The territory of Azerbaijan has rich vegetation. More than 4,500 plant species are widespread in our country. In terms of the total number of species, the flora of Azerbaijan is much richer than that of other republics of the South Caucasus. The plant species found in our lands account for 66 percent of the total number of plant species growing in the Caucasus.
At the same time, there are 240 endemic plant species in the country. It is known that recent global warming, as well as increased travel and communication between countries, are also affecting biodiversity loss. How many endemic plants are there in our country at present? Are there any plant species that have lost this characteristic due to certain influences in recent times?
She said that although the territory of Azerbaijan accounts for approximately 16 percent of the Caucasus, 70 percent of the higher plant species of the Caucasus flora are found in our country: "Azerbaijan's diverse climate, soil and vegetation cover, and its location within phytochorion such as Southeast Asia, West Asia, Iran-Turanian and the Caucasus, have led to the creation of rich biodiversity in our country. It is enough to note that although the Republic of Azerbaijan accounts for approximately 16 percent of the Caucasus in terms of territory, 70 percent of the higher plant species of the Caucasian flora are found here.
Many prominent botanists have contributed to the study of endemic species of Azerbaijani flora. As a result of many years of research, up to 700 plant species have been discovered in Azerbaijan. "According to many authors, the number of endemic plants in Azerbaijan is between 240-260."
Our interviewee noted that in recent times, increased tourism ties with neighboring countries and increased travel across land borders have led to the discovery of Azerbaijani endemics in other countries. This situation has caused those plants to lose their endemic status and become subendemic: "According to recent data, the number of plants growing in our country alone has decreased to 143."
The area where Azerbaijani endemics are most common is the Talysh zone and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. 37 species of Azerbaijani endemics have been discovered in the territory of Karabakh. The range of 20 of them is limited to the territory of Karabakh. Since 24 of Azerbaijan's endemic species are rare and endangered, they have been included in the 3rd edition (2023) of the Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Among the endemic species, there are also medicinally important species. Six of the Azerbaijani endemics and 77 of the Caucasian endemics are known as medicinal plants."
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