare and threatened. Their historical locations (based on information from herbaria and the available literature) were compared to an update of their current distribution. Only 50% of the previously known populations were confirmed extant, indicating a considerable decline in the range of these taxa. The populations that were relocated were either small remnants of once larger populations or highly fragmented. The main threats identified were urbanization, agriculture and grazing. No specific habitat preferences could be identified other than an association with open rocky slopes with a south-west exposure. Based on our findings, we propose that Iris cedretii and Iris sofarana subsp. sofarana should be categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and I. sofarana subsp. kasruwana as Vulnerable. There is an urgent need to develop national conservation measures for these species, especially in regards to land ownership.