Polystichum lonchitis: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The key threat is decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitats conditions. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Rhizomatous perennial plants 10–45 cm. Frond blade rigid, coriaceous, linear–lanceolate, pinnate; petiole very short. Basal segments triangular, at base shortly auriculate, the rest broadly cordate, at base with large auricules; all segments acute–serrate.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Zangezur (Kadjaran surroundings, Khustup Mountain) floristic region. EOO is 90 km2, AOO is 16 km2. Number of locations is 2. Beyond the borders of Armenia it grows in the Caucasus (widely), Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, Asia and North America.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. The species grows in alpine and sub–alpine belts, at the altitude of 2200–3000 meters above sea level, in the meadows, in stony places.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by overgrazing and expansion of mining industry.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.