Broad-ranged, highly disjunct, locally rare and severely endangered: the challenging risk assessment and a global conservation strategy for Erica sicula Guss. sensu lato (Ericaceae)

PhytoKeys, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 253, P. 295 - 329

Published: March 17, 2025

The distribution range of Erica sicula Guss. sensu lato spans the central and eastern Mediterranean Basin, but shows a significantly fragmented pattern, its populations are locally subject to multiple threats inducing continuous regression. species is distributed across five countries, Italy, Libya, Cyprus, Türkiye Lebanon, includes two subspecies, subsp. bocquetii, currently represented by 31 8 stands, respectively. This study provides an updated overview distribution, ecology, conservation status both subspecies. New data ecological information were gathered through fieldwork, literature, herbarium specimens. In Sicily (Italy), unmanned aerial systems high-resolution digital elevation models employed perform detailed census last extant stand, mapping calculating 3D occupation surface. Based on our analyses, evaluated as Least Concern (LC) at global level, even though each subspecies subpopulation nationally endangered. fact, 19 locations E. not confirmed recently, this should be considered Critically Endangered (CR) in Italy Vulnerable (VU) Cyprus Türkiye. VU due severe habitat degradation. formerly known from few mountains SW Anatolia, Türkiye, has been found lower altitudes several new also assessed VU. Further fieldwork recommended better assess demographic trends different subpopulations. Genetic analyses needed clarify taxonomic value infraspecific taxa previously described guide future efforts most unique genetically rich in-situ ex-situ. Improving strategies for like s. l. requires collaboration specialists all involved making it crucial maintain networks experts Mediterranean.

Language: Английский

Disentangling the effects of population mixing and propagule amount in rare plant translocations

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 306, P. 111132 - 111132

Published: April 6, 2025

Language: Английский