The Uzbek endemic <i>Astragalus centralis</i> E. Sheld. is Critically Endangered and at serious risk of extinction without urgent conservation action

Abstract One of the major challenges in combatting biodiversity loss concerns range-restricted taxa that are of conservation importance because of their reduced and threatened populations. Astragalus is a genus with many polymorphic species, adapted to arid and semi-arid ecosystems, some of which require urgent conservation attention. Astragalus centralis E. Sheld., endemic to Uzbekistan, is known from a single population in the Tamditau low mountains of the Kyzylkum Desert. Its population is extremely small and continues to decline as a result of threats from limestone extraction, overgrazing, climate change and extreme weather events. Field assessments indicate that this plant is at high risk of extinction, with limited regeneration capacity and ongoing habitat degradation. Using the IUCN Red List criteria, we assess A. centralis as Critically Endangered. Urgent conservation measures are necessary to secure its survival, including habitat protection, conservation translocation, ex situ propagation and regulated grazing, and the ecosystem in which this species occurs should be assessed for the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. Raising public awareness and securing international recognition for the species are also required. This study highlights the significance of taxonomy in identifying species of conservation priority. The recognition of A. centralis as a unique species has led to it being identified as in urgent need of protection, and reaffirms the importance of taxonomic reassessments in conservation.

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