COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE RED DATA BOOK OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN ACROSS THE ZARAFSHAN REGION AND THE VOHA (SURKHANDARYA–KASHKADARYA) TERRITORY

This article presents a comparative analysis of the distribution, family composition, life forms, geographical distribution, conservation categories, and anthropogenic threat factors of endemic plant species included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Zarafshan region (92 species) and the Voha territory (158 species). A total of 250 endemic species were examined, of which 25 occur in both areas. The Voha territory contains 1.7 times more endemic species than the Zarafshan region, confirming its status as one of the most biologically diverse areas of Uzbekistan. In both regions, the families Fabaceae and Asteraceae predominate, while perennial herbs constitute the dominant life form. The study identified pasture overgrazing and the harvesting of medicinal plants as the most significant threat factors for both regions.