Biogeographic Patterns of Iranian Lepidoptera: A Framework for Conservation

Aim

The contact zone of three zoogeographic realms, the Palearctic, Saharo-Arabian and Oriental, is an evolutionary cradle of high species richness and endemism in Iran. In this study, we investigate statistically inferred bioregions of Lepidoptera in this region. Additionally, we assess species turnover and potential conservation gaps across the defined bioregions in this country.

Location

Iran.

Taxa

Lepidoptera.

Methods

Potential ranges of Lepidopteran species were estimated using species distribution modelling and masking unsuitable ecosystem patches within a Minimum Convex Polygon, utilising the most comprehensive dataset available for the group to address the knowledge gaps in their known distribution. A presence/absence matrix was generated to define bioregions using clustering- and network-based methods. We then assessed the faunistic relationships of the defined bioregions and the degree of coverage of these regions by the network of protected areas (PAs) within the country.

Results

Despite some differences, the presence of five main bioregions for Lepidoptera was suggested by both clustering- and network-based methods. Beyond this, six and seven small zones were detected respectively, on the overlapping areas of major bioregions as potential transition zones. Ultimately, we found an uneven distribution and extensive gap of PAs across the detected bioregions.

Main Conclusions

The results of this study suggest a crucial transitional position of Iran between three main global zoogeographic realms. While similar to the results of the clustering-based method, the bioregions detected by the network-based method are more compatible with previously identified ecoregions, macrobioclimates and phytogeographical regions of the country. The most diverse defined bioregions and transition zones in this study are on average protected by less than 10% of their total areas. Further studies are needed to investigate the historical and ecological drivers that differentiate the species assemblages between bioregions and zoogeographic realms.