BIODIVERSITY OF DIATOMS IN THE KASHKAN RIVER IN THE ZAGROS MOUNTAINS, WESTERN IRAN

Iran is a country that serves as the spot for diverse landscapes and aquatic ecosystems. Zagros Mountains, as one of its main ranges and the important segment of Alpine-Himalayan orogenic system are known as the biodervisity hotspots for plants and animals worldwide. Despite the numerous rivers flowing in the area, little survey has been conducted about the diatom flora of its rivers. Diatoms are the most diverse microalgae that have great contribution to the primary production in the aquatic ecosystems. Due to importance of diatoms in the aquatic ecosystems and the ecological and geological importance of the Zagros in the world, we aim to study the diatom flora in the Kashkan River flowing in the Zagros Mountains. In this research, 48 epipelic and epilithic samples were collected along the Kashkan River in Spring 2019. A total of 91 taxa was identified from which four species were recorded as new for the diatom flora of Iran. Furthermore, identification of 10 taxa are provisional which are designated as cf., when finalized, these may also be recognized as new records. Meanwhile, twenty unidentified taxa which are marked as sp., are potetilly new species, in need of furthere investigations. These novel taxa are highlights and prominence of this study. Our results serves as a baseline for the diatoms biodiversity in the Zagros Mountain.