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Freshwater ecosystems are experiencing accelerating global biodiversity loss. Thus, knowing where these unique ecosystems' species richness reaches a peak can facilitate their conservation planning. By hosting more than 290 freshwater fishes, Iran is a major freshwater fish hotspot in the Middle East. Considering the accelerating rate of biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need to identify species‐rich areas and understand the mechanisms driving biodiversity distribution. In this study, we gathered distribution records of all endemic freshwater fishes of Iran (85 species) to develop their richness map and determine the most critical drivers of their richness patterns from an ecoregion approach. We performed a generalized linear model (GLM) with quasi‐Poisson distribution to identify contemporary and historical determinants of endemic freshwater fish richness. We also quantified endemic fish similarity among the 15 freshwater ecoregions of Iran. Results showed that endemic freshwater fish richness is highest in the Zagros Mountains while a moderate level of richness was observed between Zagros and Alborz Mountains. High, moderate, and low richness of endemic freshwater fish match with Upper Tigris & Euphrates, Namak, and Kavir & Lut Deserts ecoregions respectively. Kura – South Caspian Drainages and Caspian Highlands were the most similar ecoregions and Orumiyeh was the most unique ecoregion according to endemic fish presence. Precipitation and precipitation change velocity since the Last Glacial Maximum were the most important predictors of endemic freshwater fish richness. Areas identified to have the highest species richness have high priority for the conservation of freshwater fish in Iran, therefore, should be considered in future protected areas development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is an important growing threat to biodiversity and ecosystems. Previous studies have shown that climate change will negatively influence Iran’s biodiversity. Reptiles are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change. Until now, 80 terrestrial snakes have been identified in Iran in which 16 are terrestrial venomous. In the present study, we predicted the impacts of climate change on distribution of the genus Macrovipera in Iran. We applied an ensemble approach, using five distribution modeling methods (Generalized Linear Models, Generalized Additive Models, Generalized Boosted Models, Maximum Entropy Modelling and Random Forest) to predict the impacts of climate change on distribution pattern of the genus. We also estimated protected areas coverage for the suitable habitat of the genus under current and future climatic conditions. We found that the genus will lose 11% of its suitable habitat under the worst-case scenario (2071- 2100SSP585). Results also showed that only around 8% of the genus suitable habitat is covered by protected areas under current and future climatic conditions. Stable suitable but not protected habitats have high priority for conservation of the genus in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the cultural materials associated with the Neanderthal physical remains from the sites in the Caucasus, Central Asia and Siberian Altai and adjacent areas documents two distinct techno-complexes of Micoquian and Mousterian. These findings potentially outline two dispersal routes for the Neanderthals out of Europe. Using data on topography and Palaeoclimate, we generated computer-based least-cost-path modelling for the Neanderthal dispersal routes from Caucasus towards the east. In this regard, two dispersal routes have been identified: A northern route from Greater Caucasus associated with Micoquian techno-complex towards Siberian Altai and a southern route from Lesser Caucasus associated with Mousterian towards Siberian Altai via the Southern Caspian Corridor. Based on archaeological, bio- and physio-geographical data, our model hypothesises that during climatic deterioration phases (e.g. MIS 4) the connection between Greater and Lesser Caucasus was limited. This issue perhaps resulted in the separate development and spread of two cultural groups of Micoquian and Mousterian with an input from two different population sources of Neanderthal influxes: eastern and southern Europe refugia for these two northern and southern dispersal routes respectively. Of these two, we focus on the southern dispersal route, for it comprises a 'rapid dispersal route' towards east. The significant location of the Southern Caspian corridor between high mountains of Alborz and the Caspian Sea, provided a special biogeographical zone and a refugium. This exceptional physio-geographic condition brings forward the Southern Caspian corridor as a potential place of admixture of different hominin species including Neanderthals and homo sapiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iranian Plateau is an important geographical unit located in a key potential region for the Pleistocene population dispersals across Eurasia. Despite its important location and a long history of archaeological investigations, the Epipaleolithic sites distribution pattern and connectivity remained less explored compared to the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods. In this study we used ecological niche modelling (Generalized Linear Models, Generalized Additive Models, Generalized Boosting Models, Maximum Entropy Modelling and Random Forest), together with corridor mapping methods, to reconstruct the Epipaleolithic settlements and their connectivity in the Zagros Mountains. We showed that the central parts and the western slopes of the Zagros Mountains were the most suitable areas for Epipaleolithic settlement during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Topographic complexity was the most important variable in shaping Epipaleolithic settlement distribution with a positive association. The niche model and corridors maps developed for the Epipaleolithic humans show areas potentially suitable for the presence of Epipaleolithic settlements but no site has been discovered in this area so far. Thus, these areas are having high priority for future field excavations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent biogeographic studies are disproportionately scarce in Iran, however, they are an ideal system to understand drivers of biodiversity distributions in the country. The aims of the present research are to determine (i) the pattern of rodent richness across the country, (ii) quantify their elevational