History of Iranian Lichens

The study of lichens in Iran has a relatively recent but steadily developing history, marked by periods of sporadic exploration followed by more focused taxonomic and ecological research. Early botanical expeditions to Persia (now Iran) during the 19th and early 20th centuries occasionally recorded lichen species, but these records were often incidental and conducted by foreign naturalists. Notable contributions during this period came from European botanists who collected lichen specimens as part of broader floristic surveys.

The first systematic efforts to document the lichen flora of Iran began in the second half of the 20th century, particularly with the works of Scandinavian and Central European lichenologists who collaborated with Iranian institutions or examined herbarium collections. These studies primarily focused on macrolichens, especially saxicolous and corticolous species from alpine and forested regions in northern and western Iran.

A turning point in the field occurred in the early 21st century, when Iranian researchers began establishing independent research programs in lichenology. These efforts led to the formation of national herbaria specializing in cryptogams, including lichens, and the training of a new generation of Iranian lichenologists. Field-based studies expanded across different ecological zones of the country—from the Hyrcanian forests and Zagros Mountains to arid deserts and salt flats—resulting in the discovery of many previously unrecorded taxa.

Recent decades have seen significant progress in lichen taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecology in Iran. Numerous new species have been described from Iranian habitats, including both saxicolous and terricolous forms. Modern techniques such as molecular systematics, chemical profiling (TLC, HPLC), and environmental bioindication have further enhanced the understanding of Iran’s lichen biodiversity.

Iran is now recognized as an important biogeographic region for lichen research due to its diverse climatic zones, varied geology, and largely unexplored habitats. However, threats such as air pollution, habitat loss, and climate change highlight the urgent need for continued research and conservation of Iranian lichen diversity.