Thelypteris palustris Schott: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one sub–population of this relic species is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces high risk of extinction caused by the restricted area of distribution. 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 black long creeping rhizome. Fronds up to 100 cm long, not narrowed at base, 2–3 pinnate compound; segments of first order narrower than others, with linear–lanceolate lobes.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Darelegis floristic region (surroundings of the village Martiros). AOO is 4 km2. Number of locations is 1. Beyond the borders of Armenia it is distributed in the Caucasus, Europe, Mediterranean Sea countries, North, West (Turkey, Iran) and Central Asia, North America.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. It grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, in wetlands, along lakesides.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the state of the population, establishment of new specially protected nature area in the Lake Chmoj.