Ophioglossum vulgatum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. The area of distribution is severely fragmented. Two localities are known at the distance of 225 km, one of which is under serious threat as it is situated in health–resort zone. 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 anthropogenic factor. 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 short rhizome and horizontal roots. Sterile part of the frond fleshy, ovate, obtuse, covering by the vaginiform base the peduncle of the spiciform fertile part of frond.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Aparan (surroundings of the village Arzakan) and Zangezur (surroundings of the village Tsav) floristic regions. AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 2. Beyond the borders of Armenia it grows in the Caucasus, Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, North (Turkey, Iran) and West Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. It grows in lower and middle mountain belts at the altitude of 900–1800 meters above sea level, in oak and oak–hornbeam forests.

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

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