Spatial analyses of astragalus species distribution and richness in kahramanmaraş (turkey) by geographical information systems (gis)

The aim of this study is to determine the species richness of the genus Astragalus in Kahramanmaraş and to present the updated distribution information with the help of Geographic Information Systems in a conservation point of view. In this study, country flora, recently published articles on the province of Kahramanmaraş, checklists, regional flora studies in the province, section revisions of Astragalus and the plant samples collected from the field surveys in Kahramanmaraş were used. According to the results of the field studies supported by the literature, 95 plant taxa belonging to the genus Astragalus are listed together with their valid names and previous synonyms. The number of endemic taxa in Kahramanmaraş is 37 (39%). In the plant list, the largest sections of the genus Astragalus are Rhacophorus with 23 taxa, Onobrychium with 8 taxa, Dasyphyllium, Malacothrix, Myobroma, Proselius and Pterophorus with 6 taxa for each. The distribution of the taxa to the phytogeographical regions is as follows; 56 taxa (59%) Irano-Turanian element, 28 taxa (30%) Multi-regional or unknown origin, and the rest; 6 taxa (6%) is an element of the Eastern Mediterranean, 4 taxa (4%) of the Eastern Mediterranean (mountain) element and 1 taxon (1%) of the Euro-Siberian element. IUCN threat categories of endemic taxa were determined. As a result, totally 11 taxa are in threatened categories according to IUCN (4 taxa in CR, 2 taxa in EN and 5 taxa in VU category) and the remaining 26 taxa are in lower threat categories (NT and LR). According to the distribution of the species produced based on the grid system, (J13) in Çağlayancerit, (D4, E4 and G8) in Göksun, (I10) in the place between Ekinözü and centre district, and (K10) in the centre district of Kahramanmaraş were determined as the richest squares in terms of number of taxa in the conservation point of view. These areas are very important in terms of conservation biology as they are the most intense areas of steppic conditions, livestock and grazing pressure.