distribution patterns, and (iii) explore the underlying mechanisms. To reach these goals, an updated species list was compiled based on the latest taxonomic revisions, published until December 2021. We mapped all 76 rodent species distributions to develop the first map of rodent richness in Iran. We furthermore investigated their elevational distribution patterns in the following four geographic regions based on 100 m intervals; the Zagros Mountains, north of Alborz Mountains, south of Alborz and Kopet-Dagh mountains, and central and east mountains. North-east of Iran, Zagros Mountains, Alborz Mountains, and northwestern of Iran showed the highest richness and were identified as biodiversity hotspots of rodents in the country. This study highlights the importance of past climate change as the key driver of rodent richness in Iran. We showed that rodents' elevational distribution patterns differ among geographic regions. Areas and elevational zones with the highest species richness should be prioritized for the conservation planning of rodents in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats are facing several threats like land‐use change, habitat loss, overexploitation for food, mortality at wind energy turbine installations, disease, and climate change worldwide. Defining biodiversity of bat species can help conservation biologists to prioritize areas for bat conservation. In this study, we assembled distribution records of all bats of Iran to generate the first richness map of bats, as no richness map is available for bat species in the country. By constructing generalized linear models, we determined which historical and environmental factors drive the richness of bat species across the country. Results of richness mapping showed that Zagros Mountains host the highest number of species in Iran. We found that precipitation is the most influential variable in shaping bat richness in Iran by explaining 26% of variation in species richness. Topographic heterogeneity, with 19% of explained variance, was the second most important determinant of bat richness. We also estimated bat assemblage similarity among the biomes in the country. Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands biome was the most distinct biome based on bat assemblage. On the other hand, Montane Grasslands and Shrublands and Deserts and Xeric Shrublands were the most similar biomes based upon distributions of the bat species. Areas that were identified to have higher species diversity were regions with high priority for the conservation of bat biodiversity in the country. Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands, which host the most unique assemblage of bat species, have high importance for conservation. Therefore, to enhance the conservation of bats and maintain the important ecosystem services which they provide, we must have a clear knowledge of their richness and essential needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Modelling Neanderthals' dispersal routes from Caucasus towards east." The correction addresses errors in the author affiliations. The correct affiliations are listed as follows: Elham Ghasidian is affiliated with the Neanderthal Museum in Mettmann, Germany, the DiyarMehr Institute for Palaeolithic Research in Kermanshah, Iran, and the Institute for Prehistoric Archaeology at the University of Cologne in Koln, Germany. Anooshe Kafash is affiliated with the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Tehran in Tehran, Iran. Martin Kehl is affiliated with the Institute of Geography at the University of Cologne in Cologne, Germany. Masoud Yousefi and Saman Heydari-Guran are both affiliated with the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Tehran in Tehran, Iran. [Extracted from the article]

Many avian species are in danger of extinction due to anthropogenic activities and climate change. Human activities have led to eradication of many natural habitats and climate change has altered species distribution especially in mountainous habitats. In the present study, we used distribution records of a Near Threatened avian scavenger, bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) that were collected through 9 years of opportunistic observations and modeled its distribution in the Khorasane-Razavi Province in Iran. We also assessed the impacts of future climate change on the distribution of this species. Our results show that most suitable habitats for the bearded vulture are in the northern regions of the Khorasan-e-Razavi province. The most important variables affecting the distribution of the bearded vulture were the annual precipitation (37.5% contribution), landcover (22% contribution), and distance to road (16.2% contribution). Our results also showed that around 80% to 91% of the species' suitable habitats will decrease due to climate change in the future. Suitable habitats of the species that are predicted to remain suitable in the future should be prioritized for conservation. Human activities like road expansion should be avoided in areas with high suitability for this species. This study stresses the need for action to conserve this vulture in the Khorasan-e-Razavi province, and beyond its borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within its range, the Caspian green lizard, Lacerta strigata, occurs in the Elburz Mountains (northern Iran) at elevations from below sea level to approximately 2700 m a.s.l. To determine the environmental factors affecting the distribution of this lizard, we used an ensemble approach to model the distribution of the Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata) in Iran using four algorithms (generalized boosted model, maximum entropy, generalized linear model, random forest). Results revealed that low-elevation habitats between the Elburz Mountains and the Caspian Sea are the most suitable habitats for the species. