Ecogeographical Analysis of Brassicaceae Species Distributed in the Southern Caucasus (Azerbaijan Region)

Authors

  • Afag Aliyeva

    Faculty of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Nakhchivan State University, Nakhchivan AZ7000, Azerbaijan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i2.10914
Received: 6 July 2025 | Revised: 30 July 2025 | Accepted: 14 August 2025 | Published Online: 4 March 2026

Abstract

This article presents a systematic analysis of Brassicaceae species distributed in the Azerbaijani sector of the Southern Caucasus, structured for the first time according to five major phytogeographical regions. Although representatives of the Brassicaceae family in the flora of Azerbaijan are characterized by high ecological adaptability, their distribution across different regions and their relationship with ecological and geographical factors have not yet been systematically studied. The aim of this study is to identify the distribution patterns of species across phytogeographical regions and to assess their correlations with ecological factors and anthropogenic impacts. Although previous studies reported 74 genera and 248 species of the family in the flora of Azerbaijan, recent research—taking into account taxonomic revisions and newly discovered species—has identified 77 genera and 255 species. The degree of anthropogenic impact was assessed based on field observations and population density indicators. Based on literature sources, this section presents the Brassicaceae species included in Azerbaijan’s “Red Book,” their conservation status, as well as endemic and subendemic species, highlighting the unique floristic value of the region. This research distinguishes itself from previous studies by moving beyond traditional taxonomic inventories. It offers an integrated assessment of species distribution in relation to ecological gradients and human impact—an approach that has not previously been systematically applied to the flora of this region. The findings highlight the significance of conserving both the floristic richness and the biodiversity of Azerbaijan’s phytogeographical zones.

Keywords:

Brassicaceae; Southern Caucasus; Ecogeography; Plant Diversity; Genus; Species

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How to Cite

Aliyeva, A. (2026). Ecogeographical Analysis of Brassicaceae Species Distributed in the Southern Caucasus (Azerbaijan Region). Research in Ecology, 8(2), 14–32. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i2.10914

Issue

Vol.8, Iss.2 (April 2026)(in progress)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2026 Afag Aliyeva

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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