Pteridium tauricum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitats conditions. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial plant, with thick creeping rhizomes. Fronds up to 2 m high; petioles long; blades bright green, coriaceous, ovate– triangular, tripinnate.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Zangezur (surroundings of the village Nerkin Hand) floristic region. AOO is 4 km2. The number of locations is 1. Beyond the borders of Armenia it grows in the Crimea, Greater Caucasus, West and South–West Transcaucasia, Talish.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. It grows in lower mountain belt at the altitude of 700–800 meters above sea level, at the riversides, in clearings.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by anthropogenic factor.

Conservation actions. It grows in the territory of "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.