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation (both with positive relationships), and altitude (with a negative relationship) were the most important environmental variables influencing the distribution of the species. NDVI was likely the most important variable because it is an indicator of plant productivity, which presumably influences the availability of food resources such as insects. We also tested the validity of an old distribution record for the species near Shiraz in southwestern Iran. The results show that southwestern Iran is not ecologically suitable for the species. As our results highlighted that the NDVI strongly affects distribution of the species, we suggest protection of vegetation cover in the habitat of the species for conservation of Lacerta strigata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax is a Near Threatened grassland bird that is fully migratory within its eastern population, wintering in large numbers across the south Caucasus and northern parts of Iran. The species' habitat selection has been comprehensively studied in its western European range, but very limited information is available for its eastern population. Surveys carried out between 2010 and 2015 show a considerable population increase and probable range expansion in the region. We modelled the suitability of potential winter habitat for the species and found that distance to country border, land cover and altitude were the most important variables in predicting habitat suitability. There is still considerable hunting pressure in Iran and distance to border is likely to be related to strict hunting prohibition along the border belt imposed for military purposes. This represents an opportunity for the conservation of the species, where management efforts should aim at ensuring the maintenance of suitable land cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gray Toad-headed Agama (Phrynocephalus scutellatus) occurs in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan and is represented in Iran by four distinctive genetic clades. We built distribution models for three of these clades (one clade was not included due to a low number of distribution records) using Maximum Entropy Algorithm in order to determine the contribution of ecological factors to the distribution pattern. The degree of spatial niche overlap between every pair of clades were measured using Schoener's D niche overlap metric. The results showed that at species-level climate variables (annual precipitation, annual mean temperature) were the most influential parameters determining the boundaries of the distribution in Iran. Temperature seasonality was found to be the most influential factor in the distribution of both Clade I and Clade II. However, this variable was replaced by the annual mean temperature for Clade VI. Based on the results of Schoener's D metric, Clades I and II had the lowest, and Clades II and VI the highest level of ecological niche overlap. Comparing the result of niche overlap with genetic distance between the clades, it was found that the ecologically least similar clades were those with the longer history of genetic segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We developed a habitat suitability model for wintering populations of the Asian Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii in Iran and determined environmental variables affecting its occurrence. Our results indicate that various patches in central, western and eastern Iran provide the most suitable habitats for the Houbara. Annual precipitation, slope and distance to croplands were the most important variables for predicting Houbara occurrence. We also determined the effects future climate changes on the distribution of the Houbara in Iran. Results showed that suitable habitats for the wintering Houbara will increase in Iran, but will also considerably shift under future climatic conditions. The distribution maps that we present for the present and future climatic conditions can have important implications for the conservation and management of Houbara populations in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a study which aims to assess the importance of artificial waterbodies located in Sarakhs county in Iran to migrating waterbirds and waders. Topics discussed include the materials and methods used in the study such as the study area and data collection. The results of the study where 76 species of shorebirds and waterbirds were observed are also discussed. It also recommends raising the awareness and involvement of landowners regarding conservation plans.

Graphical abstract Highlights • We identified high priority areas for avian conservation in Hyrcanian forests. • We found poor representation of high priority habitats within protected areas. • Our results can be useful for conservation of avian diversity in Hyrcanian forests. Abstract Hyrcanian forests are rich in the sense of biological diversity. As a relic of the Arco-Tertiary forests, these habitats are known as the last remnants of primeval deciduous forests in the world. However, they are also ecologically unknown and strongly threatened by human-wide range activities. Because tree-cavity nesters are indicators of avian diversity in forests, they can be used to identify priority conservation areas in these ecosystems. In this study, we used 5 tree-cavity-nesting birds (Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea), European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor)) to identify high-priority areas for conservation in Hyrcanian forests, Iran. We modeled habitat suitability of the 5 species across Golestan Province. We classified the models to suitable/unsuitable maps and multiplied them to determine areas with highest suitability for the five species. We found poor representation of high-priority habitats within protected areas. The high-priority habitats of the Hyrcanian forests identified in this study should be considered for protection of avian biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scorpion stings are one of the most important health challenges and high priority research topic in public health. In this study, we aimed to model habitat suitability of the Mesobuthus phillipsii (Pocock 1889), a species with low medical concern, under current and future climatic conditions in Iran. We also identified vulnerable populations to scorpion stings in the country. Scorpion sting risk modeling was done using an ensemble approach by considering two species distribution modeling methods: MaxEnt and Random Forest methods. Distribution modeling was performed using the sdm R package. The results showed that due to climate change in 2070, the high-risk areas will increase from 20,839 to 79,212 km2. Habitats with a moderate risk of scorpion stings will also increase from 139,347 to 222,833 km2. Consequently, the number of villages in high-risk areas of scorpion stings will increase from 2,870 to 7,017, while this number will increase from 12,759 to 20,104 in the case of medium-risk villages. The results of this study can be used for scorpion stings management in Iran. This study can be used as an example for similar studies on scorpions with high medical emergency., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)