Adiantum capillus-veneris: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU* B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Vulnerable species. The extent of occurrence (EOO) is less than 5000 km2; the area of occupancy (AOO) is less than 500 km2. The category of threat has been downgraded to VU since the main area of distribution of the species is beyond the borders of the republic. In the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia it was included under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Rhizomatous perennial plant up to 35 cm. Frond blade 2–3–pinnatipartite, broadly oblong; segments of the last order on small petioles. Decorative plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it is distributed in Yerevan ("Khosrov forest" Reserve, Urts mountain range), Darelegis (Arpa river gorge) and Zangezur (surroundings of Tatev monastery) floristic regions. EOO is 2265 km2, AOO is 24 km2, the number of locations is 5. Beyond the borders of Armenia it is distributed in the Caucasus, in Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea basin, West (Turkey, Iran) and Middle Asia, Central Africa, North America.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. It grows in lower, middle and upper mountain belts, at the altitude of 700–2200 meters above sea level, in the cracks of moist rocks and cliffs, on the travertine, near waterfalls and water reservoirs.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats as a result of recreation trampling and climate change.

Conservation actions. Two habitats are situated in "Khosrov Forest" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.