Allium oltense Grossh: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. It is situated in the eastern border of the main area of distribution. In Armenia 4 locations are known that are situated at a considerable distance from each other. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by tillage of the steppes and grazing. 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. Bulbous plant. Stem 30–50 cm. Leaves flat, linear, setaceous convoluted. Inflorescence spherical, many–flowered. Perianth ovate; segments lanceolate, acute, at base whitish, in upper part light greenish–brownish.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found in Shirak (mountain pass Djadjur, surroundings of the villages Mastara, Landjik, Bagravan, Hatsashen, Aragats) and Yerevan (between villages Nor Geghi and Yeghvard) floristic regions. EOO is 1930 km2, AOO is 24 km2, the number of locations is 4. Beyond the borders of Armenia it is distributed in East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle and upper mountain belts, at the altitudes of 1500–2300 meters above sea level, in mountain steppes, on stony slopes. Flowering from June to August, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by tillage of the steppes and grazing.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of new specially protected nature area on Shirak mountain range.