Gap Analysis of Priority Medicinal Plant Species in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT: Medicinal plant species are crucial biological resources, and yet their conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains insufficiently studied. This study conducts a comprehensive gap analysis of 74 priority medicinal plant species in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess their spatial distribution, identify conservation gaps and propose strategic recommendations. Occurrence records were collected from field surveys and global biodiversity databases, followed by ecogeographical land characterization and conservation gap analyses using the CAPFITOGEN3 tools. The results reveal significant disparities in in situ and ex situ conservation efforts, with two biodiversity hotspots, Asir and Jazan, containing the highest species diversity. While 66 species occur within protected areas, seven s

SUBMITTER: Alzahrani IJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12430436 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature