The genus Thymus L. comprised of 220 species is widely distributed all over the world. The Mediterranean region is major centre of diversification of this genus. The genus Thymus is represented in flora of Iran by 18 species of which four are endemics. Thymus species contain valuable compounds such as thymol, carvacrol and cymene and have been used for many centuries in traditional medicine for their antiseptic, carminative, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. Assessing the distribution pattern of species of this genus and determining their conservation status is very important for conservation planning. In this study, the distribution pattern and conservation status of Thymus daenensisClak., T. fedtschenkoiRonniger, T.kotschyanus Boiss. Et Hohen. and T. persicus (Ronniger ex Rech. f.) Jalas were investigated using GIS and GoCat software with IUCN criteria. In addition, environmental factors affecting the distribution of this species were identified using MaxEnt software. The results showed that T. fedtschenkoi had the maximum range and T. persicus showed the lowest limited range of distribution among other species (Fig. 1). The most important environmental factors affecting the distribution of different species were annual mean temperature, max temperature of the warmest month, min temperature of the coldest month, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, precipitation of driest quarter, solar, slope and soil (Tab. 1). In terms of conservation status, T. persicus and T. daenensis had critical and near threatened status. According to rarity index T. persicus had very rare and T. daenensis, T. kotschyanus had rare status. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that T. persicus be protected in-situ and ex-situ and other species be conserve in in-situ, and new protected areas be introduced to conserve some populations.
