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Conservation assessments and Red Listing of the endemic Moroccan flora (monocotyledons)
Morocco constitutes an important centre of plant diversity and speciation in the Mediterranean Basin. However, numerous species are threatened by issues ranging from human activities to global climatic change. In this study,
we present the conservation assessments and Red Listing of the endemic Moroccan monocotyledons according to
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria and categories. For each species, we include basic
taxonomic information, local names and synonyms, uses, a distribution map, extent of occurrence, area of
occupancy, population size and trend, a description of habitats and ecological requirements, and a discussion of the
threats affecting the species and habitats. We assessed the threatened status of the endemic Moroccan monocotyledons
at the species level (59 species) using the IUCN Red List criteria and categories (Version 3.1). This study
shows the high extinction risk to the Moroccan monocotyledon flora, with 95% of threatened species (20% Critically
Endangered, 50% Endangered, 25% Vulnerable) and only 5% not threatened (2% Near Threatened and 3% Least
Concern). The flora is thus of conservation concern, which is poorly recognized, both nationally and internationally.
The study presents the first part and so far the only national IUCN Red Data List for a large group of Moroccan
plants, and thus provides an overview of the threatened Moroccan flora. This IUCN Red List is an important first
step towards the recognition of the danger to Moroccan biodiversity hotspots, conservation of threatened species
and the raising of public awareness at national and international levels