Eryngium wanaturii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. It grows in 3 floristic regions. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The area of distribution is fragmented consisting of 4 locations. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy as a result of expansion of arable lands. 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 herb, 30–50 cm. Leaves entire, linear– lanceolate, coriaceous. Inflorescence of 2–5 capitula. Bracts 7–9, linear– lanceolate.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Aparan (Arayi mountain, village Fantan), Gegham (village Artiz) and Darelegis (village Karmrashen) floristic regions. EOO is 660 km2, AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia it grows in North–East Turkey and West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper and sub–alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1800–2450 meters above sea level, on stony slopes, in the steppes and meadows. Flowering in July, fruiting in August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, area fragmentation, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable purposes, intensive grazing.

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