Elwendia persica (Boiss.) Pimenov & Kljuykov, commonly known as black zira or black cumin, is a valuable medicinal species that is widely used in the production of spices and flavorings in the food industry1. It is a threatened medicinal herb found in the high-altitude regions of Iran, Central Asia, and the Western Himalaya. The species is facing multiple threats, including overharvesting and climate change, which pose risks to its survival. To gather information about the habitat conditions of E. persica, a study was conducted using the Maxent model method2. The study aimed to identify the primary variables that influence the species' distribution and determine more suitable habitats. The findings of the study revealed several significant factors affecting the distribution of E. persica. These factors include slope percentage, precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18), mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10), depth to bedrock, and minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6). The study suggests that E. persica has a narrow ecological niche, and suitable habitats for this species are limited to small areas in high altitudes with a high slope percentage, high winter precipitation, and low minimum temperature in the coldest season. Activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, unsustainable harvesting, and climate change have led to the fragmentation and degradation of the natural habitats of E. persica, resulting in a decline in its populations. Urgent conservation efforts are necessary to mitigate the negative impacts on this species. Implementing both in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures will be crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of black zira.
