Rastegar-Pouyani, N. & Gholamifard, A. & Karamiani, R. & Bahmani, X. & Mobaraki, A. & Abtin, E. & Faizi, H. & Heidari, N. & Takesh, M. & Sayyadi, F. & Ahsani, N. & Browne, R.K. (2015) -
Sustainable Management of the Herpetofauna of the Iranian Plateau and Coastal Iran. - Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 9 (1): 1-15.

×The global initiative toward sustainability includes the long term protection of biodiversity. Northern and western Iran are part of the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hot spot that has many centers of endemism as a biogeographical center for the origin of many amphibian and reptile taxa. A high diversity of habitat types coupled with climatologically diverse environments result in the 13 different physiographic regions that support this biodiversity. The known herpetofauna of Iran comprises approximately 232 reptile and 22 amphibian species belonging to about 100 genera, 31 families, five orders and three suborders. The Squamata with 199 species in 78 genera and 18 families is the most specious reptilian order in Iran and account for approximately 85 percent of the herpetofauna. Fifty five endemic species in 11 families and 22 genera are considered here. At present, numerous factors, including habitat destruction through increased agriculture, as well as vegetation burning and climate change along with increasing risks of desertification have made a major impact on various ecosystems. Further, threats come from exotic species, the use of reptile products in traditional medicine and food, and pollution. There are ten Vulnerable, four Endangered, and seven Critically Endangered herpetofaunal elements in Iran. The establishment of protected areas, participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in herpetological conservation, and more research of taxonomy, species range and habitats, threats and their mitigation are required for the sustainable management of Iranian herpetofauna. A concerted Iranian and international program for the sustainable management of Iranian herpetofauna is required because of Iran’s biogeographic status, its high level of herpetological diversity and endemicity, and its importance as a global biodiversity hot spot.
1 new picture of Timon kurdistanicus (SUCHOW, 1936) from Iraq. (wild)
1 new picture of Apathya cappadocica urmiana (LANTZ & SUCHOW, 1934) from Iraq. (wild)
3 new pictures of Ophisops elegans elegans MÉNÉTRIÉS, 1832 from Iraq. (wild)
1 new picture of Lacerta media media LANTZ & CYRÉN, 1920 from Iraq. (wild)
2 new pictures of Acanthodactylus boskianus euphraticus BOULENGER, 1919 from Iraq. (wild)