Current status and characteristics of plant diversity in Central Asia

Central Asia, located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, includes five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It is an important zone for biodiversity in arid areas across the world, as well as one of the most severely affected by biodiversity loss. This article systematically reviews the current status of plant diversity in the five Central Asian countries, focusing on the progress on plant diversity cataloging, the conservation status of endemic and threatened species, and the utilization of plant resources. It also evaluates the completeness and gaps in the existing baseline data on plant diversity. In conjunction with the development of the Central Asian plant diversity information database, this review highlights the key role of information sharing and transnational cooperation in advancing regional ecological conservation. The aim is to provide scientific evidence and practical guidance for ecological conservation, policy-making, and sustainable development in Central Asia.