Colchic and Hyrcanian forests of the Caucasus: similarities, differences and conservation status

The Caucasus ecoregion is distinguished by its high vascular plant endemism (over 25%) and the presence of two Tertiary flora refugia: Colchic and Hyrcanian. Both regions host temperate rainforests, yet they exhibit significant differences in flora composition, vegetation zonation, and ecosystem vulnerability. While Colchic forests benefit from substantial protection (16.5% under IUCN categories I-IV), gaps persist in their spatial coverage. In contrast, Hyrcanian forests, particularly in Iran, face critical conservation challenges due to a lack of high-category protected areas, hindering effective ecosystem safeguarding. These disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve these unique biodiversity hotspots.

(Ed.). (2015). Colchic and Hyrcanian forests of the Caucasus: similarities, differences and conservation status. Flora Mediterranea, 25(Special Issue). https://doi.org/10.7320/flmedit25si.185