November 22, 2025, University Press Office (UNPO) | The Department of Forestry at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok (UOD), is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Through its teaching, research, and community engagement, the department contributes to the conservation of natural resources and the development of strategies for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

In line with this mission, the University of Duhok is proud to announce that Dr. Jotyar Jassim Muhammed, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry, has co-authored and published a groundbreaking scientific research article in the renowned Springer Nature journal, which holds an Impact Factor of 7.2.

Access the full article via Springer Nature:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40725-025-00252-w

About the Research and Findings

The article, titled “Native Trees of the Mediterranean Region: Distribution, Diversity and Conservation Challenges,” presents a comprehensive inventory of native tree species across 39 climatically and ecologically Mediterranean territories spanning North Africa, Western Asia, and Southern Europe. The research documents 496 species and 147 subspecies, revealing that tree species distribution across the region is highly uneven, with certain families such as Rosaceae dominating while many others contain fewer than 1% of species.

The study also highlights significant gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding extinction risk assessments, which are missing for nearly half of the species, and genetic diversity data, which are unavailable for two thirds of the species examined. These findings underscore critical conservation needs and the urgency for enhanced regional collaboration.

Alignment with the UOD Strategic Plan

This publication directly supports the University of Duhok’s strategic priorities, particularly in the areas of:

• International research collaboration
• Sustainability and environmental stewardship
• Scientific impact at the global level

By contributing to a major international study on biodiversity and conservation, Dr. Muhammed’s work strengthens UOD’s role as a regional leader in environmental sciences and aligns with the university’s long-term commitment to advancing research that addresses global ecological challenges.

This publication marks a significant achievement for both Dr. Muhammed and the University of Duhok, underscoring the University’s growing impact on global scientific research and its commitment to addressing critical environmental and sustainability challenges. Dr. Muhammed’s work exemplifies the University’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that contributes to the well-being of both local and international communities.

The University of Duhok extends its sincere congratulations to Dr. Jotyar Jassim Muhammed for this remarkable academic accomplishment and for representing the university with excellence on the international research stage.

Access the full article via Springer Nature:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40725-025-00252-w

University Press Office, November 22, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Bilnd J. H. Hambi

The news Keywords:

• Biodiversity Conservation
  
• Mediterranean Forests
  
• Native Tree Species
  
• Environmental Sustainability
  
• University of Duhok Research