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The impact of climate fluctuations on the genetic diversity and distribution of species is of particular concern for large mammals that are already at risk of extinction. In this study, we investigated the genetic status of populations, the evolutionary relationships, and the current and future state of population dispersion of the goitered gazelle, Gazella subgutturosa, using 109 mtDNA sequences (cytb) and species distribution modeling. We assessed the impact of past (Last Glacial Maximum [lgm: 21 Kya] and Mid-Holocene [6 Kya]), current, and future (2070) climate on the phylogeography and spatial distribution of the species. Our results indicate evidence of divergence of two main clades (G. subgutturosa subgutturosa, and G. subgutturosa yarkandensis) (1.052 Mya) and a further split between two clades of G. s. subgutturosa (Middle Eastern and Central Iranian) in the middle Pleistocene. Historical species distribution models suggest the species' range has not changed much across all periods examined, but there has been a decreasing trend from 21k to the current. Future climate projections (bcc-csm1 and ccsm4, rcp s 4.5 and 6 scenarios) predict a contraction of suitable habitat at the northern and southern edges of the species' current distribution, shifting the range to the center of the study area. Biogeographic analyses suggest that vicariance and dispersal events have shaped the genetic structure of G. subgutturosa. Our findings suggest that the current genetic structure of the species is potentially related to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and refuges (Alborz, Zagros, and Kope Dagh Mountains) during cold periods. The study highlights the importance of understanding the genetic status of populations and their evolutionary relationships to effectively prevent further declines of species at risk of extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monogeneric family Calomyscidae includes the brush-tailed mice, genus Calomyscus , which have a Palearctic distribution ranging from the Hindu Kush Mountains in western Pakistan to the eastern Mediterranean region. Zagros Mountains—stretching from northwest to south of Iran—was assumed for long as the range of a single species, Calomyscus bailwardi ; however, recent studies revealed considerable heterogeneities among the geographical populations presumably referring to the persistence of undescribed diversity. One such group from the western Zagros Mountains has recently been recognized as C. behzadi Akbarirad, Dezhman, Aliabadian, Siahsarvie, Shafaeipour, and Mirshamsi, 2021. Using molecular, morphometric, geometric morphometric, and karyotypic data, we examine the divergence of 2 additional groups from western Iran and name these as new species. The first of these species is distributed in the northern Zagros and western Alborz Mountains in northwestern Iran was recovered as the sister species to C. urartensis from the South Caucuses. The second species from a single locality in the central Zagros Mountains was clustered closely with C. grandis from the western Alborz Mountains. Morphologic analyses, karyological features, and genetic distances disentangled these 2 new species from their sister species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urar Brush-tailed Mouse, Calomyscus urartensis Vorontsov & Kartavseva, 1979, is distributed in the Lesser Caucasus and is reported only from the type locality in Nakhjivan, Azerbaijan, and two localities in Azerbaijan provinces, Iran. To evaluate genetic structure and karyologic variation a combination of molecular (cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences) and cytological approaches were used. Karyologic data highlighted the existence of a population from Khoy, north-western Iran, with differentiated chromosome components 2n=34 and FNa=42. This new population with a distinct Cytb haplotype showed a 2.2% genetic distance from the population from Kordasht, Iran, that located 150 kilometres away from Khoy. Considering time divergence estimation, we propose that vicariance might explain the divergences within C. urartensis that have accumulated by range restriction of populations as a result of Quaternary climate oscillations and glacial refugia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paradactylodon , a genus of Hynobiidae, is distributed in mountainous regions of the Middle East. This genus comprises three species, Paradactylodon mustersi (Afghanistan), Paradactylodon persicus , and Paradactylodon gorganensis (Iran). Initially, P. persicus was reported from Talysh Mountains, and afterward, P. gorganensis was described from the eastern Alborz Mountains. Although these two Iranian Paradactylodon species were distinguished based on morphological features, there are arguments about their systematic status. In this contribution, 30 samples of hynobiid salamanders were collected from Talysh and Alborz Mountains and the phylogenetic relationship between the two species was assessed using two mtDNA markers (COI and 16S). Additionally, in order to survey the potential habitat suitability for the species, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were performed and projected on climate scenarios that reflect current and past (6 ky and 21 ky before present) conditions. Our results indicated that P. gorganensis is nested within P. persicus. Overall, both SDM and molecular analyses suggest that the Iranian Paradactylodon population was affected by the Quaternary glacial period, and according to haplotype networks, haplotype diversity was higher in the western part of the distribution range of the species. Given the low genetic distance among all samples, we suggest P. gorganensis be synonymized with P. persicus. Considering the conservational values and numerous threats that this endemic species is facing, we encourage a revision of the IUCN Red List category of the species immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of non‐native fish species has been criticized as one of the major threats to freshwater ecosystems. During recent years, the cyprinid fish genus Carassius has been the subject of various studies in terms of introduction biology and ecology. The taxonomy and identification of described species in the genus Carassius is still ambiguous. In order to increase the knowledge of introduced species of the genus in Iran, molecular approaches were employed to identify species based on the mitochondrial gene, cytochrome b (Cyt b). In total, 417 specimens across Eurasia and some other parts of the world have been analyzed. Afterwards, investigation of the possible origin and pathways of introduction was done using analysis of haplotype networks based on the Cyt b gene. The results revealed that there are three introduced species i.e., Carassius auratus, Carassius gibelio and Carassius langsdorfii, in inland waters of Iran. Carassius langsdorfii was recorded from Iran and western Asia for the first time. Analysis of haplotype network showed various potential sources of introduction for each species in Iran and regions beyond their native distribution ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natrix natrix is, together with N. tessellata, the only representative of water snakes found in Iran. The lack of ecological studies on this species in Iran stimulated the current preliminary research on some basic biological traits. From April to July 2008, a total of fifty five snakes were collected from two stations in the southern part of the Caspian Sea coast, Iran: Gomishan Wetland and Sari. Basic morphometrics were compared between sexes and stations and gonadal development was compared between stations and seasons. At the two stations, adult sex ratio was not different from 1:1 and juveniles composed a predominant portion of the sample. Both sexes had unimodal length class size with a peak at 40-45 cm snout-vent length (SVL). Body sizes were unusually small for the species and no SVL sexual dimorphism was detected although males were relatively heavier than females for the same SVL. Snakes of both sexes attained larger size with better body condition at Sari than in Gomishan. Males and females carried more mature gonads in summer. However, in Sari males developed relatively larger testes earlier in the season and both sexes displayed less synchronic reproduction at this station. These results are best explained by local variations in habitat, trophic availability and degree of environmental disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a study which conducted a comparative morphological analysis among the three populations of the Caspian Bent-toed Gecko "Cyrtopodion caspium" collected from Moghan Steppe, Damghan and Sari regions in the northern parts of lran. Based on morphometric and meristic characters evaluation, the study was conducted to determine if there were significant differences among the three lizard populations.

Little information exists on the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus gerdrosianus) in the western part of its distribution. This study investigated the status of this species in the Baluchistan district of Iran, from April 2004 to February 2006. Sign surveys and interviews with elderly local-born people revealed that although this bear was commonly seen by locals in many areas 20-30 years ago, at present, it only exists in four localities in Nikshahr County (Aband, Kushad, Shoshin and the Pozak Protected Area). Each of these four areas appears to be occupied by only a few individual bears. It seems that the largest number of black bear live in the Aband Mountains, followed by the Kushad Mountains, Shoshin and the Pozak Protected Area. Habitat fragmentation as the result of human habitation, livestock grazing and a continuous severe drought has caused insularization of these small bear populations in Nikshahr. The Asiatic black bear in Nikshahr is endangered in the entire area and is in need of urgent conservation action. The education and co-operation of local people, and active management to restore habitat, are vital if this species is to persist in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]